Oven-hikes: 6 mini hikes for warmer months around Muscat

From May temperatures start to reach the "too hot" part of the thermometer forcing people indoors. Most only venture out either very early morning or late evening. For some of us, it is not really an option: school drops and morning routines often do not allow for early morning hikes and families with younger kids usually stick to an earlier bedtime routine. 

So, what can you do if you still want some steps in and do some hiking? You can hike with caution and by following some simple rules:

- Stick to shorter routes!
- Make sure you are well protected against the burning sun!
- Have plenty of water with you!

- Know your limits and when to stop: if you feel dizzy, drink and turn back!

Here are our picks of oven hikes aka mini hikes for warm months - scroll down for details!

1. At Tur tower - 23.6091, 58.5945

2. Kalbuh Park - 23.6216, 58.5849

3. Wadi Bowsher, The Door hike - 23.5290, 58.3922

4. Rock Tower at Airport Heights - 23.5414, 58.2954

5. Geneina Tower, Barka - 23.6834, 57.9048

6.  Yenkit, western side - 23.5260,58.7001

1. At Tur tower - 23.6091, 58.5945

Not sure if the tower is a renovated watchtower or it is a newly built viewpoint - either way, the views are stunning. You park next to the cemetery, and you can see the tower from there. It takes a few minutes only, but it is very uneven and rocky terrain, so be careful. It can be combined with Kalbuh Park hike (next), and you can reward yourself with juice from Jeedaan Juice.

2. Kalbuh Park - 23.6216, 58.5849

A pretty and well-maintained park with facilities and beautiful sea views - it is very popular in cooler months. Behind a park, there is a hill that can be climbed up to - the starting point is a bit hidden though. It is an easy 10 min walk up to the viewpoint (23.6239, 58.5871)

The "secret" entry point ->

3. Wadi Bowsher, The Door hike - 23.5290, 58.3922

A short and a bit more technical wadi with a huge rock opening providing great photo ops! The opening is around here - there is no path really, you need to find your way around the boulders. 

4. Rock Tower at Airport Heights - 23.5414, 58.2954

It is a bit longer hike, but with a bit of luck you can drive closer to the tower - when we visited, there was a construction going on and the dirt road was closed with a guard sitting there, so we parked the car and walk. Most of the path was flat though. 

The dirt road starts here (23.5446, 58.2973)- we parked here. If the barrier is open and there is no guard, you can probably drive here (23.5418, 58.3007), from where you have to start walking towards the rock tower. There is no real road or path, just follow the general direction and soon you will see the tower. It was too hot, so we did not climb up.

First, we started to hike in the wrong direction and instead of walking to the dirt road, we climbed up the hill at the parking - from there we could not safely approach the tower, although we did see the top of it. The views were pretty stunning from up there though, so it was not a futile trip!

5. Geneina Tower, Barka - 23.6834, 57.9048

It is one of the most unique towers or forts I have seen in Oman - from one side it looks like a traditional square shape building, and from the other it is curved and narrow, it is a bit of a miracle how they built it in this way with traditional techniques? According to an article we found online, it was built in 1886. You can drive up to the tower, so it is not really a hike but if you like me and enjoy exploring these old ruins, it is worth visiting! 

You can make a nice trip out of it by visiting Barka Fort and exploring the old shops around it or if you prefer less renovated forts, head to Sur ar Rumays (although it seems renovation works started here as well).

6.  Yenkit, western side - 23.5260,58.7001 

Yenkit offers breathtaking views from everywhere and it is a great place for mountain biking as well. The western side is easier to reach and with the right car you can drive up to the viewpoint - you walk as much or as little as you wish, and once you are up on the plateau, the terrain is mostly flat. You can read about all what you need to know about Yenkit here.