Mt. Souda Cycling Climb, Asir Mountains, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Mt. Souda

40.7

PDI

15.6 mi

DISTANCE

5,853 ft

GAINED

ELEVATION GAINED

6.9 %

AVG. GRADE

AVG. GRADIENT

FULL CLIMB STATS

Page Contributor(s): Ties Arts, Bussum, Netherlands

INTRO

Mt. Souda is a 15.6-mile climb into the Asir Mountains of southwestern Saudi Arabia, gaining 5,853 feet at an average grade of 6.9% - though that average badly undersells it. This route holds some of the steepest short pitches in our database: the final quarter-mile averages 20%, and the steepest 100 yards hits a punishing 27%. It's ranked #94 in our world difficulty database, one of a dozen Top-100 World climbs we documented across the Asir Mountains.

We started this climb at the clocktower roundabout on Highway 2442 in Al Shabain, with a shorter, markedly steeper segment beginning about six miles up. With no tree cover on the mountainside, views up and down the switchbacks are completely unobstructed - and you can usually see your finish line, six or seven miles away and over a vertical mile above you, right from the base. Baboons are common along the road, native to the area and used to being fed by passing motorists; we watched one steal a milk carton from an ice cream truck near our own finish!

As of our most recent documentation, the final approach to Mount Souda's true summit was closed for construction tied to the Soudah Peaks project, a large PIF-backed luxury mountain-tourism development under active construction across this mountain since 2023, with phases scheduled into 2029. Check current conditions locally before planning a finish at the true top; the viewpoint after the main six-mile stretch of hairpins makes a logical, safe finishing point regardless.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

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Mt. Souda climbs 5,853 feet over 15.62 miles at an average grade of 6.94%, but the real story is in the steepest sections, which rank among the hardest in our database. The final quarter-mile averages 19.96%, the steepest half-mile 17.36%, and the steepest 100 yards spikes to a brutal 27.43% - numbers that put short stretches of this climb in the same range as the world's steepest walls.

Even sustained over longer distances, the difficulty holds: the steepest full mile averages 14.62%, and the steepest 2.5 miles still average 12.69%. A distinct second, steeper segment begins about six miles into the route - riders should expect the gradient to escalate sharply rather than ease as the climb progresses.

Roadway: The road is paved and well-built, but relentlessly steep, with numerous hairpin switchbacks stacked up an exposed mountainside that has no tree cover to break the wind or sun. As of our most recent documentation, the final stretch toward Mount Souda's true summit was closed due to construction tied to the large Soudah Peaks resort development, active on this mountain since 2023 with phases scheduled into 2029; we could not confirm whether that closure has since lifted, so check current local conditions before planning to reach the actual summit.

Traffic: This climb sees meaningfully more vehicle traffic than most other Asir Mountain climbs, largely because Mt. Souda/Al Souda is a popular local viewpoint and tourist destination. We found the traffic manageable rather than hazardous, and motorists in this region were consistently friendly - offering water, encouragement, or just stopping to chat. Ride this climb only in the cooler off-season (roughly November through February); during summer the road becomes choked with tourist traffic and is not safe or practical by bike. Early mornings on the Saudi weekend (Friday/Saturday) are the quietest time to ride.

Parking: Riders typically start from the clocktower roundabout on Highway 2442 in Al Shabain, where there's informal roadside space to park.

With pitches over 20-27% in the steepest sections, very low gearing is essential here - this isn't a climb to attempt without a compact crank or equivalent. There's no tree cover for shade, so sun protection matters even in the cooler winter riding season, and the exposed mountainside can be windy near the top. Carry all the water and food you'll need; services thin out quickly once you leave Al Shabain. Baboons are common along the road and are used to being fed by passing motorists - keep food secured and don't feed them yourself, both for your safety and theirs.

Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.

Before planning any trip here, check current government travel advisories carefully. As of 2026, most Western governments advise caution about, or against, travel to parts of Asir province near the Yemen border, including the Abha area, due to periodic cross-border strikes; conditions can change quickly, so verify the current situation with your embassy immediately before booking, not just at the planning stage.

Rijal Alma, a roughly 900-year-old stone village famous for its distinctive multi-story "gingerbread house" architecture, sits just a few miles from the climb's start and is on UNESCO's tentative World Heritage list - well worth a visit before or after the ride.

Ride Mt. Souda only in the cooler months (November-February); summer heat and heavy tourist traffic make it impractical and unsafe by bike. This is one of a dozen Top-100 World climbs in the Asir Mountains that we've documented - riders planning a longer trip through the region can check our Routes in the Area tool to see what else is nearby.