---
title: "Petra to Wadi Rum Jordan Trail Guide"
url: "https://wowjordan.com/en/petra-to-wadi-rum-jordan-trail/"
markdown_url: "https://wowjordan.com/en/petra-to-wadi-rum-jordan-trail.md"
type: "page"
date_published: "2026-07-22T17:56:29+00:00"
date_modified: "2026-07-22T17:56:34+00:00"
language: "en-US"
renderer_version: "3"
---

# Petra to Wadi Rum Jordan Trail Guide

## Content

**Information checked: 22 July 2026**

The Petra to Wadi Rum hike is Region 7 of the Jordan Trail. The official route covers 91.6 km across five stages, with 2,354 m of ascent and 2,427 m of descent. It leaves Petra through Wadi Sabra, crosses remote wadis, coloured sandstone, sandy plains and narrow canyons, and finishes at the archaeological site of Al-Humeima.

Despite the region name, these five official stages do not finish in Wadi Rum village. They end at Al-Humeima; the following Jordan Trail region continues south through Jabal Kharazah and Al-Shakriya before reaching Wadi Rum. This distinction matters when arranging water, camps and transport. For the complete route structure, see the [Jordan Trail guide](https://wowjordan.com/en/2025/09/10/jordan-trail-guide/). Current regional data is published on the official [Petra to Wadi Rum route page](https://www.jordantrail.org/petra-to-wadi-rum/).

## Petra to Wadi Rum hike: quick facts

- **Official region:** Jordan Trail Region 7
- **Official route:** Petra to Al-Humeima
- **Distance:** 91.6 km
- **Official itinerary:** Five hiking days
- **Total ascent:** 2,354 m
- **Total descent:** 2,427 m
- **Highest point:** 1,032 m
- **Lowest point:** 274 m
- **Overall challenge:** Difficult, remote and largely dependent on wild camping or organised support
- **Main constraints:** Water, navigation, heat exposure, flash-flood risk and limited road access

The figures above describe the official Region 7 itinerary on the verification date. They do not include access walks, detours inside Petra, alternative camps or the additional distance from Al-Humeima to Wadi Rum. Download current route data from the official [Jordan Trail maps and GPS resources](https://www.jordantrail.org/planning-your-trip/maps-gps/) shortly before departure.

## Does the Petra to Wadi Rum section reach Wadi Rum?

Not within the five stages currently listed as Region 7. The final stage ends at Al-Humeima, north of Wadi Rum. The official route then continues through the first stages of Region 8 before reaching Wadi Rum village and later Aqaba.

A traveler booking a “Petra to Wadi Rum trek” should therefore ask for the exact endpoint. Some itineraries may cover only Petra to Al-Humeima, while others may add the stages needed to reach Wadi Rum. Confirm the distance, number of walking days, final pickup point and whether transport from Al-Humeima is included.

## Is this route suitable for you?

This section suits experienced multi-day hikers who can manage consecutive days on rough, sandy and rocky terrain with few services. The route includes difficult navigation, exposed heat, long gaps without food resupply, unreliable natural water and camps that may have no facilities. Mobile coverage can be limited or absent.

It is not a good first unsupported trek. A fit traveler without desert-navigation and remote-camping experience should use a qualified local guide and organised logistical support. For a shorter approach to this part of Jordan, plan Petra and Wadi Rum as separate destinations using the [Petra travel guide](https://wowjordan.com/en/visit-petra/) and [Wadi Rum travel guide](https://wowjordan.com/en/2025/09/25/wadi-rum-jordan-guide/).

## The five official stages

### Day 1: Petra to Gaa’ Mriebed

**Official distance:** 21.3 km
**Estimated walking time:** 6–8 hours, excluding detours
**Official difficulty:** Difficult
**Waymarked:** No

The route begins inside Petra and turns south toward Wadi Sabra. It passes archaeological remains and follows rugged wadi terrain before climbing out toward the Gaa’ Mriebed camping area. The day includes exposed sections, loose footing and a bypass above a dry waterfall that may be uncomfortable for hikers with a fear of heights.

Wadi Sabra carries flash-flood risk. Petra entry must also be arranged correctly before the hike. Confirm current ticket and access requirements rather than relying on an old itinerary, and allow extra time if you plan to visit Petra’s monuments before leaving the main visitor route.

### Day 2: Gaa’ Mriebed to Wadi Al-Saif

**Official distance:** 13.8 km
**Estimated walking time:** 4–5 hours
**Official difficulty:** Moderate overall
**Waymarked:** Yes

This stage moves through open, rocky country and wadi beds toward Wadi Al-Saif. Coloured sandstone, gravel, sand and limited shade define much of the day. The official endpoint is a wild-camping area near a large sandstone cliff and Nabataean-era carvings.

There is no food resupply on the route. Water may be found at natural sources in the wider area, but availability and quality cannot be assumed. Carry enough for the walking day and camp, confirm support arrangements in advance and treat any natural water before use.

### Day 3: Wadi Al-Saif to Wadi Gseib

**Official distance:** 14.8 km
**Estimated walking time:** 3–4.5 hours
**Official difficulty:** Moderate
**Waymarked:** Yes

The route climbs out of Wadi Al-Saif, crosses low passes and descends through remote mountain country toward Wadi Gseib. Much of the ground is sandy or covered with loose gravel. Ancient cliff structures and changing geology add interest, but there are no normal visitor services.

The official guidance identifies pools near the Wadi Gseib campsite, sometimes requiring digging and purification. Treat this as conditional information, not a guaranteed supply. A planned water delivery or support arrangement is safer than depending on surface water.

### Day 4: Wadi Gseib to Wadi Aheimar

**Official distance:** 15.3 km
**Estimated walking time:** 5–6 hours
**Official difficulty:** Moderate
**Waymarked:** Yes

This stage crosses coloured sandstone canyons, open sandy ground and dunes before reaching Wadi Rakiya and Wadi Aheimar. Navigation becomes difficult where canyon branches and open desert tracks create several possible lines. The official guidance recommends a local guide, and hikers using GPS need to monitor the track closely rather than following the most obvious footprint.

No food or water is listed on this stage. Heat exposure, sandy walking and occasional exposed sections increase the effort. Carry the full water requirement from the start and avoid wadis when rain or upstream flooding is possible.

### Day 5: Wadi Aheimar to Al-Humeima

**Official distance:** 26.4 km
**Estimated walking time:** 7–9 hours
**Official difficulty:** Difficult
**Waymarked:** Yes

The final and longest stage follows Wadi Aheimar through remote canyon terrain before continuing toward Abbasiya village and the ruins of Al-Humeima. Its distance, limited services and narrow wadi environment make it one of the most serious days in this region.

The Jordan Trail Association highlights major flash-flood risk in Wadi Aheimar and warns hikers not to take a shortcut toward the ruins because the mapped route avoids unsafe ground and a military area. Water may be available at Ain Aheimar or Abbasiya, but natural sources require treatment and should be confirmed. The Al-Humeima visitor area itself should not be assumed to provide water or services.

## Water and food planning

Water is the central logistical issue on this route. Natural pools and springs can be seasonal, contaminated or difficult to locate. Some stages list no water at all. Build the itinerary around confirmed supplies, adequate carrying capacity and pre-arranged water support rather than optimistic assumptions.

Food resupply is also extremely limited between Petra and the Humeima area. Carry the required meals and emergency reserve, or confirm exactly what a guide or support team provides. Ask whether drinking water, camp water, trail lunches, breakfast, dinner and special dietary needs are included.

## Camping and accommodation

Most nights on the five-stage route involve wild camping or pre-arranged camps. These should not be confused with the serviced tourist camps commonly associated with Wadi Rum. Facilities may be absent, vehicle access varies and the campsite may depend on water and weather conditions.

Before booking, request the name or location of every overnight stop and confirm tents, sleeping equipment, meals, toilets, waste handling, luggage transfer and vehicle support. Wadi Musa offers accommodation before departure, while Wadi Rum camps become relevant only after continuing beyond Al-Humeima or transferring there by road.

## Navigation and guide support

The official route information strongly recommends hiring a local guide because the trail is remote, water is limited and connectivity can disappear. Waymarking also varies: the first stage is officially listed as unmarked, while later stages are listed as marked but still require current GPS data and careful route finding.

Carry the route offline on more than one device, bring backup power and share the itinerary with a reliable contact. A guide should know this specific section, not only Petra or Wadi Rum generally. Confirm who manages navigation, water drops, camp equipment, transport, emergency communication and evacuation.

WowJordan is an independent tourism directory and does not operate the trail or accept responsibility for provider services. Travelers can review the [Jordan Trail Association listing](https://wowjordan.com/en/listing/jordan-trail-association/) and contact tourism providers directly to compare current routes, credentials, inclusions, prices and cancellation terms.

## Transport and access

Wadi Musa is the practical base before the hike, but the remote stage endpoints are not served by convenient public transport. Some camps can be reached only by four-wheel-drive vehicle, while others require walking beyond the nearest track. The endpoint at Al-Humeima is not Wadi Rum, so a separate transfer is needed if you stop there.

Arrange the start, emergency access points and final pickup before departure. Use exact meeting coordinates and local place names rather than saying only “Petra” or “Wadi Rum.” If continuing on foot, the next itinerary must cover the Al-Humeima-to-Wadi-Rum stages before the later route to Aqaba.

## Best time to hike

Spring and autumn generally offer the most practical temperatures, but conditions vary between Petra’s higher ground, Wadi Araba and the exposed southern desert. Summer heat can make long waterless stages dangerous. Winter may bring cold nights, rain and flash floods.

Check forecasts for the full route and upstream catchments, not only Petra or Wadi Rum. Do not enter narrow wadis when rain is forecast or recent rainfall creates uncertainty. Extreme heat, flooding risk or official access advice should override a fixed itinerary.

## What to carry

- Current offline GPS track on two devices
- Enough water capacity for the longest unsupported stage and overnight camp
- Water purification method plus a reserve that does not depend on natural sources
- Food for the planned route and an emergency delay
- Sun protection, warm layers and rain protection appropriate to the forecast
- Supportive footwear for rock, gravel, sand and wadi beds
- Headlamp, power bank and protected emergency power
- First-aid supplies, personal medication and an emergency communication plan
- Petra entry documents and confirmed access arrangements
- Waste bags and equipment for low-impact camping

## Continue along the Jordan Trail

This region follows the [Dana to Petra hike](https://wowjordan.com/en/dana-to-petra-jordan-trail/). After Al-Humeima, the route continues through the southern desert and Wadi Rum as part of the approved [Wadi Rum to Aqaba Jordan Trail guide](https://wowjordan.com/en/wadi-rum-to-aqaba-jordan-trail/).

## Frequently asked questions

### How long is the Petra to Wadi Rum hike?

The official Region 7 route is 91.6 km across five stages. It ends at Al-Humeima rather than Wadi Rum village, so reaching Wadi Rum on foot requires additional stages.

### How many days does Petra to Wadi Rum take?

The Jordan Trail Association lists five hiking days from Petra to Al-Humeima. A longer itinerary is needed to continue to Wadi Rum, and extra time may also be required for Petra sightseeing, transfers or weather delays.

### Does the trail finish at Wadi Rum village?

No. The five stages currently grouped under Region 7 finish at Al-Humeima. Wadi Rum village is reached later on the official southbound trail.

### How difficult is the Petra to Wadi Rum section?

It is a difficult remote trek with long stages, rough and sandy terrain, limited water, wild camping, navigation challenges, heat exposure and flash-flood risk.

### Do I need a guide?

The Jordan Trail Association strongly recommends a local guide because sections are remote, water sources are limited and mobile connectivity may be absent. Unsupported hikers need advanced navigation, camping and water-management experience.

### Is water available along the route?

Some official stage notes identify natural pools, springs or village sources, but availability and quality are not guaranteed. At least one stage lists no water. Confirm supplies and arrange water support before departure.

### Where do hikers sleep?

Most nights involve wild camps or pre-arranged supported camps. These may have no permanent facilities. Confirm every overnight location, water plan and included service with the provider.

### Can beginners hike from Petra to Wadi Rum?

This is not suitable as a first unsupported multi-day hike. A fit beginner with appropriate preparation should consider only a fully supported itinerary led by a guide experienced on this exact route.

### Can I finish at Al-Humeima and transfer to Wadi Rum?

Yes, if private transport is arranged in advance. Confirm the precise pickup location because the archaeological site, New Humeima and the highway access points are not the same place.

**Plan the next step:** Confirm the current route data with the Jordan Trail Association, decide whether your itinerary ends at Al-Humeima or continues to Wadi Rum, and obtain written details for water, camps, transport and emergency support before booking.

## Images

![Information checked: 22 July 2026 The Petra to Wadi Rum hike is Region 7 of the Jordan Trail. The official route covers 91.6 km across five stages, with 2,354 m of ascent and 2,427 m of descent. It leaves Petra through Wadi Sabra, crosses remote wadis, coloured sandstone, sandy plains and narrow canyons, and finishes at the archaeological site of Al-Humeima. Despite the region name, these five official stages do not finish in Wadi Rum village. They end at Al-Humeima; the following Jordan Trail region continues south through Jabal Kharazah and Al-Shakriya before reaching Wadi Rum. This distinction matters when arranging water, camps and transport. For the complete route structure, see the Jordan Trail guide. Current regional data is published on the official Petra to Wadi Rum route page. Petra to Wadi Rum hike: quick facts Official region: Jordan Trail Region 7 Official route: Petra to Al-Humeima Distance: 91.6 km Official itinerary: Five hiking days Total ascent: 2,354 m Total descent: 2,427 m Highest point: 1,032 m Lowest point: 274 m Overall challenge: Difficult, remote and largely dependent on wild camping or organised support Main constraints: Water, navigation, heat exposure, flash-flood risk and limited road access The figures above describe the official Region 7 itinerary on the verification date. They do not include access walks, detours inside Petra, alternative camps or the additional distance from Al-Humeima to Wadi Rum. Download current route data from the official Jordan Trail maps and GPS resources shortly before departure. Does the Petra to Wadi Rum section reach Wadi Rum? Not within the five stages currently listed as Region 7. The final stage ends at Al-Humeima, north of Wadi Rum. The official route then continues through the first stages of Region 8 before reaching Wadi Rum village and later Aqaba. A traveler booking a “Petra to Wadi Rum trek” should therefore ask for the exact endpoint. Some itineraries may cover only Petra to Al-Humeima, while others may add the stages needed to reach Wadi Rum. Confirm the distance, number of walking days, final pickup point and whether transport from Al-Humeima is included. Is this route suitable for you? This section suits experienced multi-day hikers who can manage consecutive days on rough, sandy and rocky terrain with few services. The route includes difficult navigation, exposed heat, long gaps without food resupply, unreliable natural water and camps that may have no facilities. Mobile coverage can be limited or absent. It is not a good first unsupported trek. A fit traveler without desert-navigation and remote-camping experience should use a qualified local guide and organised logistical support. For a shorter approach to this part of Jordan, plan Petra and Wadi Rum as separate destinations using the Petra travel guide and Wadi Rum travel guide. The five official stages Day 1: Petra to Gaa' Mriebed Official distance: 21.3 km Estimated walking time: 6–8 hours, excluding detours Official difficulty: Difficult Waymarked: No The route begins inside Petra and turns south toward Wadi Sabra. It passes archaeological remains and follows rugged wadi terrain before climbing out toward the Gaa' Mriebed camping area. The day includes exposed sections, loose footing and a bypass above a dry waterfall that may be uncomfortable for hikers with a fear of heights. Wadi Sabra carries flash-flood risk. Petra entry must also be arranged correctly before the hike. Confirm current ticket and access requirements rather than relying on an old itinerary, and allow extra time if you plan to visit Petra's monuments before leaving the main visitor route. Day 2: Gaa' Mriebed to Wadi Al-Saif Official distance: 13.8 km Estimated walking time: 4–5 hours Official difficulty: Moderate overall Waymarked: Yes This stage moves through open, rocky country and wadi beds toward Wadi Al-Saif. Coloured sandstone, gravel, sand and limited shade define much of the day. The official endpoint is a wild-camping area near a large sandstone cliff and Nabataean-era carvings. There is no food resupply on the route. Water may be found at natural sources in the wider area, but availability and quality cannot be assumed. Carry enough for the walking day and camp, confirm support arrangements in advance and treat any natural water before use. Day 3: Wadi Al-Saif to Wadi Gseib Official distance: 14.8 km Estimated walking time: 3–4.5 hours Official difficulty: Moderate Waymarked: Yes The route climbs out of Wadi Al-Saif, crosses low passes and descends through remote mountain country toward Wadi Gseib. Much of the ground is sandy or covered with loose gravel. Ancient cliff structures and changing geology add interest, but there are no normal visitor services. The official guidance identifies pools near the Wadi Gseib campsite, sometimes requiring digging and purification. Treat this as conditional information, not a guaranteed supply. A planned water delivery or support arrangement is safer than depending on surface water. Day 4: Wadi Gseib to Wadi Aheimar Official distance: 15.3 km Estimated walking time: 5–6 hours Official difficulty: Moderate Waymarked: Yes This stage crosses coloured sandstone canyons, open sandy ground and dunes before reaching Wadi Rakiya and Wadi Aheimar. Navigation becomes difficult where canyon branches and open desert tracks create several possible lines. The official guidance recommends a local guide, and hikers using GPS need to monitor the track closely rather than following the most obvious footprint. No food or water is listed on this stage. Heat exposure, sandy walking and occasional exposed sections increase the effort. Carry the full water requirement from the start and avoid wadis when rain or upstream flooding is possible. Day 5: Wadi Aheimar to Al-Humeima Official distance: 26.4 km Estimated walking time: 7–9 hours Official difficulty: Difficult Waymarked: Yes The final and longest stage follows Wadi Aheimar through remote canyon terrain before continuing toward Abbasiya village and the ruins of Al-Humeima. Its distance, limited services and narrow wadi environment make it one of the most serious days in this region. The Jordan Trail Association highlights major flash-flood risk in Wadi Aheimar and warns hikers not to take a shortcut toward the ruins because the mapped route avoids unsafe ground and a military area. Water may be available at Ain Aheimar or Abbasiya, but natural sources require treatment and should be confirmed. The Al-Humeima visitor area itself should not be assumed to provide water or services. Water and food planning Water is the central logistical issue on this route. Natural pools and springs can be seasonal, contaminated or difficult to locate. Some stages list no water at all. Build the itinerary around confirmed supplies, adequate carrying capacity and pre-arranged water support rather than optimistic assumptions. Food resupply is also extremely limited between Petra and the Humeima area. Carry the required meals and emergency reserve, or confirm exactly what a guide or support team provides. Ask whether drinking water, camp water, trail lunches, breakfast, dinner and special dietary needs are included. Camping and accommodation Most nights on the five-stage route involve wild camping or pre-arranged camps. These should not be confused with the serviced tourist camps commonly associated with Wadi Rum. Facilities may be absent, vehicle access varies and the campsite may depend on water and weather conditions. Before booking, request the name or location of every overnight stop and confirm tents, sleeping equipment, meals, toilets, waste handling, luggage transfer and vehicle support. Wadi Musa offers accommodation before departure, while Wadi Rum camps become relevant only after continuing beyond Al-Humeima or transferring there by road. Navigation and guide support The official route information strongly recommends hiring a local guide because the trail is remote, water is limited and connectivity can disappear. Waymarking also varies: the first stage is officially listed as unmarked, while later stages are listed as marked but still require current GPS data and careful route finding. Carry the route offline on more than one device, bring backup power and share the itinerary with a reliable contact. A guide should know this specific section, not only Petra or Wadi Rum generally. Confirm who manages navigation, water drops, camp equipment, transport, emergency communication and evacuation. WowJordan is an independent tourism directory and does not operate the trail or accept responsibility for provider services. Travelers can review the Jordan Trail Association listing and contact tourism providers directly to compare current routes, credentials, inclusions, prices and cancellation terms. Transport and access Wadi Musa is the practical base before the hike, but the remote stage endpoints are not served by convenient public transport. Some camps can be reached only by four-wheel-drive vehicle, while others require walking beyond the nearest track. The endpoint at Al-Humeima is not Wadi Rum, so a separate transfer is needed if you stop there. Arrange the start, emergency access points and final pickup before departure. Use exact meeting coordinates and local place names rather than saying only “Petra” or “Wadi Rum.” If continuing on foot, the next itinerary must cover the Al-Humeima-to-Wadi-Rum stages before the later route to Aqaba. Best time to hike Spring and autumn generally offer the most practical temperatures, but conditions vary between Petra's higher ground, Wadi Araba and the exposed southern desert. Summer heat can make long waterless stages dangerous. Winter may bring cold nights, rain and flash floods. Check forecasts for the full route and upstream catchments, not only Petra or Wadi Rum. Do not enter narrow wadis when rain is forecast or recent rainfall creates uncertainty. Extreme heat, flooding risk or official access advice should override a fixed itinerary. What to carry Current offline GPS track on two devices Enough water capacity for the longest unsupported stage and overnight camp Water purification method plus a reserve that does not depend on natural sources Food for the planned route and an emergency delay Sun protection, warm layers and rain protection appropriate to the forecast Supportive footwear for rock, gravel, sand and wadi beds Headlamp, power bank and protected emergency power First-aid supplies, personal medication and an emergency communication plan Petra entry documents and confirmed access arrangements Waste bags and equipment for low-impact camping Continue along the Jordan Trail This region follows the Dana to Petra hike. After Al-Humeima, the route continues through the southern desert and Wadi Rum as part of the approved Wadi Rum to Aqaba Jordan Trail guide. Frequently asked questions How long is the Petra to Wadi Rum hike? The official Region 7 route is 91.6 km across five stages. It ends at Al-Humeima rather than Wadi Rum village, so reaching Wadi Rum on foot requires additional stages. How many days does Petra to Wadi Rum take? The Jordan Trail Association lists five hiking days from Petra to Al-Humeima. A longer itinerary is needed to continue to Wadi Rum, and extra time may also be required for Petra sightseeing, transfers or weather delays. Does the trail finish at Wadi Rum village? No. The five stages currently grouped under Region 7 finish at Al-Humeima. Wadi Rum village is reached later on the official southbound trail. How difficult is the Petra to Wadi Rum section? It is a difficult remote trek with long stages, rough and sandy terrain, limited water, wild camping, navigation challenges, heat exposure and flash-flood risk. Do I need a guide? The Jordan Trail Association strongly recommends a local guide because sections are remote, water sources are limited and mobile connectivity may be absent. Unsupported hikers need advanced navigation, camping and water-management experience. Is water available along the route? Some official stage notes identify natural pools, springs or village sources, but availability and quality are not guaranteed. At least one stage lists no water. Confirm supplies and arrange water support before departure. Where do hikers sleep? Most nights involve wild camps or pre-arranged supported camps. These may have no permanent facilities. Confirm every overnight location, water plan and included service with the provider. Can beginners hike from Petra to Wadi Rum? This is not suitable as a first unsupported multi-day hike. A fit beginner with appropriate preparation should consider only a fully supported itinerary led by a guide experienced on this exact route. Can I finish at Al-Humeima and transfer to Wadi Rum? Yes, if private transport is arranged in advance. Confirm the precise pickup location because the archaeological site, New Humeima and the highway access points are not the same place. Plan the next step: Confirm the current route data with the Jordan Trail Association, decide whether your itinerary ends at Al-Humeima or continues to Wadi Rum, and obtain written details for water, camps, transport and emergency support before booking.](https://wowjordan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/petra-to-wadi-rum-trail.jpg)