Hiking and Trail Guide to Jordan
Jordan is compact but wildly varied for hikers: cool forests in the north, pink sandstone and high plateaus around Petra, deep water-carved canyons above the Dead Sea, and granite domes in Wadi Rum. This hub gives you plain-English answers first, then route-by-route detail you can scan and act on. Every trail entry includes difficulty, distance, elevation gain, duration, best season, fees/permits, start point, safety notes, and a child-page placeholder for your detailed planning.
Quick answers to the most common questions
When is the best season to hike in Jordan?
March–May and September–November. Summer works with sunrise starts and conservative routes; winter favors the Dead Sea escarpment and the far south.
Do I need a guide?
For water canyons (e.g., Wadi Mujib/Hidan) and Wadi Rum summits/scrambles, yes or strongly recommended. For remote Petra uplands, a local guide is wise.
How much water should I carry?
Plan 2–3 liters per person for half-day hikes; 3–4 liters for desert/full-day routes. Add electrolytes.
What about flash floods?
Never enter a canyon when rain is forecast upstream. Obey closures on the Dead Sea escarpment.
Are there trail fees or permits?
Petra, Wadi Rum, and several nature reserves (Ajloun, Dana, Mujib) charge entry and/or trail fees. Always check on-site before setting off.
Can beginners enjoy Jordan trails?
Yes. Choose shaded forest loops (Ajloun), balcony walks (Royal Tombs in Petra), short rim walks (Dead Sea), and guided canyon taster routes in operational season.
How to plan your hiking in Jordan
Seasons & weather
- Spring (Mar–May): Mild temps, green hills in the north, wildflowers.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Start at sunrise, prioritize higher/wooded areas or short shaded routes, and avoid midday heat.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Stable and clear; many signature routes are ideal.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Highland chill and wind; Dead Sea rim and far south are pleasant. Canyon flow and closures vary with rain.
Safety essentials
- Conservative pacing and early starts.
- Closed-toe hiking shoes with grip (trekking poles help on stairs/scree).
- 2–4 L water per person depending on route length and heat; carry electrolytes.
- Check forecasts before canyon days; never enter slot canyons with upstream rain risk.
- Tell someone your plan and turnaround time; cell signal is unreliable in canyons and deserts.
- Stay on signed paths; avoid cliff-edge “viewpoints” and off-limits ruins.
Core gear checklist
Sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF, 2–4 L water, electrolytes, compact first-aid kit, light insulating layer, wind shell, grippy footwear, trekking poles, headlamp for dawn starts, dry bag/waterproof pouch for canyon days, power bank, salty snacks.
Permits, fees & access
- Petra: Park ticket required.
- Nature reserves: Ajloun, Dana, Mujib charge entry/trail fees; some routes are seasonal/guided only.
- Wadi Rum: Protected-area fee; licensed guides/jeeps handle access to summits and remote trailheads.
When to hire a guide
- Water canyons: Required/strongly recommended (safety gear, route finding).
- Wadi Rum summits/scrambles: Use licensed Bedouin guides.
- Remote Petra uplands: Local knowledge improves safety and experience.
- New to desert hiking: A guide helps with pacing, shade, and contingency.
Transport & bases
Public transport rarely matches trailheads. Use pre-arranged transfers, taxis, or rentals. Good bases: Ajloun/Jerash (north woods), Madaba/Dead Sea (canyons and rim), Dana (reserve routes), Wadi Musa–Petra, Wadi Rum village/camps, Aqaba (Red Sea hills).
Regions & Trails (countrywide)
Each entry includes a teaser plus specs: Difficulty | Distance | Elevation gain | Duration | Best season | Permits/fees | Start point | Safety and a child-page placeholder: Read the full guide: /trails/<slug>. Distances and gains are indicative; verify locally before you go.
North (Ajloun, Jerash) — oak-pine forests & rolling hills
Roe Deer Trail (Ajloun Forest Reserve)
Shaded woodland loop with gentle gradients and spring flowers.
Easy–Moderate | 3–4 km | +100–150 m | 1–2 h | Mar–May, Sep–Nov | Reserve fees | Ajloun Reserve | Loose gravel in places.
Read the full guide: /trails/ajloun-roe-deer-trail
Soap House Trail (Ajloun–Orjan)
Village-to-village footpath over terraced hillsides with craft cooperatives nearby.
Moderate | 5–7 km | +200 m | 2–3 h | Spring/Autumn | Reserve fee | Reserve/Soap House | Limited shade; start early in heat.
Read the full guide: /trails/ajloun-soap-house
Ajloun Castle Loop
Short ridge loop with fortress views and breezy ridgelines.
Easy–Moderate | 3–5 km | +150 m | 1.5–2.5 h | Year-round | None | Ajloun Castle car park | Windy in winter; bring a shell.
Read the full guide: /trails/ajloun-castle-loop
Dibeen Forest Walk (Jerash)
Pine-oak shade with picnic clearings and spring blooms.
Easy | 3–6 km | +120–180 m | 1–2 h | Spring/Autumn | None | Dibeen Forest access | Watch for uneven roots and ticks.
Read the full guide: /trails/dibeen-forest
Jerash Heritage Hillside Stroll
Urban-edge amble linking viewpoints over Roman ruins.
Easy | 2–4 km | +120 m | 1–1.5 h | Oct–Apr | None | Jerash archaeological parking | Stone steps; mind footing.
Read the full guide: /trails/jerash-heritage-stroll
Central (Balqa, Zarqa, Mafraq) — escarpments, farmland, steppe
King’s Highway Outlook Ramble (Balqa)
Short rim-and-field walk with Rift views, ideal near sunset.
Easy | 3–5 km | +100–150 m | 1–1.5 h | Oct–Apr | None | Balqa plateau lay-by | Wind gusts near edges.
Read the full guide: /trails/balqa-kings-highway-outlook
Zarqa Highlands Farm Lanes
Rolling dirt-lane network through smallholdings and orchards.
Easy–Moderate | 5–8 km | +150–250 m | 1.5–2.5 h | Oct–Apr | None | Village edge | Dogs/farm vehicles—be courteous.
Read the full guide: /trails/zarqa-highlands-lanes
North Desert Steppe Stroll (Mafraq)
Expansive steppe horizon with low dunes and desert flora after spring rain.
Easy | 4–6 km | +60–100 m | 1–2 h | Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov | None | Track pull-off | Bring extra water; no shade.
Read the full guide: /trails/mafraq-steppe-stroll
Dead Sea & Wadi Mujib — canyons, rims, and seasonal water hikes (Balqa/Madaba)
Wadi Mujib Siq (seasonal water hike)
Iconic slot canyon with chest-deep wading and small falls; strictly seasonal/managed.
Moderate–Challenging | 2–4 km return | ~+100 m | 2–3 h | Operational window | Reserve fee/age limits | Mujib Adventure Center | Flash-flood risk; obey closures.
Read the full guide: /trails/wadi-mujib-siq
Wadi Hidan (guided canyon)
Pool-to-pool adventure with optional jumps and abseils via licensed operators.
Challenging | Route-dependent | Variable | 4–6 h | Operational window | Guided only | Hidan access (operator) | Helmets/vests; follow guide instructions.
Read the full guide: /trails/wadi-hidan
Dead Sea Panoramic Rim Trail
Short cliff-rim walk with sweeping Rift Valley outlooks.
Easy–Moderate | 2–5 km | +150–250 m | 1–2 h | Oct–Apr | None | Panoramic Complex | Strong winds near edges.
Read the full guide: /trails/dead-sea-panoramic
Madaba — Mount Nebo & Ma’in escarpment
Mount Nebo Panorama Walk
Rolling escarpment path with valley views and mosaic heritage nearby.
Easy | 3–5 km | +120 m | 1–1.5 h | Oct–Apr | None | Mount Nebo car park | Afternoon winds; bring a layer.
Read the full guide: /trails/mount-nebo-panorama
Zarqa Ma’in Upper Walk
Clifftop traverse overlooking hot-spring wadis.
Moderate | 5–8 km | +250–350 m | 2–3 h | Oct–Apr | None | Plateau trackheads | Gravelly edges; stand well back.
Read the full guide: /trails/zarqa-main-upper
Dana & Tafileh — highland to desert reserve routes
Wadi Dana → Feynan Traverse
Signature descent from cool highlands to copper-rich desert floor.
Moderate | 14–16 km | net –1,200 m | 5–7 h | Oct–Apr | Reserve fees/transfer | Dana village | Hot lower section; start early.
Read the full guide: /trails/wadi-dana-feynan
Rummana Mountain Loop
Ridge-and-dome circuit with canyon panoramas.
Moderate | 3–5 km | +200–300 m | 1.5–2.5 h | Spring/Autumn | Reserve fee | Rummana campsite | Exposed rock; no cliff edges.
Read the full guide: /trails/rummana-loop
Wadi Ghuweir (seasonal)
Long palm-lined canyon with pools and travertine walls.
Moderate–Challenging | 12–15 km | –700 to –900 m | 5–7 h | Oct–Apr | Recommended guided/transfer | Ras Al-Feid area | Flash-flood risk; avoid storm systems.
Read the full guide: /trails/wadi-ghuweir
Petra & Ma’an — sandstone city trails and upland traverses
Petra Main Trail
The essential route through the Siq to the Treasury and central ruins.
Easy–Moderate | 3.5–4 km one-way | +gentle | 1.5–2.5 h | Year-round | Petra ticket | Visitor Center → Siq | Crowds/animal traffic; keep right.
Read the full guide: /trails/petra-main-trail
Siq to Treasury Approach
Narrow gorge walk with light/shadow bands and paving traces.
Easy–Moderate | ~2 km one-way | +gentle | 25–40 min down; 35–50 back | Year-round | Included in ticket | Visitor Center | Shared path; mind footing.
Read the full guide: /trails/petra-siq
Royal Tombs Balcony Promenade
Balcony traverse linking Urn, Silk, Corinthian, and Palace Tombs.
Easy–Moderate | 1–2 km | +stair segments | 45–90 min | Year-round | Petra ticket | Street of Facades | No climbing on façades.
Read the full guide: /trails/petra-royal-tombs-promenade
Al-Khubtha Overlooks (Treasury terraces)
Legal café-terrace viewpoints across from the Treasury after a stair climb.
Moderate | 3–5 km return | +300–400 m | 2.5–4 h | Oct–Apr | Petra ticket | Royal Tombs | Stay on terraces; avoid edges.
Read the full guide: /trails/petra-alkhubtha-overlook
High Place of Sacrifice & Wadi Farasa Loop
Historic stair ascent, altar views, and scenic descent past carved monuments.
Moderate | 4–6 km | +350–500 m | 3–4 h | Oct–Apr | Petra ticket | Near Theater | Uneven steps; avoid unofficial ledges.
Read the full guide: /trails/high-place-wadi-farasa
Monastery (Ad-Deir) Stair Trail
Long stepped ascent to Petra’s largest façade; cafés and shade at the top.
Moderate–Challenging | 4–5 km rtn | +500–600 m | 3–4 h | Oct–Apr | Petra ticket | Qasr al-Bint | Pace the stairs; hydrate.
Read the full guide: /trails/petra-monastery-stairs
Back Trail / Al-Dayr (Little Petra → Monastery)
Backdoor route from Siq al-Barid to Ad-Deir with big-country views.
Moderate | 7–9 km one-way | rolling | 3.5–5 h | Oct–Apr | Ticket checks/shuttle | Little Petra | Route finding; consider a guide.
Read the full guide: /trails/petra-back-trail-al-dayr
Umm el Biyara
Steep climb to a fortress-like mesa above the city center.
Moderate–Difficult | 2.5–3.5 km rtn | +500–700 m | 3–4 h | Oct–Apr | Petra ticket | Central Petra | Steep, rocky; avoid high winds.
Read the full guide: /trails/petra-umm-el-biyara-trail
Jabal Harun (Aaron’s Tomb)
Pilgrimage-style ascent to a white-domed shrine on Petra’s western heights.
Moderate–Difficult | 7–10 km rtn | +600–800 m | 4–6 h | Oct–Apr | Petra ticket | Western Petra | Exposed terrain; extra water/layers.
Read the full guide: /trails/petra-jabal-harun-trail
Al Madras, Sabra, Umm Ratam, Gubūr al-Wuḥaydāt, Ras Slaysil, Jabal Qaroun, Al Mahmad, Al Mudhlim, Al Khurma, Al Tajrah, Ez Zantur, Argoob Jumay’an, Mughur Al Nasara, Al Ramla, Al Mataha, Snake Monument, Batha 1/2/3
A family of balcony strolls, promontory rambles, long upland traverses, and remote domelands.
Easy–Difficult | 1.5–19 km | +80–900 m | 45 min–8 h | Oct–Apr | Petra ticket / local advice | Various signed starts | Navigation, exposure, and water planning vary by route.
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Petra offers some of Jordan’s most iconic hiking experiences, combining archaeology with dramatic sandstone landscapes. Before choosing a route, read our complete Petra travel guide for entry tickets, opening hours, and realistic itineraries.
Wadi Rum & South — granite domes and desert massifs (Ma’an/Aqaba)
Jebel Umm ad Dami (Jordan’s highest)
Summit hike/scramble with horizon-spanning views into Saudi Arabia.
Moderate (scrambly) | 4–6 km | +700–800 m | 3–5 h | Oct–Apr | Protected-area fee/guide | Remote trailhead via 4×4 | Heat/exposure; carry 3–4 L water.
Read the full guide: /trails/umm-ad-dami
Jebel Burdah Rock Bridge
Iconic arch with airy viewpoints reached by guided scrambling lines.
Moderate–Challenging | 5–7 km | +400–500 m | 3–4.5 h | Oct–Apr | Guide access | Burdah massif | Avoid windy days; follow guide.
Read the full guide: /trails/burdah-bridge
Khazali Canyon & Red Dunes Stroll
Short canyon with inscriptions plus sunset dune ridge walking.
Easy | 2–4 km | +100 m | 1–2 h | Oct–Apr (sunrise/sunset in summer) | Protected-area fee | Khazali area | Blowing sand; eye/camera protection.
Read the full guide: /trails/khazali-dunes
Aqaba/Red Sea Hills — coastal backdrops & granite-sandstone rims
Aqaba Eastern Hills Sunset Walk
Rocky hillside above the city with sea views and easy gradients.
Easy–Moderate | 3–5 km | +200–300 m | 1.5–2.5 h | Oct–Apr | None | City outskirts trailhead | Loose rock; carry headlamp for twilight.
Read the full guide: /trails/aqaba-hills-sunset
Wadi Yutum Rim
Remote granite-sandstone rim with solitude and wide horizons.
Moderate | 6–10 km | +300–400 m | 3–4 h | Oct–Apr | None | Track junction off Desert Highway | Navigation; extra water.
Read the full guide: /trails/wadi-yutum-rim
Master Summary Table (quick compare)
| Region | Trail/Place | Difficulty | Distance | Duration | Best Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petra | Main Trail | E–M | 3.5–4 km o/w | 1.5–2.5 h | Year-round | Canonical route |
| Petra | Siq to Treasury | E–M | ~2 km o/w | 25–40 min | Year-round | Shade bands |
| Petra | Royal Tombs Promenade | E–M | 1–2 km | 45–90 min | Year-round | Balcony path |
| Petra | Al-Khubtha Overlooks | M | 3–5 km rtn | 2.5–4 h | Oct–Apr | Legal terraces |
| Petra | High Place & Farasa | M | 4–6 km | 3–4 h | Oct–Apr | Stairs/altars |
| Petra | Monastery Stairs | M–Ch | 4–5 km rtn | 3–4 h | Oct–Apr | Long stair climb |
| Petra | Back Trail to Monastery | M | 7–9 km o/w | 3.5–5 h | Oct–Apr | From Little Petra |
| Petra uplands | Uplands set (Madras, Sabra, etc.) | E–D | 1.5–19 km | 45 min–8 h | Oct–Apr | Remote domelands |
| Ajloun | Roe Deer | E–M | 3–4 km | 1–2 h | Mar–May, Sep–Nov | Woodland shade |
| Ajloun | Soap House | M | 5–7 km | 2–3 h | Spring/Autumn | Village link |
| Ajloun | Castle Loop | E–M | 3–5 km | 1.5–2.5 h | Year-round | Ridge fortress |
| Jerash | Dibeen Forest | Easy | 3–6 km | 1–2 h | Spring/Autumn | Pine-oak |
| Jerash | Heritage Stroll | Easy | 2–4 km | 1–1.5 h | Oct–Apr | Ruins overview |
| Dana | Wadi Dana → Feynan | M | 14–16 km | 5–7 h | Oct–Apr | Big descent |
| Dana | Rummana Loop | M | 3–5 km | 1.5–2.5 h | Spring/Autumn | Ridge views |
| Dana | Wadi Ghuweir | M–Ch | 12–15 km | 5–7 h | Oct–Apr | Oasis canyon |
| Dead Sea | Wadi Mujib Siq | M–Ch | 2–4 km | 2–3 h | Seasonal | Slot-canyon |
| Dead Sea | Wadi Hidan | Challenging | Route-dep. | 4–6 h | Seasonal | Guided only |
| Dead Sea | Panoramic Rim | E–M | 2–5 km | 1–2 h | Oct–Apr | Rift vistas |
| Madaba | Nebo Panorama | Easy | 3–5 km | 1–1.5 h | Oct–Apr | Rolling fields |
| Madaba | Zarqa Ma’in Upper | M | 5–8 km | 2–3 h | Oct–Apr | Cliff edges |
| Wadi Rum | Umm ad Dami | Moderate | 4–6 km | 3–5 h | Oct–Apr | Highest summit |
| Wadi Rum | Burdah Bridge | M–Ch | 5–7 km | 3–4.5 h | Oct–Apr | Scramble/arch |
| Wadi Rum | Khazali & Dunes | Easy | 2–4 km | 1–2 h | Oct–Apr | Sunset classic |
| Aqaba | Eastern Hills Sunset | E–M | 3–5 km | 1.5–2.5 h | Oct–Apr | Sea views |
| Aqaba | Wadi Yutum Rim | Moderate | 6–10 km | 3–4 h | Oct–Apr | Remote rim |
| Central | Balqa Outlook | Easy | 3–5 km | 1–1.5 h | Oct–Apr | Rim breezes |
| Central | Zarqa Farm Lanes | E–M | 5–8 km | 1.5–2.5 h | Oct–Apr | Rural lanes |
| Central | Mafraq Steppe | Easy | 4–6 km | 1–2 h | Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov | No shade |
Sample itineraries
2–3 days (Petra + Dead Sea)
Day 1: Petra Main Trail + Royal Tombs Promenade; sunset balcony views.
Day 2: Monastery Stairs or Back Trail from Little Petra; transfer to the Dead Sea.
Optional Day 3: Wadi Mujib Siq (if open) in the morning; short rim trail at sunset.
4–5 days (North woods + Petra)
Day 1: Ajloun Roe Deer + Castle Loop; overnight in Ajloun/Jerash.
Day 2: Dibeen Forest and Jerash Heritage Stroll; drive to Madaba.
Day 3: Nebo Panorama; drive to Petra; evening Siq walk.
Day 4: Petra High Place & Farasa Loop; Royal Tombs balcony.
Day 5: Monastery Stairs; optional Ras Slaysil promontory.
7–10 days (Desert summits + Dana + Petra)
Days 1–2: Wadi Rum (Umm ad Dami and Burdah Bridge with licensed guides); camp overnight.
Day 3: Transfer to Dana; Rummana Loop.
Day 4: Wadi Dana → Feynan traverse; arranged pickup.
Day 5: Wadi Ghuweir (seasonal); transfer to Wadi Musa.
Days 6–7: Petra set—Main Trail, Al-Khubtha Overlooks, Royal Tombs; Monastery (stairs or backdoor).
Days 8–9: Dead Sea rim walks and/or Wadi Mujib Siq (if open).
Day 10: Aqaba Eastern Hills sunset or Wadi Yutum Rim.
Responsible hiking & etiquette
- Stay on signed paths; do not shortcut or scramble on fragile ruins.
- Pack out all waste. Fruit peels and tissues are still litter.
- Dress for sun and culture (shoulders/knees in villages and holy sites).
- Be considerate with animals—do not overload or ride them on steep stair routes.
- Support local communities with licensed guides, transfers, and services.