I Spent a Day in Sorkheh Hesar — Here’s Where I Picnicked, Biked and Caught the Best Views

The Qajar dynasty often chose exquisite locations for leisure and hunting, and Sorkheh Hesar was one of those royal preserves. Today Sorkheh Hesar sits among Iran’s national parks under the supervision of the Department of Environment; in the past it served as an important hunting ground.

This national park lies east of Tehran and has several notable natural features — diverse plant species and a climate that changes markedly between day and night. If you’re curious about Sorkheh Hesar, this article offers a useful introduction to the park and what to expect.

Unique features of Sorkheh Hesar

Sorkheh Hesar was registered as a national park in 1980 (1359 AH) and its forests and rangelands are managed by the Department of Environment. You can reach the park via Khajir Road or Qasr-Firoozeh Road; a more exact reference is at the end of Resalat Highway on the eastern Shahid Yasini Highway.

Sorkheh Hesar has vegetation typical of warm regions. During a visit you’ll see bushes and trees such as tamarisk (gaz), atriplex (kharashtar), esfand (Peganum), as well as shrubs like goun and tagh. Mountain cypress, hawthorn and wild plum are also common.

A short walk in the park reveals aromatic plants such as thyme, savory (kakuti), wild mint, yarrow and alhagi. The park’s climate varies between day and night; its warm-region character means hot days and pleasantly cool nights are common.

Wildlife of Sorkheh Hesar

Sorkheh Hesar is notable for its varied flora and fauna, which is one reason it is protected and valued as a major natural site near Tehran. The park hosts many mammals, including wild goats, rams and ewes, wildcat, deer, wild boar, hyena, badger, and smaller species such as rabbit, squirrel, jackal and red fox. A wide range of birds lives here, among them:

The park’s species list is long, and many of the bird names above may be unfamiliar; in addition, Sorkheh Hesar supports a variety of reptiles and amphibians, for example:

The main reason for this biodiversity is the availability of water and a varied plant cover, which together provide suitable habitats for many species.

Exciting activities in Sorkheh Hesar

Sorkheh Hesar is equipped with facilities to make visits pleasant. The park provides gazebos, restrooms, a prayer room, kitchenettes and drinking fountains. An 8-kilometre cycling track has been built on the park’s eastern side — ideal for cyclists and sports enthusiasts.

Beyond sitting under gazebos or cycling, visitors can use recreational complexes such as the Kaj sports complex, offering activities like:

Another complex, Narsi, offers billiards, tennis and similar facilities. The park also has football, volleyball and basketball fields. There is even a skate academy for those who skate or want to learn.

Best time to visit Sorkheh Hesar

Sorkheh Hesar is attractive year-round, but spring stands out: fresh greenery, mild breezes and new plant growth make it especially vibrant. Because the park is near the Jajrud region and benefits from spring rains, spring visits are particularly rewarding.

Summer is lively too — the park hosts festivals and events — and autumn provides cool breezes and photogenic orange foliage. Winter has its own quiet beauty, but visiting in winter may bring encounters with hungry wildlife (hyenas, wildcats, jackals) seeking food; for safety and comfort many visitors prefer other seasons.

In conclusion

Tehran has many attractions, and Sorkheh Hesar is one of them — a versatile spot for hiking, sports and relaxation across the seasons. Familiarity with the city’s natural areas helps you plan better visits; if you enjoy getting outdoors, add Sorkheh Hesar to your Tehran itinerary.

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