---
title: "Hiking Trail Jordan"
url: "https://wowjordan.com/en/hiking-in-jordan-2026-trail-guide/"
markdown_url: "https://wowjordan.com/en/hiking-in-jordan-2026-trail-guide.md"
type: "page"
date_published: "2025-11-03T09:44:11+00:00"
date_modified: "2026-06-30T20:00:11+00:00"
language: "en-US"
renderer_version: "3"
---

# Hiking Trail Jordan

## Content

# 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/**. 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](https://wowjordan.com/en/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.**

.

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](https://wowjordan.com/en/visit-petra/) 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.

## Images

![hikings and trails in jordan jordan hiking guide jordan trails best hikes in jordan](https://wowjordan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/import-1571.jpg)