The Aja Mountains rise to the west of Ha'il, a dramatic wall of granite that catches the last light of afternoon and turns the colour of fire. They are part of the wider Hejaz escarpment and rise to more than 1,400 metres, offering hiking trails with views across the surrounding desert plains that few travellers ever see. The terrain is rocky and arid but not featureless — the mountains shelter sheltered wadis with scattered acacia trees and occasional springs.
Hiking in the Aja Mountains requires proper footwear, plenty of water, and ideally a local guide who knows the trails. The area closest to Ha'il is accessible by vehicle along unsealed tracks; the more remote peaks require a full day's commitment. The views from the higher ridges extend north across the Nafud and south toward the central plateau of the Najd. The mountains are at their best in winter and spring, when the temperatures are reasonable and the vegetation at its greenest.
The mountain scenery forms a backdrop to much of Ha'il's cityscape — you can see the granite ridges from almost anywhere in town. For a closer look without serious hiking, the road that skirts the western edge of the range gives good viewpoints and several natural rock formations worth stopping for.