Jordan Trail Guide: Route, Sections, Maps & Planning

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Information checked: 22 July 2026

Jordan Trail Guide

The Jordan Trail is a long-distance hiking route that crosses Jordan from Um Qais in the north to Aqaba on the Red Sea. The official route covers more than 675 kilometres, is organised into eight regions and represents about 35 hiking days through 75 villages and towns. You can walk the full route, join an organised group, or choose one region that matches your available time and experience.

This guide explains the route from north to south, how to choose a section, when to hike, and what to arrange before leaving. For shorter walks and trails outside this long-distance route, compare the wider hiking trails in Jordan guide. For countrywide transport, destinations and itinerary planning, begin with the Jordan Travel Guide.

Jordan Trail quick facts

• Route: Um Qais to Aqaba
• Official length: More than 675 km
• Full-route duration: Approximately 35 hiking days
• Route structure: Eight regions
• Communities: 75 villages and towns along the route
• Terrain: Northern highlands, farms, villages, deep wadis, historic towns, Dana, Petra, desert mountains, Wadi Rum and the Red Sea
• Planning authority: The Jordan Trail Association

The headline figures describe the complete trail, not a single continuous marked path with identical conditions throughout. Daily distance, navigation, water access, accommodation and difficulty vary considerably between regions. Always use current route information rather than treating an old itinerary or downloaded map as sufficient.

The eight Jordan Trail regions

The trail is divided into eight official regions. The order below follows the route from north to south.

1. Um Qais to Ajloun

The northern region begins around Um Qais and moves through green hills, farmland, villages and wooded landscapes toward Ajloun. It is a useful choice for hikers interested in rural northern Jordan, local communities and a landscape very different from the desert south. Read the Um Qais to Ajloun Jordan Trail guide and use the Visit Ajloun guide to plan time around the destination.

2. Ajloun to As-Salt

This region continues from Ajloun’s highlands through villages and valleys toward As-Salt. The route connects natural scenery with living communities and the historic urban character of As-Salt. See the Ajloun to As-Salt Jordan Trail guide for stages, terrain and logistics.

3. As-Salt to Wadi Zarqa Ma’in

Leaving As-Salt, the trail moves through central Jordan toward the Dead Sea escarpment and Wadi Zarqa Ma’in. Elevation changes and exposed terrain make preparation important. The As-Salt to Wadi Zarqa Ma’in guide covers the regional route and planning requirements.

4. Three Wadis to Karak

This demanding central section crosses a sequence of major wadis on the way to Karak. Deep descents, steep climbs, limited services and weather exposure can make the region substantially harder than its map distance suggests. Review the Three Wadis to Karak Jordan Trail guide before deciding whether to hike independently or with organised support.

5. Al-Karak to Dana

From Karak, the trail continues south through highland and rural landscapes toward Dana. This region creates the transition between central Jordan and the more remote terrain approaching the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Plan the route with the Al-Karak to Dana Jordan Trail guide.

6. Dana to Petra

Dana to Petra is one of the trail’s most recognised multi-day regions. It descends from Dana, passes the Feynan area and crosses rugged mountain and desert terrain before approaching Little Petra and Petra. It requires realistic fitness, water, overnight and transport planning. Use the Dana to Petra hike guide, then check the Petra travel guide for entry and destination planning.

7. Petra to Wadi Rum

South of Petra, the route enters increasingly remote sandstone and desert country before reaching Wadi Rum. Long distances between services, route finding and overnight arrangements deserve more attention here than on an ordinary day hike. Start with the Petra to Wadi Rum Jordan Trail guide.

8. Wadi Rum to Aqaba

The final region crosses desert valleys and mountains between Wadi Rum and Aqaba, ending at the Red Sea. It is not simply a short transfer between the two destinations: the official region is a multi-day desert hike that requires suitable support and water planning. Read the Wadi Rum to Aqaba Jordan Trail guide, then plan the finish with the Aqaba travel guide.

Should you hike the full Jordan Trail or one region?

A full thru-hike is a serious expedition. It demands several weeks, strong endurance, planned rest, resupply, transport coordination, accommodation or camping arrangements, and a method for managing remote stages. It suits experienced long-distance hikers or people joining a supported departure.

For most visitors, one region is the more practical choice. A regional hike can fit into a wider Jordan itinerary and makes the logistics easier to control. Choose by terrain and trip purpose:

• Northern landscapes and villages: Um Qais to Ajloun or Ajloun to As-Salt.
• Wadis and strenuous elevation changes: As-Salt to Wadi Zarqa Ma’in or Three Wadis to Karak.
• Highlands and the approach to Dana: Al-Karak to Dana.
• Dana and Petra: Dana to Petra.
• Remote desert trekking: Petra to Wadi Rum.
• A desert-to-sea finish: Wadi Rum to Aqaba.

Do not select a region by fame alone. Compare the daily distances, total ascent and descent, water access, overnight conditions, evacuation options and transport at both ends.

Best time to hike the Jordan Trail

Spring and autumn usually offer the broadest range of workable conditions, but Jordan does not have one uniform hiking climate. The northern highlands can be cold and wet while the Dead Sea escarpment or southern desert is warm. Summer heat can make exposed stages dangerous, while winter rain can create flash-flood risk in wadis and cold conditions at elevation.

Check the forecast for the exact region and its upstream catchment before departure. Postpone a canyon or wadi stage when rain, flooding or an official closure creates doubt. Seasonal suitability does not replace a same-day weather and route check.

Maps, GPS and navigation

Use the Jordan Trail Association’s current maps and GPS resources and carry an offline copy on more than one device. A paper backup, charged power bank and an agreed emergency plan remain sensible for remote regions.

Trail markings and mobile reception should never be assumed. Tracks can change because of weather, land access, construction or maintenance. If your navigation skills are limited, or the region involves remote desert and wadi terrain, use a qualified local guide or an organised hike.

Water, accommodation and transport

Water is a core route-planning issue. Natural sources may be seasonal, unsafe, inaccessible or absent. Confirm every refill point shortly before the hike and arrange water drops or support where required. Do not rely on a map symbol or an old trip report.

Overnight options vary from accommodation in towns and villages to camps and remote nights requiring full arrangements. Confirm availability directly and understand what is included, especially meals, drinking water, luggage transfer and pickup.

Many trailheads and endpoints are not served by convenient public transport. Pre-arranged transfers, taxis, local providers or an organised group are often more realistic. Confirm the pickup location and communication plan before starting, not after reaching the end of a stage.

Do you need a guide?

A guide is especially valuable for remote desert stages, complex wadis, poorly marked sections and trips requiring water, camping or vehicle support. Independent hiking may be possible on some stages for experienced hikers with current navigation information and properly arranged logistics, but the route should not be treated as a uniformly marked European-style footpath.

WowJordan connects travelers with tourism providers but does not operate the Jordan Trail or manage bookings. You can review the Jordan Trail Association listing and ask providers directly about routes, guide credentials, availability, prices, insurance and cancellation terms.

Jordan Trail Pass

The official Jordan Trail Pass is a lifetime trail passport, hiking log and achievement record. It also functions as a facilitation document that can be presented to authorities when needed. It is not the same product as the Jordan Pass for tourist attractions and visa-fee benefits.

Check the current description, availability and price on the official Jordan Trail Pass page before purchasing.

Safety and responsible hiking

• Check current weather, route notices and access conditions before every stage.
• Never enter wadis when rain or upstream flooding is possible.
• Carry enough water for delays as well as the planned walking time.
• Use offline navigation and keep power in reserve for emergencies.
• Share your route, overnight location and expected arrival time with a reliable contact.
• Respect private land, local communities, archaeological sites and protected areas.
• Carry out all waste and avoid disturbing livestock, wildlife or vegetation.
• Use qualified local support when the terrain, remoteness or your experience makes independent travel unsafe.

Frequently asked questions

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