
Who built Al Hada Road?
Arabian Peninsula, asia
79.9 km
1,975 m
moderate
Year-round
Located in the Mecca Province of Saudi Arabia, Al Hada Road is one of the most spectacular drives in the country, with 93 bends.
Who built Al Hada Road?
Construction of the road started in the 1950s, under the reign of King Abdulaziz. It’s considered one of the most beautiful and important mountain roads in the region. The drive offers enchanting and attractive views at night.
How long is Al Hada Road?
Set high in the southwestern part of the country, the road, known as Route 15, is fully paved. It’s 79.9 km (49.64 miles) long, running east-west from Taif to Mecca, Islam’s holiest city.
Why is Al Hada Road famous?
The road climbs up to Al-Hadā, a mountain resort city at an elevation of 1,975m (6,479ft) above sea level. The road is most notable for its wavy, spiral design, and the occasional twists and turns. Along the way, you can stop to watch the monkeys that live in the mountains.
Is Al Hada Road challenging?
The road is not easy, with very steep parts and sweeping turns. Breathtaking and majestic, the road rises 6,500 feet in 21 km and has 93 bends. At higher elevations, you can expect foggy conditions around the mountains and temperatures as low as 20 degrees Celsius.
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Road Details
- Country
- Arabian Peninsula
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 79.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,975 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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