Top 7 Treks and Hikes in Jordan
A true jewel of the Middle East, Jordan captivates with the richness of its natural and historical wonders. Hiking through Jordan offers the chance to explore iconic sites in an entirely new way
A true jewel of the Middle East, Jordan captivates with the richness of its natural and historical wonders. Hiking through Jordan offers the chance to explore iconic sites in an entirely new way, such as the ancient city of Petra, the Dana Valley, or the Wadi Rum desert. The trails are numerous and suited to both beginner hikers and experienced trekkers. Here's a closer look at the most spectacular treks to experience in Jordan.
The Siq Trail
The Siq Trail ranks among Jordan's most popular hikes. Located within the canyon of the Wadi Mujib reserve, the trail winds through gorges, offering unique and spectacular landscapes. What makes this trek truly special is that you'll navigate it … through water! Throughout the journey, you'll trek through a narrow canyon surrounded by towering ochre and red cliffs. The trail is equipped with ladders and ropes to help you progress. Prepare for an unforgettable aquatic hiking experience that will be a highlight of your Jordanian adventure.
Distance : 3 kilometers round trip
Duration : 2 to 3 hours of hiking
Difficulty Level : Easy during the dry season, challenging in spring when the wadi is swollen with winter runoff.
Good to know
The trail is reserved for those 18 and older and is closed from late October to April.
Trekking in Dana Valley
Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Dana Valley is the premier destination for hiking in Jordan. Multiple trails are available, ranging from a few hours to several days, allowing you to discover the full beauty of the valley. Here we present the two most popular treks:
Wadi Dana Trail
The Wadi Dana Trail is the valley's most popular hike. It begins in the charming Dana village and concludes at the Feynan ecolodge, nestled in the heart of the Wadi Araba plain. The trail crosses the reserve and winds through gorges amid breathtakingly beautiful desert landscapes.
Distance : 16 kilometers
Duration : 4.5 to 5 hours of hiking
Difficulty Level : Moderate
Rummana Trail
This short, easy loop is perfect for beginners and climbs to the summit of Rummana Mountain. Along with spectacular views of Wadi Araba at the top, you'll encounter impressive rock formations with striking and unusual shapes along the way.
Distance : 3 kilometers
Duration : 1.5 to 2 hours of hiking
Difficulty Level : Easy
Hiking at Petra
An inheritance from the Nabataeans, the ancient city of Petra ranks among Jordan's greatest treasures. There are no fewer than eight trekking routes within this majestic archaeological site. We present the two most stunning:
Al-Deir Monastery Trail
This hike is essential at Petra, as it leads to the Monastery, one of the site's most iconic monuments. The primary challenge comes near the end when you'll climb 800 steps to reach the Monastery itself. The experience is particularly magical at sunset, when the temple's rocks glow with the golden hues of the fading day.
Distance : 2.5 kilometers
Duration : 2.5 to 3 hours of hiking
Difficulty Level : Moderate
The High Place of Sacrifice Trail
This lesser-traveled route begins after the Treasury Al Khazneh and climbs to the High Place of Sacrifice, a sacred site of the ancient city. From the summit, the panoramic views of the Royal Tombs are simply breathtaking. The path then descends toward Wadi El Farasah, passing numerous tombs along the way.
Distance : 3 kilometers
Duration : 2.5 to 3 hours of hiking
Difficulty Level : Moderate
Hiking in Wadi Rum
No visit to Jordan is complete without trekking through the majestic Wadi Rum desert. The experience includes hiking through a stunning red desert landscape featuring winding canyons, towering mountains, colossal dunes, natural arches, and surprising rock formations. The must-do: spend a night under the stars in the heart of the desert.
A guide is necessary for trekking in Wadi Rum, providing not only safety but also an opportunity to learn more about Bedouin culture.
Duration : From a few hours to several days of hiking
Difficulty Level : Moderate
The Jordan Trail
The Jordan Trail is a 650-kilometer hiking route that traverses Jordan from north to south, running from Umm-Qays to Aqaba. Divided into eight stages of four to five days each, this incredible journey provides a spectacular playground for hikers. It passes through a multitude of landscapes, including canyons, steep wadis, valleys, and deserts. It offers trekkers the opportunity to discover Jordan's natural wonders and explore the richness of its cultural heritage.
Distance : 650 kilometers divided into eight stages
Duration : 40 days of total hiking, 5 days per stage
Difficulty Level : Easy, moderate, to challenging depending on the sections
Frequently asked questions
The best time to hike in Jordan is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are mild. Summer can be extremely hot, especially in the Wadi Rum desert. Note: the Siq Trail in Wadi Mujib closes from late October to April due to flooding.
A guide is not mandatory for all treks in Jordan, but it is highly recommended and even essential for hiking in the Wadi Rum desert. A guide also provides insight into local Bedouin culture. For marked trails in the Dana reserve or Petra, you can hike independently.
Yes, the Jordan Trail is divided into 8 stages of 4 to 5 days each. It's entirely possible to complete just one or several stages depending on your availability. Each stage is accessible independently and offers varied landscapes of canyons, wadis, and deserts.
The Siq Trail is reserved for those 18 years and older. It is considered easy during the dry season but can become challenging in spring when water levels are high. The trail is closed from late October to April. It is recommended to bring water shoes and a waterproof bag.
The Dana Reserve is accessible by car from Aqaba or Petra. The Dana village, starting point of the Wadi Dana Trail, is approximately 3 hours' drive from Amman. You can stay at the Feynan ecolodge, a sustainable and immersive option at the heart of the reserve.
