DeirdreThe Jordan Trail is a multi-day hike spanning the entire length of Jordan. The trail begins in the northern area of Un Qais and ends in the south near the Red Sea. This 40 day trek through deserts, mountains, canyons and valleys is regarded as one of the best long distance hikes in the world.
Of the 675km of trails, the most popular can be divided into 3-5 days, starting at the Dana Reserve and ending at Little Petra. This complete hiking guide will cover the logistics and trail along the three day journey.
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Best Time to Hike the Jordan Trail
It is possible to complete the Jordan Trail year round. That being said, the summer months can reach up to temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius and most of the trail provides little to no shade from the harsh elements.
I visited in mid- September and found the temperatures were mostly tolerable except for my second day of hiking.
The very best time of year to hike around Jordan is in the early spring (March-May) or late autumn (October-November) when the temperatures are less intense and the nighttime temperatures are mild. Day time temperatures can be a comfortable 15-20 degrees Celsius, which is perfect for hiking.
Practical Information
Where: Dana Biosphere Reserve to Little Petra
When to Visit: March-May or October-November
How Many Days: 3 days
Type of Hike: Point to point, going north to south
Washroom Facilities on Route: None
Accommodations: Wild camping. There is a lodge available on the first day nearby
Fitness Level: Moderate/Hard (Weather dependent)
Permits: None required
Trail Markers: None
Independent Hiking or Guided Tour
Hiking the Jordan Trail can be completed both independently or arranged with a tour company. This three day trek is incredibly isolated, has a high degree of elevation gain, extreme temperatures, unmarked trails, and little to no services along the way. Proper and thorough planning is essential for a successful hike and your safety.
I chose to take a guided solo tour with Jordan Beauty. This local Bedouin company assisted me with the logistics for the duration of the trek. Transportation to and from the trailhead was provided, as well as meals/water along the way and a wonderful guide. The jeep would meet my guide and I every night at the campsite, with a hot meal and our extra luggage.
Essential Hiking Gear
The trail conditions throughout this trek are tough. The rocky terrain and relentless sun make for a sometimes uncomfortable experience. Having the proper gear is essential in not only your comfort, but your safety as well.
- Ankle supported hiking shoes/boots. I wore my regular hiking shoes and found they did not provide enough support on the rocky terrain, causing my toe nails to bruise.
- At least 3L of water per day (during the warmer days)
- Sunscreen and hat
- Hiking poles or stick- helps with higher elevation days and descents on dry gravel
- Lots of food with moisture
- GPS or map
- Extra layers at night for camping
- First aid kit
- Power bank for electronics
- Positive attitude
Trailhead Information
The trailhead for this trek begins in the Dana Biosphere Reserve. The 350km2 reserve is home to many climatic zones, including Mediterranean and Sahara. Various animals including the Syrian wolf and sand cat can be found in the protected area.
The reserve is located 2.5 hours south from the capital city of Amman. Public transit does not frequent the area, so hiring a driver, taxi or joining an organized tour is the best way to get there.
Accommodations in The Village of Dana and on Route
If you don’t plan on making the 2.5 hour drive from Amman on the first day (or want a shorter trek), staying overnight in Dana Village is a possible option. This village sits on top pf the mountain, overlooking the reserve.
Eco lodges in Dana Village
Dana Village Camp- Wadi Dana Eco Camp
Al Nawatef Camp ECO camp Dana Nature Reserve
Throughout the trek there is only one full service lodge available: The Feynan Lodge. This eco lodge is tucked on the outskirts of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, approximately a 16km walk from the Dana Village.
Wild camping is the best option (and sometimes only option) for this three day trek. Camping is not permitted in the reserve but is allowed everywhere else. Most camp sites are located close to service roads for easy access.
Disclosure: Trail maps are used as estimates. Guides often like to venture slightly off path to get a more authentic experience or take short cuts, depending on the fitness level of the person.
Stage One
- Route: Hiking through the Dana Biosphere Reserve
- Trail Map
- Distance: 18km
- Difficulty: Easy
The start of the hike begins at the Dana Village. As you descend the gravel path, passing between the canyon in the valley, views of the desert in the horizon comes into view.
There are plenty of areas to stop off and enjoy some lunch, tea or shade. This stage of the hike is pretty straightforward and easy. While the path is narrow, the route is clearly defined, despite having no trail markers. Being deep in the valley, the temperatures are more tolerable.
Don’t be surprised to find goats roaming freely around the area. They followed my guide and I for an hour, seeking shade amongst the trees and eating berries on the ground.
After 16km, the trail will pass by the Feynan Ecolodge. As mentioned before, most travellers decide to end their hike and take shelter here. My guide and I continued along the path and headed another 3km towards our camp site. The route took us past a local school and ancient roman ruins.
Stage Two
- Route: Wadi Dana to Ras Al Freid
- Trail Map 1 /Trail Map 2
- Distance: 25km
- Difficulty: Hard
Leaving the camp, the path will lead deep into the hot, rocky desert. By far I found this to be the most challenging day. With the exception of two individual trees, there was no protection from the sun.
Some tour groups split this stage into 2 days, as the heat and elevation can be extreme. I was short on time and opted to hike the whole thing in one day.
Heading south into the desert along the 4X4 road, the path will walk alongside Wadi Abu Hamdtha and Wadi Al-Jilf. Before long, the path will turn left and start climbing up the impressive mountains to the east.
This road weaves up and around the mountains, climbing endlessly higher and higher. The views are spectacular but it’s quite the challenge, especially in the heat.
Stage Three
- Route: Ras Al Freid to Little Petra
- Trail Map
- Distance: 18km
- Difficulty: Moderate
Leaving the campsite, leave the impressive mountains for more plateaus and rocky terrain. The trail will journey through barren landscapes (with plenty of shade coverage) before climbing up a small ridge with amazing views.
This portion of the trail passes by more Bedouin camps and farms and has a more arid climate. My guide deviated off path and few times, leading me into dried river beds and canyons.
More ancient ruins can be seen as the path continues along towards Little Petra. After weaving along narrow cliff paths, the trail widens and the scenery changes once again. Bigger sandstone boulders scatter across the lands, with the red undertones commonly found in Jordan.
My guide and I continued along the path until we reached the outskirts of Little Petra, where our jeep was waiting for us and the end of the hike.
Little Petra is significantly smaller than Petra and far less congested. The atmosphere was more peaceful and the sites were beautiful to see.
Where to Stay Near Petra
The hike ends in the small town of Wadi Musa. This is where the famous city of Petra is located and the gateway for other excursions like Wadi Rum.
If you want to continue your stay in Wadi Musa, there are several accommodations that to choose from:
Further Exploring in Jordan
If you have extra time, don’t forget to check out some of the other beautiful places around Jordan
Petra
With plenty of hiking opportunities, this UNESCO World Heritage site is by far the most popular area in Jordan. Read about hiking to the monastery.
Wadi Rum
The red sands of Wadi Rum have made themselves known all around the world. With endless trails to choose from, one could literally get lost. Opt for a jeep tour or stay at a local Bedouin Camp.
The Dead Sea
Float in the saltiest body of water! It’s a unique experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
What a fascinating trail! I love the idea of doing another multiday hike (I have just once before) – your advice about the temperature is super useful. I don’t think I’d cope with the super hot days.
Hats off to you for attempting this trail. I just do not have the patience and energy.
Pretty sure I would love this hike if only I didn’t have to camp! I am sooooo not a camper. Hiker yes. Camper no.
I love hiking and wanted to travel to Jordan since forever – this is perfect!! thanks for sharing, I’ll definitely come back to this once I plan my trip!
WHOA! It never occurred to me that you could hike through the whole country of Jordan – what fun! I may have just found a new bucket list item, as I’m sure that this is an incredible way to discover the best places. Appreciate the tip about the proper boots – bruised toes are NO FUN.
This is exactly the type of adventure I love! Thank you for writing it in detail. I’ve saved this to use when I travel to Jordan!
The rock formations are already amazing, but to see the carved columns….is just mind blowing.
Beautiful this post is really helpful, I never realised Jordan was a place where 1 could hike!
My mouth feels dry just looking at how arid the desert and rock is haha! I can’t believe that it’s 40 days in its entirety – wow!! I think the 3 day option would suit me better haha. Looks like a super cool hike with some interesting rock formations!
Thanks for this guide on such an amazing hike. I’ve wanted to visit Jordan for a long time. I had no idea that there was something like Little Petra, but I always love going off the beaten path and seeing a less touristy version of the well-known site looks just perfect! Sounds very brave to do this hike without a guide, so I guess I’d stick to your recommendation for a guide. I’m definitely adding this hike to my bucket list when I visit Jordan.
Wow! Ive been to Jordan and always considered doing this Jordan Trail hike as I heard a lot of great things about it. Love your guide. I, too, would prefer a guided solo tour. Definitely something to consider in my future. Pinned!
Oooo I love Jordan and really want to go back to visit the Dana Reserve. This hike looks amazing! I’d be tempted to try it independently but given the conditions you describe a guide is probably a better idea.
Woooah the whole 40 day trail sounds like a bit too long for me, but this 3 day adventure sounds amaaazing. It must have been so strange to hike through those orange/brown landscapes when you are used to the greenery in Canada! And what a treat to finish at little Petra!!
(p.s. I am not sure if you’re interested, but there is a fantastic podcast about the fall of the Nabataeans – I have a feeling you might enjoy it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSfFq02pK4s)
Yes it was a nice change of scenery for a few days. All three days were slightly different in their own way. Never a dull moment
Thank you for sharing the podcast! That was so cool!
It takes me a while to listen to them (I listen before bed and fall asleep to them!), but each of those episodes are great if you like travel and history.
Man, this hike looks tough, all exposed areas and very hot in most months I’d assume. But after reading your guide I regret not trying to hike while in Petra. It certainly does look amazing and manageable with proper planning. And those views!
Wow this is such a great trail! I think 3 days would be the perfect length!
Wow! I love hiking, and even as a seasoned hiker this hike looks to be grueling being out in the open and exposed to the elements in this terrain. I’ve always wanted to visit Petra – and this would be an epic way to experience it – so thank you for all this info and your advice on Little Petra. 🙂
I have not been to Jordan yet, but will get there someday. This hike of Jordan trail looks great and it may be better to go during the colder seasons. Beautiful colors of the landscape – orange and brown. 🙂
Hiking the Jordan Trail looks like so much, this is definitely one my to-do list! Thank you so much I am going to save this for later.
That is quite an impressive hike! But the views make it completely worth it. What an adventure!
What a trail! But it must have been so enriching! I always find that you get to see and experience more on foot than simply hopping on a vehicle there! Kudos on completing this impressive feat!