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Welcome to 'Bark & Trek,' where we uncover the top dog-friendly hiking routes in the United Arab Emirates! Embarking on an adventure with your loyal canine companion by your side not only strengthens the bond between you two but also allows both of you to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the UAE. In this guide, we'll unveil the most paw-some dog friendly hiking trails around, essential safety tips, and the best times to hit the paths, ensuring you and your furry friend can fully enjoy this diverse and captivating region's natural wonders offer. So get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey with your four-legged partner!

We understand your quest for dog-friendly hiking trails where you can share unforgettable adventures with your beloved pets. Hiking has never been more popular, but finding suitable spots that welcome our four-legged friends remains challenging. That's why we've curated a list of our top hiking destinations, perfect for exploring during the cooler months. This selection encompasses walking and hiking trails, camping and picnic areas, and activities to enjoy with your dog. From national and state parks, to the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, you will surely find the ideal location to create lasting memories with your furry companion.

Embark on an easy and accessible dog-friendly hike at Modayna Dam in Ras Al Khaimah. The trail begins by meandering through numerous farms, so keeping your dog on a leash for the first 2km is advisable. With only a slight elevation, this dog-friendly hike offers relatively flat and easy terrain for you and your canine companion to traverse.

The picturesque landscape transitions from rugged mountains to lush wadis, making it an ideal backdrop for your adventure. Though the rocky terrain may be challenging for new paws unfamiliar with rough surfaces, the loop trail eventually leads you back to the parking area. Watch for local wildlife, such as free-roaming camels, and be prepared to leash your dog as needed. This beautiful trail offers an enjoyable experience for both seasoned and novice hikers alike.

Locate : HERE

Route via the Dam: As you arrive at Wadi Shawka, you'll notice steep steps in the parking area leading to the road above. Turn right at the top to take in the stunning view of the dam, and continue along the road to start your hike. The path features a gentle incline and decline, followed by a flatter walk that leads you around the base of the dam. The trail's surface consists of loose rocks, so be cautious when walking with leashed dogs, as they might unintentionally pull you over. We recommend using a longer lead or allowing well-trained dogs to walk off-leash.

For a slightly more challenging hike, opt for the route close to the dam, where you'll have to scramble across rocks to reach the car park. In addition, this section dog friendly trail may require you to lift your dogs to help them navigate steep steps on the other side of the dam.

Route via Adventure Camp: This route is famous for its adventurous nature and multiple water pools throughout the valley. It offers ample opportunities for rock scrambling and swimming. For more accessible alternatives, choose trails that avoid water or steep climbs. A harness with a top handle can help you assist your dog when necessary.

Smaller dogs may need help climbing onto rocks, while medium-sized dogs like Luna and Bear can often easily bound up and over most obstacles. Be cautious when walking on slippery rocks in the water, and avoid greenish, slimy surfaces that can be incredibly slick.

The beginning of the trail offers an option to bypass the wadis by keeping correct and following a rocky trail. However, this route can be a dead end. While it provides a spectacular view from the mountain tops, sticking to the Wadi basin level with your dogs, camping and picnic areas may be safer and more enjoyable.

In summary, Wadi Shawka offers two dog-friendly hikes with walking trails of varying difficulty levels and adventure. Choose the route best suits your preferences and enjoy an unforgettable experience with your four-legged friends in this breathtaking landscape.

Locate: HERE

Embark on a captivating adventure with your furry best friend on the Samar Trail, nestled in the majestic Jebel Jais mountain range of Ras Al Khaimah. This dog-friendly hiking trail offers a moderate, gentle challenge on your dog's paws for the first mile or 3km. As you continue along the path, you'll encounter a steady uphill climb until the 5km mark, culminating in amazing views from the highest point of this hike at 798 meters.

Keep a watchful eye on your dog as the terrain becomes more challenging for inexperienced paws during the ascent. Be prepared to assist your four-legged companion if they appear to be struggling or experiencing discomfort.

The well-marked path features white and red signs along the way, making navigation a breeze as you explore the great outdoors with your canine companion. The Samar Trail is ideal for those seeking picturesque walking trails and unforgettable moments with their best friend amidst awe-inspiring landscapes.

Locate: HERE

Embark on a delightful adventure with your furry companion at the Al Rabi Tower in Khor Fakkan, an intermediate 4.5km hiking trail with stunning views and beautiful scenery. With two different parking spots available, following Google Maps may lead you to the lower car park, which starts the hike with a steep uphill climb. The trail is well-marked, offering various routes to reach the summit, each with varying difficulty levels.

Opting to go left at the start of the ascent, you'll encounter a 300m elevation, providing a rewarding workout for you and your dog. Be sure to take breaks if needed, and remember, the expansive views from the top are well worth the effort! The Al Rabi trail boasts fantastic 360-degree vistas of the rugged Hajar mountains on one side and the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman on the other.

The highest point of this hike stands at 393 meters (1290 feet), with a total trail length of 6 kilometres (round trip). Expect to spend at least 3 hours enjoying the breathtaking surroundings, not because the hike takes that long but because the beauty is mesmerizing.

Suitable for beginners and family-friendly, the Al Rabi Tower trail is easy to follow and can be enjoyed by hikers and dogs of all ages. Located approximately 145 km from Dubai, the hike starts at Al Rabi Tower and takes about 1.5 hours to reach by car. Convenient parking ensures a smooth start to your unforgettable adventure with your four-legged friend.

Locate: HERE

Discover the enchanting beauty of Wadi Sulfur Fujairah, an easy 4km dog-friendly hiking trail that offers a unique and exciting experience for you and your furry companion. The hike features fun bouldering challenges that may test the confidence of some dogs but provide a valuable opportunity for them to explore, build trust and overcome obstacles with your guidance.

At the beginning of the hike, you'll encounter stunning pools with vibrant hues, a result of the sulfur content in the water. If your dog has sensitive skin or a delicate stomach, you may want to prevent them from entering the pools. As you progress along the trail, the bouldering adventure begins. Check your dog's paws after each boulder jump on leash off, as they can sometimes injure a nail.

The trail is well-marked with stone towers and yellow arrows, making it easy to follow. Located in Fujairah, the Wadi Dahir hiking trail is conveniently situated just off the highway, yet it feels like a world apart from the typical mountain climbs. Instead, the trail takes you along a path of mesmerizing turquoise-blue sulfur pools, surrounded by lush farms, verdant palms, and banana trees, making it one of the most picturesque hikes in the UAE.

Search for "Fujairah Adventures Al Dahir Hiking Trail" on Google Maps and follow the pools upward to reach the starting point. You can choose from various routes depending on the distance you'd like to cover, ensuring a memorable adventure with beautiful views and great locations for you and your four-legged friend.

Locate: HERE