Near Al Ahsa, and the town of Judah, there is a 50-metre-high rock formation that stands alone in the middle of the Nefud Desert: Judah Thumb. It looks as if the rock was placed there. A thumb? Yet, it doesn’t have that shape and the site is also known as the Devil’s Thumb.
I visited the site in January while travelling to Al Ahsa and I stayed there for a few hours to enjoy the surroundings. This article is dedicated to the sites around Riyadh, such as the village of Ushaiger, which I visited last year.
What is the Devil’s Thumb?
The name of this immense rock formation comes from the city of Judah, located between Dammam and Riyadh and close to Al Ahsa; it is also known as the ‘Devil’s Thumb,’ a name given by a group of scouts. It was attributed to the site due to the mysterious nature of this isolated rock formation in the middle of the arid land..
After visiting Judah Thumb, it’s worth exploring the surroundings, filled with secret caves. These rock formations also provide a stunning backdrop for beautiful photos.
Judah Thumb viewpoint
A relatively short hike that offers a better view of the rock formation and the surrounding area.
Caves
There are a few caves that are worth exploring around the Judah Thumb, hidden within the surrounding rock formations. These caves vary in size, some large enough to walk into, while others are narrow crevices carved. The caves are a cool retreat from the heat!
Camping at Judah Thumb
Camping is permitted, and the area is renowned for its starry nights. As the site is remote, there is very little light pollution. The site is not overly touristy, with most people visiting during the day. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be quieter
How to reach Judah Thumb
Judah Thumb is located about 160 kilometres from Dhahran and near the town of Judah. The rock formation is fairly easy to reach by car. Be aware that the road is not paved. The route is relatively straightforward, as most of it is gravel, especially near the rock formation itself. The surrounding area is definitely worth exploring by car. You don’t need a 4×4 to reach Judah Thumb, but it’s advisable if you want to explore further. I had a pseudo 4×4, which was sufficient, although I did get stuck in the sand when trying to venture a bit further. There are several 4×4 tracks, but some are challenging to navigate, even for experienced drivers.
After the effort, the reward
After exploring Judah’s Thumb and its stunning desert surroundings, I returned to the hotel in Al Ahsa for a well-deserved break. Refreshing shower to wash off the desert sand, and cooled down with a fruit juice. Time to recharge for another exciting adventure in Al Ahsa, ready to discover more rock formations, hidden caves, and the region’s rich cultural heritage.
