Muscat is the capital of Oman, a low-rise coastal city of white buildings set between the Gulf of Oman and the rugged Hajar Mountains. Its old harbour district of Mutrah, the vast Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House and a string of quiet beaches make it one of the Gulf's most relaxed and culturally rooted capitals.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Wadi Shab Pools Hike
The best-known wadi walk within day-trip range of Muscat: a short boat crossing, then a flat, boulder-strewn walk of roughly 45 to 60 minutes each way along a palm-lined channel to a chain of turquoise pools, with a swim through a narrow gap to a cave with a waterfall at the end. Difficulty is easy to moderate; the last section needs boulder hopping and wading. Modest dress is expected and the third pool is deep with slippery exits.
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2
Wadi Al Arbeieen Canyon Walk
A canyon of tall rock walls, palms and emerald pools reached by an off-road track from Highway 17, less visited than Wadi Shab. The walk involves rock climbing and wading through ponds, and takes at least three hours; the access track is rough and is usually driven in a 4x4 or done with a guided tour. Signage is poor and map apps may route incorrectly, so follow the physical signposts from the junction on Highway 17.
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3
Mutrah-Riyam Trail (C38)
The classic hill walk inside the capital, rated easy to moderate and marked as route C38, linking Riyam Park (famous for its giant incense burner) with Mutrah over rocky ridges with views of the Mutrah corniche, harbour and old town. Paint blazes in red, yellow and white mark the way, the rock can be slippery and there are drops near the edges. Parts have been reported closed for excavation or rockfall, so check locally before starting. Riyam Park offers free parking, restrooms and restaurants.
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4
Wakan Village and Wadi Mistal Stairs Walk
A walk of about 700 stone steps climbing through terraced orchards of pomegranate, apricot, peach and date palms at roughly 1,500 m, with a viewpoint over Wadi Mistal. The final climb to the village is on a steep mountain road that needs a 4x4; visitors without one start the walk in the valley, a climb of about 2 hours on the stairs. Apricot blossom season runs from February to mid-March.
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5
Hadash to Wakan Ridge Hike (W25)
A moderate one-way mountain hike of 6 to 7 hours including breaks, from Hadash over the Hadash Pass and Wakan Pass to Wakan, following green, yellow and white flag markers. It has steep climbs at the start, a very steep descent toward Wakan and exposed sections, with a wooden bridge now over the most exposed part. It needs two vehicles or a driver waiting at the end (20 to 30 minutes by road between the villages), and a 4x4 for the narrow, steep road. The coordinates given are for the finish village, Wakan.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.