The Mushrif Park hiking trail is the first dedicated hiking route in central Dubai. Opened by Dubai Municipality in June 2023, it runs for about 9.7 km through the Ghaf forest of Mushrif National Park, and it is free to use all year. There are two marked tracks: a long, easy Yellow track for beginners and families, and a short, tougher Orange track for fitter hikers.
This guide covers both tracks, the trail map, timings, where to park and start, the official rules, what to bring and a simple plan for your first hike.
Last updated: October 2026
Mushrif Park hiking trail: Quick facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Total length | About 9.7 km |
| Tracks | Yellow recreational (8.3 km) and Orange sports (1.4 km) |
| Difficulty | Easy (Yellow) to moderate (Orange) |
| Terrain | Sandy forest paths, wooden stairs and bridges, short slopes |
| Elevation gain | Small, about 30 m over the full loop |
| Time needed | About 2–3 hours for the full loop at an easy pace |
| Trail fee | Free; normal park entry applies |
| Opened | June 2023 |
| Best season | October to April |
| Location | Mushrif National Park, Al Khawaneej Street, Dubai |
Yellow vs Orange track: which one should you hike?
The trail is split into two colour-coded tracks, so you can pick the right level before you start.
| Yellow recreational track | Orange sports track | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 8.3 km | 1.4 km |
| Level | Easy, beginner-friendly | Harder, for fit and experienced hikers |
| Terrain | Wide forest paths, gentle slopes | Steeper sections and more effort |
| Time | About 2–2.5 hours | About 20–40 minutes |
| Best for | Families, first-timers, long walks | Training, fitness, a short hard workout |
Yellow recreational track (8.3 km)
The Yellow track is the main route and the one most visitors walk. It is mostly flat, easy to follow and well signed, winding under Ghaf trees with plenty of shade in the morning. You do not need hiking experience, only comfortable shoes and enough water. Because it is long, plan for a slow pace and use the rest areas along the way.
Orange sports track (1.4 km)
The Orange track is short but more demanding. Dubai Municipality designed it for hikers with higher fitness and endurance, so expect steeper slopes and stairs. It is a good add-on after the Yellow track, or a quick workout on its own if you are already fit.
What you’ll see on the Mushrif Park hiking trail
The hiking trail is more than a dirt path. Along the route you will find:
- Wooden stairways and bridges that carry the path over dips and gullies
- Sculptures placed along the route
- Slopes for a bit of a challenge on otherwise flat ground
- Rest areas with views over the forest
- Ghaf trees, the UAE’s national tree, which shade much of the route
- Wildlife such as birds and squirrels, and with luck a gazelle in quiet early mornings
The trail also has public restrooms, safety notices and directional signs, and park staff are stationed along the tracks.
Mushrif Park hiking trail map
A large map board at the start of the trail shows the Yellow and Orange tracks, rest areas and exit points. Take a photo of it before you set off. Coloured signs along the route match the map, so you always know which track you are on.
Map: Mushrif Park Hiking Trail Loop on AllTrails
The full loop recorded by hikers on GPS apps such as AllTrails is about 10 km (6.2 miles), with only around 30 m of total climbing. These apps are useful if you want to follow your position live while you walk.
Mushrif Park hiking trail timings and entry fee
- Opening hours: the hiking trail follows Mushrif Park’s opening hours, 8 am–10 pm on weekdays and 8 am–11 pm on weekends. Hours can change on public holidays, so check before you go.
- Trail fee: the hiking trail itself is free.
- Park entry: you pay the normal park entry of AED 3 per person or AED 10 per car, by Nol card. See Mushrif Park tickets and entry fee for details.
Plan to finish before dark. Mushrif Hub has evening lighting, but forest sections of the trail are not as well lit.
Location: where to park and start your hike
Mushrif National Park is on Al Khawaneej Street, between Mirdif, Al Warqaa and Al Khawaneej.
- Start point: begin at the trailhead near Mushrif Hub, where the map board and signs are.
- Parking: hikers commonly use the cyclists’ car park next to the bike trail start, or a second car park closer to the hiking trailhead. Arrive early on winter weekends, when both fill up.
- Facilities at Mushrif Hub: cafés, restrooms, changing rooms and showers, so you can freshen up after your hike.
Best time to hike (weather)
The best months are October to April, when Dubai is mild and daytime temperatures are usually comfortable for a 2–3 hour walk. Go early in the morning for cool air, soft light, and fewer people.
From May to September, temperatures often pass 40°C. If you hike in summer, start at sunrise, take the shorter route and carry extra water. Avoid the middle of the day completely.
What to bring
- Plenty of water (at least 1–1.5 litres per person)
- Comfortable walking shoes or trail shoes with grip
- A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- A charged phone with a GPS app
- A light snack
- A small bag for your rubbish
Trail rules and safety
Dubai Municipality has set clear rules for the hiking trail:
- Carry enough water and wear suitable clothing, footwear, and safety gear.
- Children aged 12–15 must be with an adult. Keep younger children close at all times.
- Follow trail etiquette and the instructions on the signboards.
- Give way to cyclists. Where the hiking trail crosses the mountain bike trail, stop, check, and cross safely.
- Walk in the direction of the trail, not against it.
- Stay on the marked track.
- Choose the right level. The Orange track is for fit, experienced hikers.
- No cooking, smoking, camping or overnight stays in the forest.
A simple first-hike plan for beginners
- Park and walk to Mushrif Hub. Use the restrooms and fill your water bottle.
- Photograph the map board at the trailhead.
- Start the Yellow track at an easy pace.
- Take a break at a rest area around the halfway point.
- Feeling strong? Try the 1.4 km Orange track at the end. If not, save it for next time.
- Finish at Mushrif Hub with a shower and a coffee.
Allow about 3 hours in total, including stops.
Combine hiking with mountain biking
Mushrif Park is one of the few places in Dubai where you can hike and mountain bike in the same morning. The hiking trail runs next to the park’s 50 km Mushrif Park mountain bike trails, and both start near Mushrif Hub. The new 102-metre bridge, opened in 2026, has separate lanes for hikers and cyclists.
After your hike, you can also cool off at the Mushrif Park swimming pool or explore more things to do in Mushrif Park.
Frequently asked questions
MushrifPark.ae is an independent visitor guide. Trail details and timings can change, so check signs at the park before you hike.