{
  "name": "Wadi Bani Awf Crossing",
  "slug": "wadi-bani-awf-crossing",
  "url": "https://www.bestdrivingroads.com/roads/wadi-bani-awf-crossing/",
  "summary": "The Wadi Bani Awf crossing is one of the most dramatic 4WD routes in the Middle East, threading Snake Gorge then scaling the Western Hajar on precipitous switchbacks to the clifftop village of Bilad Sayt.",
  "location": {
    "country": "Oman",
    "region": "Al Batinah South",
    "start": {
      "name": "Al Awabi",
      "lat": 23.295875,
      "lon": 57.467768
    },
    "end": {
      "name": "Bilad Sayt",
      "lat": 23.18968,
      "lon": 57.387928
    }
  },
  "measurements": {
    "lengthMiles": 15.6,
    "lengthKm": 25.1,
    "driveMinutes": 36,
    "corners": 88,
    "hairpins": 6,
    "maxGradientPercent": 20,
    "summitMetres": 1131.2,
    "elevationConfidence": "measured",
    "difficulty": "expert",
    "tightnessOutOf10": 8
  },
  "timing": {
    "bestSeasons": [
      "autumn",
      "winter",
      "spring"
    ]
  },
  "conditions": {
    "hasUnpavedSection": true
  },
  "hazards": [
    "4WD with high clearance is absolutely essential, a 2WD will not complete this route",
    "Extremely narrow ledges with sheer drops of 500 m or more",
    "Loose gravel and rockfall risk throughout the upper section",
    "Flash floods can inundate the wadi floor without warning",
    "No fuel, phone signal or services for the entire crossing"
  ],
  "scenery": [
    "mountain",
    "gorge",
    "valley"
  ],
  "pointsOfInterest": [
    "Snake Gorge (Wadi Bimah)",
    "Little Snake Canyon",
    "Bilad Sayt"
  ],
  "geometry": {
    "pointCount": 216
  },
  "attribution": {
    "source": "Routes - bestdrivingroads.com",
    "citation": "Cite with a link to the road page. Stats are measured from the mapped line, not copied from other lists; where elevationConfidence is \"approximate\" the 30 m DEM cannot resolve that line and the elevation figures are indicative.",
    "roadGeometry": "(c) OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL",
    "terms": "Facts are free to cite with attribution; bulk reproduction of the catalogue requires permission (simon@keane.studio)."
  },
  "updated": "2026-08-03"
}