Jordan — Wadi Musa
Hike Jordan's rugged Levantine landscape on the 80km Trek to Petra. This demanding 4-5 day route traverses the Dana Biosphere Reserve, crossing high mountain ridges, expansive desert plateaus, and deep sandstone canyons. Culminate at Petra's magnificent "backdoor" entrance, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A truly varied wilderness walk.
Distance: 80.0 km
Elevation Gain: 2500 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 4-5 days
The Trek to Petra, often cited as one of the world's best hikes by National Geographic, is a profound journey through the heart of Jordan’s rugged Levantine landscape. Spanning approximately 80 kilometres, this multi-day expedition traverses the diverse terrain of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, crossing high mountain ridges, expansive desert plateaus, and deep sandstone canyons before culminating at the magnificent "backdoor" entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra. Unlike the standard tourist approach through the main Siq, this trek offers a slow-motion immersion into the silence of the desert, the hospitality of the Bedouin people, and the geological wonders of the Rift Valley. It is a journey that connects the ancient stone village of Dana to the rock-cut majesty of the Nabatean capital, providing a historical and physical context that no bus tour can replicate.
The Trek to Petra is the most iconic section of the 675-kilometre Jordan Trail, a long-distance route that spans the length of the country. This specific four-to-five-day segment is celebrated for its dramatic ecological transitions. Walkers begin in the Mediterranean-like climate of the Dana Village, perched on the edge of a precipice, and descend through four distinct bio-geographical zones: Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, Saharo-Arabian, and Sudanian. Within a single day’s walk, the flora can shift from evergreen oaks and juniper trees to the hardy acacias of the desert floor. The landscape is a masterclass in geology, showcasing Precambrian granite basements topped by layers of vibrant Cambrian and Ordovician sandstone, carved into fantastic shapes by millennia of wind and rare, torrential rain.
The physical challenge of the trek is significant. While the first day is largely a descent, subsequent days involve demanding ascents over mountain passes and long stretches across exposed, sun-baked plateaus. The path is often indistinct, following ancient shepherd tracks and dry wadi beds (river valleys). This is not a manicured trail; it is a wilderness experience that requires a steady foot and a keen eye for the landscape. The reward for this exertion is a profound sense of isolation. For much of the journey, the only other living souls you may encounter are Bedouin herders tending to their goats or camels, often inviting weary travellers for a glass of sweet sage tea over a small brushwood fire.
The climax of the trek is the approach to Petra via the "Backdoor." While most visitors enter the ancient city through the narrow, shaded Siq to see the Treasury, hikers on this route arrive at the Monastery (Ad Deir)—Petra’s largest and most imposing monument—from the high mountains to the north. Emerging from a narrow mountain trail to see the 45-metre-high facade carved into the golden rock is one of the most spectacular reveals in global trekking. This approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of Petra not just as a collection of monuments, but as a strategic mountain stronghold and a hub of ancient global trade.
The path between Dana and Petra follows segments of the ancient Incense Route, a network of trade paths that once connected the Mediterranean world with eastern and southern sources of incense, spices, myrrh, and silk. The Nabateans, a nomadic Arab people who settled in the area over 2,000 years ago, became masters of this desert landscape. They were not only skilled traders but also brilliant hydraulic engineers, developing sophisticated systems of dams, cisterns, and terracotta pipes to harvest every drop of water in an arid environment. Their capital, Petra, was a cosmopolitan centre where Hellenistic architecture blended with Eastern traditions, all carved directly into the living rock.
The Dana Biosphere Reserve, where the trek begins, has its own deep history. The village of Dana has been inhabited since the 15th century, with its stone houses built into the mountainside overlooking the Wadi Dana. In the 1980s, the village was nearly abandoned as residents moved to more modern settlements with better infrastructure. However, a concerted effort by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) helped revitalise the village through eco-tourism, making it a model for sustainable development in the Middle East. Walking through Dana today is like stepping back in time, with its terraced gardens and traditional stone masonry preserved against the backdrop of the Great Rift Valley.
Throughout the trek, the presence of the Bedouin people provides a living link to the past. The tribes of the region, such as the Al-Ammarin and the Al-Bedoul, have navigated these mountains for centuries. Their culture is defined by "Diyafa" (hospitality), a code of conduct born from the necessity of survival in the desert. Even today, the Bedouin maintain a deep knowledge of the land, from the medicinal uses of desert plants to the location of hidden springs. Engaging with this culture—whether through a shared meal or a night spent in a goat-hair tent—is as much a part of the Trek to Petra as the physical act of walking.
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Timing is critical for the Trek to Petra. Jordan’s desert climate is one of extremes, and attempting this walk in the wrong season can be dangerous. The primary windows for trekking are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).
Spring (March–May): This is arguably the most beautiful time to hike. After the winter rains, the desert undergoes a brief but spectacular transformation. The Dana Biosphere Reserve bursts into colour with wildflowers, including the rare Black Iris (Jordan’s national flower). The temperatures are generally mild, ranging from 15°C to 25°C during the day, though nights can still be crisp. However, spring can also bring the "Khamsin," a hot, dusty wind from the south that can reduce visibility and cause temperatures to spike suddenly.
Autumn (September–November): As the summer heat fades, the trekking season reopens. The air is often clearer than in spring, providing vast views across the Rift Valley toward Israel and Palestine. The landscape is much drier and more "classic desert" in appearance. Temperatures are similar to spring, but the days are shorter, requiring more disciplined pacing to reach camp before sunset.
Winter (December–February): While trekking is possible, it is not recommended for the average walker. The mountains around Dana and Petra can experience snow, and the wadis are prone to sudden, lethal flash floods. Rain in the highlands can turn a dry riverbed into a raging torrent kilometres away in minutes. Temperatures at night frequently drop below freezing.
Summer (June–August): Trekking during the height of summer is strongly discouraged. Temperatures regularly exceed 40°C, and there is virtually no shade on the long plateaus. The risk of heatstroke and severe dehydration is extremely high, and many local guides refuse to lead trips during these months.
Day 1: Dana Village to Wadi Malaga
Day 2: Wadi Malaga to Ras Al-Faid
Day 3: Ras Al-Faid to Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Day 4: Little Petra to Petra (The Monastery)
Day 5: Exploring Petra and Departure
Important Notes:
The Trek to Petra is a serious undertaking that requires physical and logistical preparation. Walkers should be in good cardiovascular health and comfortable walking 20+ kilometres a day on uneven, rocky terrain. Training should include hill climbs and walking with a weighted pack. Logistically, the trek is best organised from Amman or Wadi Musa. Most hikers take a JETT bus or private taxi from Amman to Wadi Musa, and then arrange a transfer to the starting point in Dana Village. It is essential to coordinate your arrival in Dana with your accommodation or guide. Because the trail is remote, many hikers choose to hire a local guide through the Jordan Trail Association or a reputable tour operator. A guide not only assists with navigation but also organises logistics like water drops, food, and camping equipment, which are difficult to manage independently.
Accommodation on the Trek to Petra ranges from eco-lodges to wild camping under the stars. There are no formal mountain huts like those found in the Alps or New Zealand.
Accommodation Options:
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What's NOT Provided:
There is no specific "trekking permit" required to walk the Jordan Trail or the Trek to Petra. However, you must pay entry fees for the protected areas you pass through and for the final destination of Petra itself.
Jordan Pass: The most cost-effective way to handle permits is to purchase the Jordan Pass before arrival. This pass waives the visa entry fee (if staying at least three nights) and includes entry to over 40 attractions, including Petra.
Dana Biosphere Reserve Fee: There is a small entrance fee for the Dana Biosphere Reserve (approx. 7–10 JOD), which supports the conservation efforts of the RSCN. This is usually paid at the Dana Guest House or included in your lodge booking.
Petra Entry: If you do not have a Jordan Pass, a standard 1-day ticket to Petra costs 50 JOD. Note that you must enter through the main gate in Wadi Musa to "activate" your ticket before you can legally enter through the "Backdoor" from Little Petra. If you are trekking with a licensed guide, they can often facilitate this process or ensure you have the correct documentation to enter from the north.
Precisely traced GPX for the Trek To Petra, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
Jordan is a compact country with a wealth of historical and natural sites. Consider these additions to your itinerary:
Heat and Hydration: The single greatest risk on the Trek to Petra is heat exhaustion and dehydration. There is very little shade, and the sun is intense. You must drink consistently, even if you do not feel thirsty. Adding electrolytes to your water is essential to replace salts lost through sweat. Aim to start your walking days as early as possible (at sunrise) to complete the bulk of the distance before the midday heat.
Flash Floods: While Jordan is an arid country, winter and early spring can bring sudden, violent rainstorms. These storms can cause flash floods in the wadis. If the sky looks dark upstream or if rain is forecast, avoid camping or walking in narrow canyon floors. Always seek high ground if you hear a distant roaring sound.
Navigation: The trail is not marked with consistent signage. It is very easy to take a wrong turn into a side wadi or follow a goat track that leads to a cliff edge. Using a GPS with a reliable topo map is mandatory for independent hikers. If you are not experienced in desert navigation, hiring a local Bedouin guide is the safest and most rewarding option.
Wildlife: While rare, scorpions and vipers (such as the Arabian Horned Viper) exist in the desert. Always shake out your boots in the morning and avoid sticking your hands into dark rock crevices. Most desert animals are nocturnal and will avoid humans if given the chance.
Emergency Services: Mobile phone coverage is non-existent in the deep canyons. If trekking independently, carrying a satellite messenger (like a Garmin inReach) is highly recommended. In case of emergency, the Jordan Trail Association and local police can coordinate rescues, but response times can be long due to the remote terrain.
The Monastery (Ad Deir): While this is the "finish line" of the trek, it deserves significant time. Carved in the mid-1st century AD, it is larger than the famous Treasury. The courtyard in front of it offers a perfect place to rest, and several nearby viewpoints provide vistas all the way to the Wadi Araba.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid): Often overlooked by tourists, this site contains some of the only surviving Nabatean wall paintings. The "Painted House" features intricate frescoes of birds, grapes, and flowers, giving a rare glimpse into the interior aesthetics of the Nabateans.
Feynan Copper Mines: On Day 1, you will pass through an area littered with black slag. These are the remains of ancient copper smelting operations. The mines here were some of the largest in the Roman Empire, and the scale of the industrial waste is a testament to the region's ancient economic importance.
Jabal Haroun (Aaron’s Tomb): A significant detour from the main trail near Petra leads to the white-domed mosque atop Jordan’s highest peak in the area. It is believed to be the burial place of Aaron, the brother of Moses. The climb is strenuous but offers the most comprehensive view of the entire Petra archaeological park.
The desert ecosystem is surprisingly fragile. Footprints and tyre tracks can remain visible for years, and the lack of moisture means that organic waste decomposes very slowly. As the Trek to Petra grows in popularity, it is vital that every hiker adheres to strict Leave No Trace principles to preserve the wilderness for the Bedouin communities and future trekkers.
Desert Ethics:
