The salt floor
White crystals across the crater.
Richard Mortel — CC BY 2.0 · Richard Mortel — CC BY 2.0 · Richard Mortel — CC BY 2.0 · Richard Mortel — CC BY 2.0 · Richard Mortel — CC BY 2.0
Al Wahbah Crater is a huge volcanic crater on the western edge of the Harrat Kishb lava plateau in the Hejaz, about 250 km from Taif. It is about two kilometres across and 250 m deep, and its floor is covered with white sodium phosphate crystals, so from the rim it looks like a lake of salt. It is among the most striking natural sights in Saudi Arabia. Many long believed a meteorite made it, given its roundness and high sides, but geologists now regard it as a maar, formed by a massive steam explosion when basaltic magma met underground water. Halfway down its side are the remains of disused date palm plantations near springs. It is also called Maqla' Tamiyyah. Most of the rim is cliffs that are hard to climb, but a prepared path starts on the north side. Sources put the descent at 45 to 60 minutes and the climb back at 60 to 90 minutes, and the slope is slippery in places. Part of the rim has a stone wall, with picnic shelters and a mosque at the end of the road. It looks finest at sunrise and sunset, when the white salt turns pink and gold, and it sees few visitors even at weekends. The crater is 193 km from Al Hada in a straight line and about four hours or more by car from Jeddah; non-Muslims must take the bypass roads around Mecca. Sources disagree on whether you need a 4x4, so ask before you leave, download maps first, and carry plenty of water and sturdy shoes.
White crystals across the crater.
A prepared route on the north side.
Pink and gold on the salt.
Harrat Kishb, north-east of Taif, Makkah Region
That was long believed, but geologists now see it as a volcanic maar, created by an underground steam explosion.
The path is prepared but slippery, taking about two to three hours round trip, and the climb is tiring in the heat, so it suits fit walkers.