Jordan — Madaba
Wadi Mujib Siq Trail, Jordan: A moderate 2.5km wet hike through a dramatic sandstone canyon leading to the Dead Sea. This unique 2-4 hour adventure plunges you into a refreshing river, carving through towering cliffs at the lowest nature reserve on Earth. Prepare for an exhilarating, water-filled exploration unlike any other in the region.
Distance: 2.5 km
Elevation Gain: 30 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2-4 hours
The Wadi Mujib Siq Trail is perhaps the most exhilarating day hike in the Middle East, offering a dramatic departure from the arid, sun-scorched landscapes typically associated with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Located at the lowest nature reserve on Earth, the trail follows the deep chasm of the Mujib River as it cuts through towering sandstone cliffs to reach the Dead Sea. Unlike traditional mountain treks, the Siq Trail is a "wet hike" where participants navigate against the current of a perennial river, wading through pools, scrambling over boulders, and ascending fixed ladders against rushing cascades. It is a sensory explosion of cool water, echoing canyon walls, and the vibrant hues of iron-rich rock. This 2.5-kilometre journey is not merely a walk; it is a physical engagement with the geological forces that have shaped the Jordan Rift Valley over millions of years.
The Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve covers an area of 212 square kilometres, but the Siq Trail is its most famous and accessible artery. The trail begins at the Mujib Adventure centre, situated just off the main Dead Sea Highway. From the moment you descend the metal staircase into the canyon floor, the temperature drops significantly, shielded by the massive sandstone walls that rise up to 50 metres on either side. The "Siq"—a narrow gorge—is a geological marvel, featuring undulating rock patterns in shades of ochre, rose, and deep purple, polished smooth by millennia of seasonal floods.
The experience is defined by the river itself. Depending on the time of year and recent rainfall in the eastern highlands, the water level can range from ankle-deep ripples to chest-high torrents. The trail is self-guided, but the presence of fixed ropes and metal rungs at key obstacles provides a structured path through the chaos of the riverbed. The ultimate goal is a spectacular 20-metre waterfall at the head of the canyon, where the river plunges into a deep pool, creating a natural amphitheatre of mist and sound. Because the trail is an "out-and-back" route, the return journey allows hikers to float with the current, turning the trek into a natural water park experience.
Ecologically, Wadi Mujib is a critical sanctuary. It serves as a stopover for migratory birds travelling between Africa and Europe and provides a habitat for the Syrian wolf, the caracal, and the majestic Nubian ibex. While the Siq Trail is primarily a recreational water route, the surrounding cliffs are home to rare desert flora that clings to the vertical rock faces, sustained by the humidity trapped within the canyon. Walking the Siq Trail is a humbling reminder of the power of water in a desert landscape—a life-giving force that has carved a masterpiece into the bedrock of Jordan.
Wadi Mujib has been a significant geographical and political boundary for thousands of years. In antiquity, it was known as the River Arnon, a formidable barrier mentioned frequently in the Hebrew Bible. It served as the border between the Moabites to the south and the Amorites (and later the tribe of Reuben) to the north. The deep, treacherous nature of the canyon made it a natural defensive line, and various fortresses and watchtowers once dotted the plateaus above to monitor movement through this strategic corridor.
The cultural history of the region is inextricably linked to the Nabataeans, the master hydrologists who built Petra. While their primary capital was further south, the Nabataeans understood the value of the Mujib’s perennial water source. They developed sophisticated systems to manage water in the desert, and evidence of ancient terracing and water management can still be found in the wider biosphere reserve. For the local Bedouin tribes, the wadi has historically provided a vital source of water for livestock and a refuge from the intense summer heat of the Jordan Valley.
In modern times, the protection of this landscape fell to the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), an independent non-governmental organisation devoted to the conservation of Jordan's natural resources. Established as a reserve in 1987, Wadi Mujib became a model for sustainable eco-tourism in the Middle East. The RSCN’s management ensures that the delicate balance between high-volume tourism and environmental preservation is maintained, with entrance fees directly funding the protection of the Nubian ibex and the maintenance of the trail’s safety infrastructure. The Siq Trail today represents a successful marriage of ancient geological wonder and modern conservation ethics.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
The Wadi Mujib Siq Trail is strictly seasonal, typically opening on April 1st and closing on October 31st. These dates are subject to change based on the prevailing weather conditions and water levels. Unlike many trails where rain is merely an inconvenience, in Wadi Mujib, rain is a lethal threat. The canyon drains a massive catchment area in the Jordanian highlands; a storm 50 kilometres away can trigger a flash flood that reaches the Siq in a matter of hours, turning the peaceful stream into a wall of debris and water.
Spring (April to May): This is arguably the best time to visit. The water is refreshing but not bone-chilling, and the surrounding desert is often surprisingly green with short-lived wildflowers. Water levels are generally higher during this period due to the tail-end of the winter rains, making the scrambles more challenging and the waterfalls more thunderous.
Summer (June to August): While the rest of Jordan swelters in temperatures exceeding 40°C, the Siq remains a cool sanctuary. The water provides natural air conditioning. However, this is also the peak tourist season. To avoid the crowds, it is essential to arrive at the Adventure centre as soon as it opens (8:00 AM). The sun is intense at the canyon entrance, so high-factor sunscreen is required for the initial and final sections.
Autumn (September to October): As the summer heat fades, the water levels typically drop, making the trail slightly easier to navigate. The water remains warm from the summer sun. This is a fantastic time for photography, as the light enters the canyon at lower angles, highlighting the textures of the sandstone walls.
Winter (November to March): The trail is closed. Do not attempt to enter the canyon during this time. The risk of flash flooding is extreme, and the RSCN strictly prohibits access for safety reasons. Even if the weather at the Dead Sea looks clear, the highlands may be experiencing heavy rain or snowmelt.
Stage 1: The Descent and Entry
Stage 2: The Lower Siq
Stage 3: The Ropes and Cascades
Stage 4: The Great Waterfall
Stage 5: The Return Float
Important Notes:
The Wadi Mujib Siq Trail requires more physical preparation than a standard walk. You must be comfortable in moving water and have the upper body strength to pull yourself up ropes and ladders. While you do not need to be an Olympic swimmer, the ability to tread water and move confidently while wearing a life jacket is essential. There is no formal booking system for individuals; it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. However, groups of more than 10 should contact the RSCN in advance.
The closest major town is Madaba (approx. 1 hour drive), which serves as an excellent base. Alternatively, many visitors stay at the Dead Sea resorts, which are only 20–30 minutes north of the trailhead. Amman is roughly 90 minutes away. Ensure you arrive early; the trail opens at 8:00 AM and often closes to new entries by 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM to ensure everyone is out before dusk. You must bring a valid form of identification (passport or Jordanian ID) to register at the entrance.
This is a day hike requiring no overnight accommodation on the trail itself. Camping inside the canyon is strictly prohibited due to the extreme danger of flash floods and the narrowness of the gorge.
Nearby Options:
Facilities at the Trailhead:
Access to the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail is regulated by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). You do not need to apply for a permit weeks in advance, but you must register at the Adventure centre upon arrival. The entrance fee is mandatory and contributes directly to the maintenance of the reserve and the salaries of the rangers who ensure hiker safety.
Current Fees (Subject to Change):
Entry Requirements and Restrictions:
The Jordan Pass: Note that the Wadi Mujib entrance fee is not included in the Jordan Pass. You must pay the RSCN fee separately at the visitor centre.
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The Dead Sea region offers a wealth of experiences that complement a morning in the canyon:
Flash Flood Warning: This is the single greatest danger in Wadi Mujib. The canyon is narrow with vertical walls, meaning there is nowhere to climb to safety if the water level rises suddenly. The RSCN monitors weather stations in the highlands constantly. If they tell you the trail is closed or that you must exit immediately, do not argue. Follow instructions instantly. Even a light drizzle in the mountains can cause a catastrophic surge in the Siq.
Water Safety: The current can be deceptively strong, especially near the base of the waterfalls. Always wear your life jacket securely. If you find yourself swept off your feet, flip onto your back, point your feet downstream to ward off rocks, and wait for a calmer section to regain your footing. Never dive into pools; the water depth changes constantly as the river moves sand and boulders.
Slippery Surfaces: The rocks in the riverbed are often covered in a thin layer of algae or silt, making them incredibly slick. Move slowly and deliberately. Use the ropes provided, but test them before putting your full weight on them. Avoid stepping on dark, mossy rocks where possible.
Heat and Hydration: While the water is cool, the physical exertion in a humid canyon can lead to rapid dehydration. Drink plenty of water before you start and carry a bottle with you. Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, and excessive sweating.
Wildlife: While rare, snakes and scorpions exist in the reserve. They generally avoid the high-traffic water areas, but be cautious when reaching into rock crevices or moving large stones. The most common "wildlife" encounter is the small fish that may nibble at your toes when you stand still—they are harmless.
Emergency Services: There is no mobile signal inside the canyon. If an injury occurs, one person should stay with the victim while another heads back to the Adventure centre to alert the rangers. The RSCN has evacuation protocols, but extraction from the deep Siq is difficult and time-consuming.
The Malaqi Trail: For those seeking a longer adventure, the Malaqi Trail is a guided-only route that starts in the upper reaches of the reserve. It involves a long hike through the hills before descending into the river at the confluence of the Mujib and Hidan rivers. It includes a 20-metre abseil (rappelling) down a waterfall and eventually joins the end of the Siq Trail. This requires a full day and a high level of fitness.
The Canyon Geology: Take a moment to look closely at the canyon walls. You are looking at Kurnub Sandstone, which dates back to the Lower Cretaceous period (about 130 million years ago). The distinct bands of colour are caused by different mineral oxides—iron produces the reds and oranges, while manganese creates the purples and blacks. The "honeycomb" weathering patterns (tafoni) on the upper walls are caused by salt crystallisation and wind erosion.
The Ibex Trail: If the Siq is closed or you prefer a dry hike, the Ibex Trail takes you along the ridges above the canyon. It offers spectacular views down into the Siq and is the best place to spot the Nubian ibex, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. This trail is also guided and takes about 3–4 hours.
The Roman Bridge: Near the mouth of the wadi, where it meets the Dead Sea, are the remains of a Roman-era bridge. This was part of the Via Nova Traiana, the great Roman road built by Emperor Trajan to connect the Gulf of Aqaba with southern Syria. It serves as a reminder that this rugged landscape has been a transit corridor for millennia.
The Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve is a fragile ecosystem under increasing pressure from tourism. Because the water flows directly into the Dead Sea—a closed system with no outlet—any pollution introduced in the canyon stays in the region. As a visitor, you have a moral and environmental obligation to protect this unique site.
Leave No Trace Principles for Wadi Mujib:
By following these simple rules, you ensure that the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail remains a pristine adventure for the next generation of explorers. The RSCN works hard to maintain this balance; please support their efforts through your actions.
