Comprehensive Hiking Guide to the Jordan Trail

Situated between Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria, Jordan boasts a wealth of cultural heritage, breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and stunning desert landscapes. The Jordan Trail, established in 2015, stretches approximately 400 miles from Umm Qais in the northern hills to the southern coastal city of Aqaba. This remarkable route passes through iconic destinations such as the expansive desert of Wadi Rum and the ancient rock-carved city of Petra. Completing the entire trail takes about 40 days, though it is divided into eight sections to accommodate shorter hikes with options for wild camping stays. The trek presents a rewarding challenge with its steep climbs, elevations reaching up to 3,280 feet, and vast distances under the desert sun.

As you step into this epic trail, you’ll be surrounded by the abundance of oak trees, and farmland that set against the desert landscape. Beginning from the border with Israel and Syria, this section immediately immerses you into the green slopes of the Mediterranean, ancient olive groves, small houses, and goats with long ears. Along the way, you’ll find other fascinating historical sites including Pella – the first Roman city in Jordan, the Byzantine Monastery of Tel Mar Elias, and the view of the majestic Ajloun Castle – a fortress built by the nephew of the great Sultan Saladin.

This part departs from the grey stone towers of Ajloun Castle and winds through fragrant pine trees, across rolling farmlands, and through quiet roads to the King Talal Dam. Next, you’re on your way upwards past the refreshing mist of Rmemeen waterfall and then into an impressive Rmemeen village where you may spend a night on the grounds of mind-blowing churches. Explore the exotic feeling of this mixed Christian and Muslim town and spend some time in the lovely church with an appealing garden full of wildflowers and waving in open fields.

The general scenery shifts as soon as you leave As-Salt with distinguished desert colors. On the way, make a stop at the impressive Qasr al-Abd palace that was constructed 2,300 years ago by a noble Jewish family and slide down King Hussein’s Rally Road – a complex of serpentine roads built in honor of the king’s passion for automobiles. The trail takes you through the green valleys and Bedouin territories through fresh streams as you approach Wadi Zarqa Ma’in and Wadi Wala and the shining water of the Dead Sea.

This section offers hikers a taste of the region’s three remarkable wadis—Hidan, Mujib, and El Tawahin. The terrain, resembling a lunar landscape, is dotted with hardy plants and frequented by wandering goats. Listen to the crunch of gravel beneath your feet as the shifting interplay of clouds and sunlight paints mesmerizing patterns on the canyon's crevices and curves. Refresh yourself in the rushing stream of Wadi Mujib, which plunges 2,600 feet deep, before unwinding with a night of wild camping under starry skies. Don’t miss the area's archaeological treasures, such as the Crusader-built Al-Karak Castle and the Majdaline ruins, with their elegant stone arches perched on a hill overlooking Karak—marking the grand finale of this captivating fourth section.

Leaving behind the lively town of Al-Karak, this part of the hike takes you across vast, hot, grave trails moving around deserted hills and ruined villages. You will see olive trees, tall limestone cliffs, and the colorful views of Wadi Numeira as you approach Dana. The last stop is the Dana Biosphere Reserve – one of the greatest assets of Jordan – rich in exceptional fauna and flora as well as picturesque landforms.

At this point, hikers may feel a little worn out; however, their spirits will soar as you proceed to one of the most captivating trails stretches. As you depart Dana, you will experience a sudden dramatic shift in scenery, to winding ochre-hued valleys from lush farmland. This section leads visitors to the legendary Petra city of the Nabateans, which was built from pink sandstone 2300 years ago. Visit Little Petra and follow the path through the back entrance of Petra, tracing the historic route once traveled by ancient spice caravans.

The journey from the ornate, carved facades of Petra to the vast, untamed desert expanse of Wadi Rum is truly remarkable. Hikers traverse a rugged, Biblical landscape, navigating narrow paths that cling to rocky hillsides while finding occasional shade beneath overhanging ledges. The route winds through the dusty plains of Wadi Sabra, the vivid mineral-streaked walls of the striking "Colored Canyon," the curvaceous cliffs of Wadi Aheimar, and the ancient Nabatean trading post of Humeima, distinguished by its graceful stone arches.

The last part of the Jordan Trail leads to the Wadi Rum, which can be translated as a Valley of The Moon – the UNESCO site famous for its stunning desert scenery. Through this route, you can go through rock arches, petroglyphs, and colorful Bedouin houses on your way to Aqaba. This is a great way to end a trip that has taken you through deserts, valleys, and ancient cities.

Conclusively, hiking the Jordan Trail and passing through the forests, green hills, ruins, and modern villages is a treat for nature lovers. Not only does this trail serve as a great recreational time for family and friends, but also allows you to truly appreciate God’s beauty.