Salma

Salma is a nature destination in the Hail region of Saudi Arabia, set in the mountains that rise around the city. People come for open, rugged country: rocky peaks, valleys and unusual rock formations that reward anyone who enjoys travelling on foot and taking their time outdoors. The main pleasure here is exploring the terrain itself. You can wander between the valleys, look closely at the shapes the rock has taken, and enjoy the sense of space that mountain country gives. Salma is presented as a geopark, so it suits visitors who like to read a landscape as much as photograph it. Opening hours are Saturday to Thursday from 10:00 to 18:00, and on Friday from 13:00 to 18:00. There is no minimum age, so families can bring children of any age, though it is sensible to plan the day around the terrain and the heat. The setting is what gives Salma its meaning. The rock formations here have been shaped over millions of years, and the area brings together geology, history and outdoor adventure in one place. Walking among them is a way to see how slowly and thoroughly the land has changed, long before any of us arrived.