AlGharameel Nature Reserve
الغراميل
A desert field of rock pillars about 60 kilometers north of AlUla, with black sandstone spires rising in rows. It is an International Dark Sky Park and a popular spot for stargazing and sunset photos.
Al Gharameel (الغراميل) Nature Reserve lies about 60 kilometers north of AlUla. It is known for large expanses of dark sandstone spires and rock pillars shaped by wind erosion. The rock layers formed roughly 470–500 million years ago, from the late Cambrian to the early Ordovician, and the landscape has been described as the “surface of Mars.” In 2024, together with Manara in AlUla, it was certified by the International Dark-Sky Association as the first International Dark Sky Park in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. With no light pollution at night, the Milky Way and meteor showers are clearly visible. Visitors generally join official or hotel-organized sunset stargazing tours, which include 4WD transfers, a bonfire dinner and astronomy talks. Driving yourself means navigating sand, so going alone is not recommended. Nights are cold, so bring a heavy jacket in winter.
Opening hours
Tour groups only, mostly from sunset into the night
Nearby sights
- Hegra (Mada'in Salih)
- Sharaan Nature Reserve
- Maraya Concert Hall
- Jabal Ikmah
- Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil)
- Dadan
- AlJadidah Arts District
- Harrat Viewpoint