The best hikes in Jordan in 2026 are the 675 km Jordan Trail from Umm Qais to Aqaba, the four-day Dana to Petra trek, the desert routes of Wadi Rum, and Jebel Umm ad Dami, the country's highest peak at 1,854 m. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the only comfortable seasons, as summer desert heat exceeds 40 degrees Celsius.
What are the best hikes in Jordan in 2026?
Jordan packs an astonishing variety of walking into a small country: forested northern hills, the Dead Sea rift at 400 m below sea level, sandstone canyons and the Mars-red desert of Wadi Rum. The undisputed centrepiece is the Jordan Trail, a 675 km national route that strings the whole country together. The highlights below work as standalone trips or as sections of that thru-hike. Every one is best walked in spring or autumn, when daytime temperatures sit between 18 and 28 degrees Celsius rather than the summer's punishing 40-plus.
| Hike | Length | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan Trail (full) | 675 km / 36 days | Whole-country traverse |
| Dana to Petra | 80 km / 4 days | Best section, ends at Petra |
| Wadi Rum loops | 15–40 km | Desert and sandstone |
| Jebel Umm ad Dami | 8 km RT | Highest peak, 1,854 m |
| Wadi Mujib Siq | 4 km | Canyon water trail |
The Jordan Trail — a 675 km national thru-hike
The Jordan Trail runs 675 km from Umm Qais in the green north to the Red Sea at Aqaba, taking around 36 days to walk end to end. It crosses 52 villages and drops from highlands above 1,000 m to the Dead Sea rift before climbing back to the Wadi Rum desert. Few hikers complete the whole thing; most pick the showcase sections. Managed by the Jordan Trail Association, it is waymarked and increasingly supported by village homestays, making it one of the most rewarding long-distance walks in the Middle East. A ventilated 50–65 litre pack such as the Osprey Aether 65 suits the multi-week, water-carrying nature of a full traverse.
Dana to Petra — the four-day showcase
If you have one week in Jordan, walk the Dana to Petra section. This 80 km, four-day trek descends from the Dana Biosphere Reserve through canyons and Bedouin country and arrives at Petra from the wild back route, reaching the Monastery before the tour buses. It is the most celebrated walking in the country, combining geology, history and solitude. Water is scarce, so a high-capacity pack like the Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10 lets you carry the litres you need between sources. Petra itself remains Jordan's premier draw, a UNESCO World Heritage Nabataean city carved into rose sandstone.
Wadi Rum and Jebel Umm ad Dami
Wadi Rum is Jordan's protected desert wilderness, a landscape of sandstone towers and red dunes that has stood in for Mars in several films. Day hikes and multi-day Bedouin-guided routes wind between rock bridges and Nabataean inscriptions; most visitors combine walking with a night in a desert camp. South of Wadi Rum, Jebel Umm ad Dami is the country's highest summit at 1,854 m, a straightforward 8 km round-trip scramble with views into Saudi Arabia on a clear day. Heat and sun are the dominant hazards, so a light, breathable 35–45 litre pack such as the Fjällräven Abisko Hike 35 keeps day loads manageable. Local Bedouin guides are required for most Wadi Rum routes and add safety in the trackless terrain.
How do you plan a hiking trip to Jordan?
Three practicalities shape any Jordan hike. First, season: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the only comfortable windows, with wildflowers in spring and stable warm days in autumn. Second, water: most desert sections have no reliable sources, so you cache water or carry several litres. Third, guides and permits: Wadi Rum and parts of the Jordan Trail are best walked with Bedouin guides, and Petra requires an entry ticket. For route updates and section logistics, consult the official Jordan Trail Association, and for visas and entry rules check the national tourism board at Visit Jordan. For hikers craving a different ancient-city trek elsewhere, the jungle approach of the Lost City Walking Track in Colombia makes an interesting contrast in climate and culture.
How do you reach the trailheads in Jordan?
Jordan's compact size makes a multi-hike trip realistic in one to two weeks. Most visitors fly into Queen Alia International Airport near Amman, then travel south by hire car or arranged driver along the Desert Highway, which connects the major trail access points. Dana, the start of the celebrated Dana to Petra trek, is about three hours south of Amman; Petra and Wadi Rum lie a further one to two hours down the same corridor; and Aqaba, the southern terminus of the Jordan Trail, sits on the Red Sea four hours from the capital. Public buses link the main towns cheaply, but a car gives the flexibility to reach remote trailheads.
The JETT bus company runs reliable services between Amman, Petra and Aqaba for budget travellers, while guided trekking operators usually handle transfers as part of a package. Entry logistics matter too: most nationalities can buy a visa on arrival, and the Jordan Pass — a single ticket covering the visa and Petra entry — saves money for anyone visiting the Nabataean city. For a multi-week thru-hike you will pass through villages that double as resupply and transport hubs, so a comfortable load-hauler like the Gregory Baltoro 65 earns its place over the long, hot kilometres. Plan the southern desert legs around water and transport together, since the gaps between both widen dramatically once you leave the Petra corridor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jordan safe for hiking?
Jordan is one of the safest countries in the Middle East for hikers, with a stable government and a strong tourism infrastructure. The main risks are environmental — extreme heat, dehydration and getting lost in trackless desert — rather than security. Using Bedouin guides in Wadi Rum and on remote Jordan Trail sections adds an important layer of safety.
What is the best time of year to hike in Jordan?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to hike in Jordan, with comfortable daytime temperatures of 18 to 28 degrees Celsius. Summer brings desert heat above 40 degrees Celsius that makes long walking dangerous, while winter can be cold and wet in the northern highlands.
How long does it take to hike the full Jordan Trail?
Walking the full 675 km Jordan Trail from Umm Qais to Aqaba takes about 36 days. Most hikers do not complete the whole route in one trip and instead choose signature sections, with the four-day, 80 km Dana to Petra trek being the most popular single stretch.
Do you need a guide to hike in Jordan?
A guide is not legally required for most of the Jordan Trail, but it is strongly recommended for desert sections such as Wadi Rum, where navigation is difficult and water is scarce. Bedouin guides also arrange water caches, camps and cultural access that independent hikers cannot easily organise.
Can you hike to Petra on foot?
Yes. The classic way to arrive is the four-day Dana to Petra trek, which approaches the city through the back country and reaches the Monastery before the main entrance crowds. You still need a Petra entry ticket to explore the archaeological site once you arrive.
