Mountain Roads The Devil Road - What's in a name!underratedadventures.com

Mountain Driving Challenge - The Devil Road is a picturesque, winding route that ascends from the base to the summit of Jabal Al Soudah. It links the renowned historic village of Rejal Almaa with the city of Abha and other nearby towns.

The name piques the interest of tourists visiting the Aseer Province to discover the exciting locations in this area. However, the name contradicts what the road reveals and what one might describe upon arrival.

Had I relied on word-of-mouth, I would have swiftly decided that the road was terrifying and best avoided; yet, the more I listened, the more intrigued I became to witness it firsthand. Consequently, I requested my guide to take me to any village at the base of Jabal Soudah, provided it involved traveling on the Devil Road.

As we arrived, I was mesmerized by the stunning mountain views and the vivid visual display we witnessed while driving to Rejal Almaá. The route includes steep sections and sharp turns, requiring defensive and precise mountain driving skills, and is undoubtedly one of the best in Saudi Arabia.

To address road safety concerns and experience the thrill of driving on this road, these are the key factors that drivers and car owners should consider before setting off:

Make sure that the car engine is in excellent running condition.
Brakes are thoroughly checked to avoid trouble.
Drivers should have excellent mountain driving skills.
If driving there on rainy days is unnecessary, do not drive on that road.
If you doubt your driving skills, get somebody to drive for you, a driver who is particular about road safety and not speed-hunger.
Run the car at a speed appropriate to a zig-zag and mountain road terrain.
Maintain adequate distance from the car ahead of you to keep the space you need, especially when approaching the steep climb and sharp curves on your way up.

The road may be challenging, but Devil Road poses no threat to a driver with sufficient knowledge and exercises driving discipline. Remember that no road is safe for a reckless driver, and no route is dangerous for a defensive driver. Road safety relies on drivers' discipline and adherence to road courtesy and safety measures.