Hiking in Muscat (Oman) – Stunning views of Muttrah and Riyam

Hiking in Muscat, a capital city? Yes it is possible.
One of the particularities of Muscat is that it is composed of neighborhood separated by rocky hills.
This means that you can climb those hills to get nice views, especially on trail C38 between Riyam and Muttrah.
Below is my guide to the Muttrah Hike with tips and photos.

Hiking in Muscat is possible!

For those tired of museums, buildings and people with all the many things to do in Muscat, why not take a break and hike a little to get nice views of the city?
The capital city of Muscat is made of different neighborhood separated by steep hills. This means that you can climb a little to get some wonderful views!

Here is what you could see:

PLANNING TIPS - The Muscat Riyam Muttrah Hike

Getting to Riyam

• Riyam is located East of Muttrah and the corniche while driving on the main road. You cannot miss it, as it is located accross from the Giant Incense Burner statue.
• To find the beginning of the hike in Riyam, check the next section with photos
• On the map below you can locate the neighborhoods of Muttrah (also written Mutrah) and Riyam:

Need to rent a car in Oman?
My tips:

• Compare car rental prices on Discovercars.com - one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
• Choose the car and company you prefer
• Consider their full coverage option - I always take it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
• More tips on my article about driving in Oman 

Hiking at Riyam

• Once you are on the path follow the yellow/white/red flags
• Wear good hiking shoes, the rocks can be slippery
• This is a desertic area, it gets hot, bring water!
• Plan 1h to 1h30min to the viewpoints with a steep section - should be rated as moderate
• This Trail also goes all the way to Muttrah on path C38. Destination Oman has a map of the trail - 3 hours for the whole trail

Accommodations in Muscat

You can stay near: Al Qurum beach to enjoy evening walks on the sands, or in Muttrah for more traditional restaurant and experience, or in Ruwi for the cheaper options.

Check out the best rated accommodations in Muscat

Finding this Muscat hike

As there are not signs to indicate the hike at the moment, here are some indications to reach the beginning of the hike.
When you enter the Riyam area from the main street, go towards the right, find Way 8804. Then find the house in the photo below.

Turn right before the house (where the car is). You will see a fuel pipe and stairs.

Views from the Riyam trail

As you get higher you first only see the Riyam section of Muscat, with the giant incense burner statue and the park. It is a mix of stairs and steep climb.

The hills are rocky and dry with deep and narrow wadis

Be careful it is so dry that some sections get slippery as the rocks roll under your feet.

View of the Muttrah old town with the Corniche

Then you can cross and walk towards to other side with views of Muttrah where the Corniche, the Souq and the Fish Market are.

And you can also see the impressive boat of the Sultan:

Want to see more of Oman?

• Best Things to do in Oman - read article
• Best of photos from Oman - Landscapes - read article
• Where to stay in Oman - read article
• Best days trips from Muscat - read article
• Planning a road trip in Oman - read article
• Renting a car and Driving in Oman - read article
• The impressive Wadi Shab - read article
• The Bimmah Sinkhole - read article
• The desert of Wahiba Sands - read article
• The Ras Al Jinz turtle reserves - read article

Planning a trip to Oman?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

Want to see more of Oman's beauty?