Taif Highlands from Jeddah
Road trip from Jeddah up to the Hejaz plateau to visit rose farms, Al Hada, and Ash Shafa mountain villages.
A popular summer escape for Jeddah residents, staying in Taif city center and taking day trips to Al Hada and Ash Shafa. Day 1 explores historic mansions in the city, Day 2 visits Al Hada Mountain and rose distilleries, and Day 3 heads up to Ash Shafa before returning. Spring is ideal for the rose harvest, while summer offers cool mountain air. Cable cars and the Souq Okaz are excluded, making it perfect for families and weekenders.
The rose harvest lasts for about 40 to 50 days starting from late March; confirm with the farms before visiting.
Day by day
Day 1 · Ascend the Plateau & Explore Taif Old Town
Ta'if（Shubra Palace、Bait Kaaki、Al Rudaf Park）
Drive via Highway 40, connect to Route 298, and then take Highway 15 (about 3 hours). Non-Muslims must bypass Makkah.
Watch for road signs indicating the Makkah bypass; there is a checkpoint after the junction.
Stay: Taif City Center
Day 2 · Al Hada Mountain & Rose Distilleries
Ta'if（Al Hada Mountain & Road、Taif Rose Farms (Bin Salman Farm)、Ikrima Dam）
Drive to Al Hada (about 40 minutes). Walk around the mountain area, visit a rose distillery, and return to the city via the historic dams.
The winding road down from Al Hada leads to Makkah; non-Muslims must not take this route.
Stay: Taif City Center
Day 3 · Ash Shafa Mountains & Return to Jeddah
Drive to Ash Shafa (about 40 minutes). Return to Jeddah in the afternoon, taking about 3.5 hours for the entire loop.
The mountain roads are winding and can be foggy; slow down and aim to descend before dark.