Hiking in Jordan: Top 5 Hiking Trails
Jordan is finally getting the attention it rightfully deserves as a top-class tourist destination. These days the country’s desert landscapes, sweeping canyons, beautiful beach resorts, and iconic historical sites attract numerous tourists worldwide. If you plan to book a trip to Jordan, then hiking in Jordan should be at the top of your bucket list. There is no other way to get a closer and more immersive touring experience of the country. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Jordan that highlight the country’s scenic wonder, natural beauty, and historical monuments.
- Anna Stinauer
1. Wadi Mujib Canyon Trail
The Wadi Mujib trail promises many adventures. This trail combines hiking, canyoning, and swimming activities. A section of the trail takes you through the Wadi Mujib river. Prepare to be amazed by breathtaking canyon views in the hot and arid desert setting and cool off in the river.
There is no more excellent backdrop for Instagram photos than the sandstone gorge produced at the point where the waters from Wadi Mujib pour into the Dead Sea. As some sections of the trail involve getting into the water, remember to bring a dry bag for your valuables or store them in a locker before your hike.
Best time to hike: April to October is the peak hiking season in Wadi Mujib. The trail is closed during the winter (December to early March).
2. Dana to Petra
Dana to Petra is one of the best hikes in the world for a good reason. On this trail, you will pass through many of Jordan’s most famous historical sites, picture-perfect landscapes, and the ancient city of Petra.
Dana is home to four distinct biogeographical zones and many globally threatened species, such as the Nubian Ibex, Syrian Serin, and Blanford's Fox. If you are lucky, you could catch sight of one of these creatures on this hike. This hike will also take you to the Dana Reserve and Feynan Ecolodge. You will be amazed at how much green the desert country possesses.
Best time to hike: Spring (March and April) or fall (September to November) is the best season to embark on the Dana to Petra hike. The summer heat can be unbearable, and there is no river cooling off on this trail.
3. Little Petra to Petra
The little Petra to Petra hike offers a quiet entrance into Petra, away from mule handlers, souvenir sellers, and gawking onlookers. This trail is perfect for beginner to intermediate hikers. The path is flat for the most part and gets slightly steep toward the end. As you journey through Little Petra, you will be awed by the beautiful mosaics and carvings on the ancient caves while appreciating the remains of settlements created in ages past.
You will also coast past Bedouin tents and herds of goats and camels, and there will be enough time to interact with the locals. The trail ends through a mountain pass in Petra that takes you into the awe-inspiring Monastery within a confined canyon.
Best time to hike: Spring (March and April) or fall (September to November) is the best season to embark on the Little Petra to Petra hike.
4. Dana Trail
This relatively easy 16 kilometer-trail starts in Dana’s dreamy Ottoman village and stops at the amazingly green Feynan Ecolodge. It is easily one of the most scenic routes in Jordan. This trial boasts the beauty and diversity of the ecosystem, as well as the countless species of plants, mammals, and birds in the Dana Biosphere Reserve.
Although the trail is unmarked, most tourists cope well without a guide, as there is only a single path through the gorge.
Best time to hike: March through November is the best period to hike the Dana Trail.
5. The Jordan Trail
This is the king of all Jordan trails, covering the entire length of Jordan, from Um Qais in the north to the Southern beauty of Aqaba. With more than 675-kilometer trail and 75 villages and towns to conquer, the hike typically takes more than 40 days and is reserved for the bravest and most daring.
You will be amazed by the richness of the desert landscapes, including picture-perfect views in Wadi Mujib, archeological wonders in Petra, Bedouin hospitality when you visit Wadi Rum, historical remains in Jerash, and the Dead Sea. There is no better way to immerse yourself in Jordan's gorgeous culture and friendly people than to embark on this challenging but rewarding hike.
Best time to hike: Spring (March and April) and Autumn (October and November) are the best times to hike the Jordan Trail. The summer (May to September) is too hot for such a challenging adventure.
Hiking in Jordan is one of the best things you will ever experience. If you yearn for adventure, then Jordan is a place worth visiting. Besides hiking, there are plenty of activities to do in Jordan. Plan a customized trip to Jordan to take in the adventure and beauty of the country.
