Mount Uhud (Main Trail)
–Nearby by the Archer’s Hill and Masjid Sayyed Al-Shuhada–
Trail Overview
| Location | North of Madinah. Inside of the city |
| Terrain | Steep road to the top of the mountain |
| Surface Type | dirt |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Trail Length | 1.86 km (to the first tower) and 2.85 km (to the second set of towers) |
| Elevation Gain | Approx 800 meters |
| Estimated Time | 45 minutes one way to the first peak |
| Development Status | Complete |
| Accessibility | Easily accessible by taxi. parking lot and shops at the foot of the trail |
| Seasonal Notes | Due to the new tourist attractions at this location, there are sometimes crowds at the foot of the trail. Hikers now share the road with companies that frequently take people up the mountain in cars. |
Trail Description
Mount Uhud is located on the northern side of Madinah, about 4 kilometers from the Prophet’s Masjid. It is about 1100 meters tall, and it stretches across for nearly 8 kilometers, making it one of the largest mountains in the Madinah region.
The trail on Mountain Uhud is probably the most well-known and popular hiking spot in Madinah. It is a moderately-steep, zig-zag road that ascends the southern face of the mountain. Although originally a service road for the telecommunications towers that sit on the top of the mountain, it has now been developed further for use by tourism companies, which take people to the peak of the mountain in SUVs. It is occasionally used by cyclists as well. As you ascend, there are many beautiful viewpoints of the city of Madinah and the Prophet’s Mosque. The main road ends at the peak of the mountain, where a small seating area has recently been added. From the peak, you can see an expansive view of Madinah and its surrounding landscape.
There is another smaller road that branches off to the right shortly before the main road dead-ends at the top. This smaller road, which is narrowed and rockier, extends across the top of the mountain to the North-facing side.
Natural Features
- Native trees, especially at the beginning of the travel
- Variety of bird species
- Rock formations and small caves
Historical & Cultural Significance
There is a protected heritage site at the beginning of the trail that is currently surrounded by a locked gate. Inside, there are said to be rock cravings that date back hundreds of years. (more information to be added when it becomes available)
Religious Significance (if applicable)
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ spoke about Uhud with deep affection. He said:
“Uhud is a mountain which loves us and we love it.”
— al-Bukhari
“أُحُدٌ جَبَلٌ يُحِبُّنَا وَنُحِبُّهُ.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 2889), Sahih Muslim (Hadith 1361)
One of the most important events in Islamic history, the Battle of Uhud, took place here in the 3rd year after Hijrah.
Map & Navigation
Facilities & Amenities
- Parking lot
- Restrooms at the foot of the trail
- Benches and seating area on the first peak
- Shops, restaurants and cafes at the foot of the trail
- Tourist attractions, such as camel rides and car rides up the mountain
Photo Gallery
Trail Status & Updates
- The road to the first peak of the mountain was recently smoothed and expanded to make it usable by tourist companies who take people to the top of the mountain in cars.
- There will likely be further development of the tourist attractions at the foot of the trail, and possibly further development at the first peak, where a seating area has recently been added