Wadi Shawka dam to pools hike
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 4.84 mi
- Elevation gain
- 436 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Easy
- Elevation loss
- 436 ft
- Max elevation
- 1,683 ft
- TrailRank
-
53
4.8
- Min elevation
- 774 ft
- Trail type
- Loop
- Moving time
- 2 hours 11 minutes
- Time
- 5 hours 58 minutes
- Coordinates
- 2184
- Uploaded
- March 21, 2020
- Recorded
- March 2020
near Sharīyah, Raʼs al Khaymah (United Arab Emirates)
Viewed 45567 times, downloaded 1412 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
CHECK MY BLOG POST BY FOLLOWING THE LINK BELLOW (view more)- it has all you need to know info about this hike with many pictures to get you hooked.
Showka dam to Showka pools hike is an easy yet very picturesque hike starting at the newly built staircases behind Showka Dam parking lot. Reach the top of the mountain use the staircase and then go down the hills until you reach the beautiful valley and Showka wadi, finishing with Shawka pools. Climbing staircases is a good immediate leg workout with breathtaking views of a moon-like landscape. Later on hike becomes an easy walk through many clear mountain paths. We did a little detour and didnt follow any paths while descending the first mountain on scree slope (yet there was some sort of a donkey path to find an easy way down). Then again following mountain trails towards Showka Wadi. There is a meeting spot (some sort of a building) just before the right turn into another wadi that leads you to the pools. Shawka pools offers a cold 2meters dip. On the way back you can either choose exactly the same path, or follow the wadi (four wheel cars are using that too as there is a wide road) and later on get back on the smaller trails that curve around the mountains. Choosing lower trail that goes around the highest peak of the hike will take you back to the middle part of the staircases from the left side of the mountain.
Follow this link below for more information.
Showka dam to Showka pools hike is an easy yet very picturesque hike starting at the newly built staircases behind Showka Dam parking lot. Reach the top of the mountain use the staircase and then go down the hills until you reach the beautiful valley and Showka wadi, finishing with Shawka pools. Climbing staircases is a good immediate leg workout with breathtaking views of a moon-like landscape. Later on hike becomes an easy walk through many clear mountain paths. We did a little detour and didnt follow any paths while descending the first mountain on scree slope (yet there was some sort of a donkey path to find an easy way down). Then again following mountain trails towards Showka Wadi. There is a meeting spot (some sort of a building) just before the right turn into another wadi that leads you to the pools. Shawka pools offers a cold 2meters dip. On the way back you can either choose exactly the same path, or follow the wadi (four wheel cars are using that too as there is a wide road) and later on get back on the smaller trails that curve around the mountains. Choosing lower trail that goes around the highest peak of the hike will take you back to the middle part of the staircases from the left side of the mountain.
Follow this link below for more information.
Waypoints
Photo
2,016 ft
Newly built staircases to the top of the mountain
Start by going up the staircases- good leg workout, amazing views, few stops along the way to just take a break and blend with this magical panoma.
Comments (53)
You can add a comment or review this trail
Hi Ausra Osi ,
Thanks for the route and the blog post, was very useful.
Thank you Rimaz, I am glad to hear it was useful and I hope you enjoyed your hike, and didn't fry during this summer heat :)))
Thanks for this!
You are very welcome Carla :)
I have followed this trail verified View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Easy
Loved this hike! Very easy to follow
I have followed this trail verified View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Easy
Thanks for the write up . We enjoyed the trek and big thanks for all the info and photos you've put up.
We followed the mud track on the way back, didnt turn at the flag you've mentioned and so ended up at the dam😅 that was a big mistake. Other than that trek was awesome.
Nevinalex, thank you for your comment and I am glad you found all info useful and enjoyed the trail :)
Hey there, can I ask the difference between Moving time and Time?
Hey Andy,
yes, there is a difference. Moving time is the time spent hiking (actual time on trailing moving nonstop). While time is an overall time spent on a trail including stops. In my case, it is usually double the moving time of hiking as I like stopping and taking pictures:)
Hey Ausra,
Thank you so much for your fast reply, and apologies for my delayed one. This info is very helpful and very much appreciated.
Happy Hiking!
A:)
Hi, im planning to go there but would like to know if there's a good place to camp. Would you recommend a specific place after the trail?
Hi Sterenn35, I haven't camped in that area therefore can't point out any particular spot. You might want to hike further down to towards the pools. There was a nice valley on the way I saw people having a picnic. It might be an option as it looked as a convenient spot to put a tent. Let me know how it went if you do it.
Many thanks. Yes I ll tell you.
I have followed this trail View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Moderate
We got up and left Dubai at 4am for this hike! It was awesome, despite the initial climb, it was pretty easy going. The views were delightful and the cooling pools although low, were a welcome refresher. We loved the friendly frogs who reside in the rock pools, but did bring back 15 plastic bottles that had been disgarded there. Despite the odd bit of rubbish, it's relatively clean. Follow the direction on this site and you can't go wrong. Brilliant morning out.
I have followed this trail View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Difficult
I did this trail on 31 Oct 20 with my daughter and 2 dogs. The directions were perfect and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The steps were a bit tough for my daughter but the view at the top was well worth it! Thanks for the very detailed directions!
I have followed this trail verified View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Moderate
The trail was easy to follow, although coming back from the pools we got a little lost. Amazing views. The pool was small (in October) and we didn’t really feel comfortable swimming in it but splashed around and it was a great reward after hiking. Two things to be careful of: first, water!!! AT LEAST 3L per person. Second, if you have bad knees the elevation and de-elevation will get you. Wear a knee brace if you can
We hiked as well but not that far as we have too much kids so we did a short tour. It was great with stunning view!
Next time I'll avoid that big stairs for the start!! I recommend to short cut after the first set of stairs, there s a path that goes around the mountains! (check my trail!)
In the evening, we went for a BBQ in the dry wadi that follows the dam. It was really nice. There is a landmark : an Etisalat antenna, we could see it from where we stayed for the night (29/10/2020).
Careful with the fire, police officers are visiting the places and some where fined because they did the fire on the ground which is not authorized.
Hey @dinasaur, Glad you enjoyed the hike. We also didn't dare to swim in the pools, they didn't look very clean... And thanks for the recommendation about the knee brace, I should try it out too.. Usually going down the mountain affects your knees the most, and this hike is not even steep. The more difficult hikes really get to the knees.
Hi Sterenn35, thanks for your update. Yes, there is a trail going around the mountain and starting at the midway of the staircases (not very obvious though). We used it on the way back. But those who want to get a full panoramic view, will have to climb all the way up. It's worth it!
Yes, I know that etisalat antenna place, there is also a valley before it, that was the place that looked like potential camping spot. And yes no fire on the ground allowed, it is very risky in such dry places.
Hope you enjoyed the hike!
Hey Rahul, thanks for the response, I am glad it was helpful. And yes the views are well worth the climb. Well done you all!
I have followed this trail verified View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Moderate
Thank Ausra, enjoy the hike and detailed instructions .
Hey Nadim, glad you enjoyed the trail :)
Hello. We went 2 weeks ago but we couldn't find the pools. We went all the way up to the stairs and then down of the mountain then again we continued straight to another mountain where there is a shelter. Couldn't find the pools.
Stella,
The pools are in the Wadi ( i.e Valley) . The best way to locate it is to find the Telecom Tower (Etisalat), have it on left walk down the canyon. However they are not that impressive. There are more scenic nature in other areas.. I hope it helps
Thank you!! 😊
I agree with Nadim, pools aren't the most impressive part of this particular trail. I even mentioned that in my blogpost (link in the description). But everyone is different, and you might love it:)
Thank you!!
Hi there can anyone advise if children ages 7 and 8 will be ok for this trail ?
Hi Sorelle, yes you can do it with kids. We saw many families hiking around.
Hi , can you let me know how is the trail in the evening ? Planing to do with kids (7 year olds )
Hey Isha, it is doable in the evening, as long as you have torchlights if you have to come back after sunset.
We took the path immediately after the first rest area on the stairs and hiked up to the top of the stairs. We missed doing a complete loop, maybe that is for my next hike to Shawka.
I have followed this trail verified View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Easy
First hike in UAE and found it easy with all information listed here. Did a deviation from the trail and ended up scaling two small hills which was pretty adventurous. This description really helped.
I have followed this trail View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Easy
I have done this trail early morning... went slightly off trail after hut. In return we haven't followed trail but instead walk through vehicle trail and entered dam area to come to starting point. It was amazing experience !!!!
Is there any way to avoid the initial steps and do the loop with mountain tracks
Hi Ashish, yes there is a trail to follow from the mid part of the staircases. And there might be also a trail going around the dam. So instead of going up the staircases, go towards the dam and see if you can find the way. When I was there, I believe it was because of the rain, we couldn't pass next to the dam, as it was full of water, although there are signs indicating it as a trail. Alternatively, you can join the mountain trail going to the right from around mid of the staircases (or even less them mid part, I can't remember exactly). If you check the zoomed map, you can see a mountain trail winding around to the right next to the staircase place.
The access to wadi showka dam is blocked now, so which could be a starting point ? And where to park our cars ?
Hi Chaitnaya, I haven't been to Shawka dam recently, but at the time I was there, there was a barrier, and you cannot reach the trailhead by car. You would have to park either at the park which is down the hill (unless that got closed?) or somewhere safely on the road and walk a little bit.
Thank you so much Ausra. Can we walk through/beside the barrier or it is not allowed to enter ther for anyone even by walk ?
It is allowed, you can walk :)
Noted with Thanks, for all the great advises
I have followed this trail verified View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Moderate
Easy to follow and nice views. If I come again I will probably skip the pieces on the car road and go for the hike trails which are more beautiful in my opinion.
Thanks for all the info Ausra. Heading to the trail tomorrow morning. Just added you on Insta. Cheers. Erick
has anyone taken a dip in the pools ?
very tempted
I though about it but the water level wasn't very deep when I went. With all the rain we've been having it should be nice now..
Would this route be ok to take your dog?
hi Toni, yes
Are dogs allowed in this trail
Yes, I believe so, I have seen people with dogs there.
I have followed this trail View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Moderate
Well marked and the trail pictures of spots helped us navigate our way very well
Took this trail last weekend. Absolutely loved it! You can keep going further ahead after the pools if you like. But overall this loop was great. 👍
How’s the trail during September? Are the pools still there
Hi Nada, after the long hot summer, the pools might be dry. maybe a little water