The Jordan Trail runs 650 km from Umm Qais in the north to Aqaba on the Red Sea, crossing Wadi Rum's red sandstone desert, the Petra archaeological zone and the Dana Biosphere Reserve in a single continuous route. In 2026, the full trail takes 36–40 days to complete, but the 5–7-day southern section from Wadi Rum to Petra is the most logistically accessible and scenically dramatic introduction to one of the Middle East's finest long-distance trails.
What Is the Jordan Trail and How Is It Organized
The Jordan Trail was established in 2015 and formally inaugurated in 2017 as Jordan's first national long-distance trail. It passes through 52 communities across the full length of the country, connecting oases, Nabataean ruins, Crusader castles and Roman cities in a route that parallels the Hejaz Railway. The trail is divided into 40 official stages averaging 16 km each, with waymarking using painted rock cairns and GPS tracks available from the Jordan Trail Association at jordantrail.org.
Unlike European long-distance trails, the Jordan Trail passes through active Bedouin territory and working villages — trail etiquette includes greeting locals, respecting prayer times and, in more traditional communities, appropriate dress (shoulders and knees covered). This cultural dimension is part of what makes the trail unique; many hikers cite community interactions as the most memorable part of the experience, not just the landscape.
Best Sections of the Jordan Trail to Hike in 2026
The trail divides naturally into three hiking regions with distinct character and logistics:
North (Umm Qais to Ajloun Forest Reserve, 8 stages) — The greenest section, crossing oak woodland and Greco-Roman ruins at Umm Qais, Jerash and Ajloun Castle. Lower elevation (600–1,100 m), more moderate terrain. Best hiked October through April when temperatures are manageable.
Central (Dana to Petra, 7 stages) — The most spectacular section. Dana Biosphere Reserve descends into Wadi Feynan — one of the world's darkest night skies — before climbing back through Sharah mountains and dropping into the Petra archaeological zone from the back entrance via Wadi Sabra. This is the section most often cited as the trail's highlight by thru-hikers.
South (Wadi Rum to Aqaba, 6 stages) — The most remote and physically demanding section, crossing the Wadi Rum protected area and the Hisma desert plateau. Camping is in designated Bedouin campsites; water sources are scarce and must be pre-arranged. Not recommended for independent solo hikers without local guide assistance.
| Section | Stages | Distance | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Umm Qais to Ajloun | 8 | ~128 km | Jerash Roman city |
| Dana to Petra | 7 | ~112 km | Dana Reserve, Petra back entrance |
| Wadi Rum to Aqaba | 6 | ~96 km | Wadi Rum desert, Red Sea coast |
When Is the Best Time to Hike the Jordan Trail in 2026
The optimal hiking window is October through April, with March and April considered the single best months — wildflowers cover the Dana highlands, temperatures are 18–25°C in the valleys and 10–18°C on the highland plateau, and daylight hours are long enough for comfortable stage distances. May through September brings temperatures exceeding 40°C in Wadi Rum and the Rift Valley floor — genuinely dangerous for hiking without extensive desert experience and pre-arranged water support.
Ramadan (variable annually — check the 2026 calendar) affects food availability in smaller villages, though many trail-side guesthouses serving international trekkers remain open. Plan supply logistics around Ramadan dates if your hike overlaps with the fasting month.
Water, Food and Logistics on the Jordan Trail
Water is the critical planning element on the Jordan Trail. In the north, springs and villages provide reliable water sources every 8–12 km. In the south and across Wadi Rum, water must be pre-arranged with your guide or tour operator — springs exist but are inconsistent and GPS coordinates alone are insufficient for desert water planning. Carry a minimum of 4 litres at any point in the southern sections and treat all natural sources.
The Katadyn BeFree 1.0L water filter (55 g) handles the spring water throughout the northern and central sections reliably. In the extreme south and on Wadi Rum desert stages, water is transported by vehicle support — filtering is secondary to having adequate supply. For our full guidance on water system choices, see the backpacking water filter comparison.
Food resupply is available in Aqaba, Ma'an, Petra (Wadi Musa), Dana village, Madaba and Ajloun — major towns with supermarkets and fresh produce. Between these points, village shops carry basics (bread, canned goods, dates, nuts) but not specialist hiking food. Carry 3–4 days of food between major resupply stops in the south. See our guide on backpack weight distribution for managing the heavier food carries.
What Gear Do You Need for the Jordan Trail in 2026
The Jordan Trail is a desert route with cold nights — temperature swings of 20–25°C between midday and midnight are common on the highland plateaus. Pack for both extremes. A 65 L pack is recommended for the full trail or southern sections where overnight camping is mandatory; the Gregory Baltoro 65 (2.1 kg) carries heavy food and water loads with a suspension system designed for sustained use, while the Osprey Atmos AG 65 is a lighter alternative at 2.05 kg with the AG anti-gravity suspension that distributes load well on long desert stages. For footwear on the Jordan Trail's mix of sand, gravel and rocky technical sections, the Merrell Moab 3 GTX offers waterproofing for early-morning dew crossings and protection on sharp limestone. Pair with a Garmin inReach Mini 2 (100 g) for remote southern stages — mobile coverage is non-existent across most of Wadi Rum and the Hisma desert. Our full hiking hydration guide covers desert water management in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Jordan Trail safe to hike in 2026?
Jordan ranks among the safest countries in the Middle East for trekkers, with a strong tourism infrastructure and Bedouin hospitality culture that has welcomed travellers for centuries. Crime against tourists is rare. The main risks are environmental: heat, dehydration and navigation errors in remote southern sections. Hire a local guide for any stages in Wadi Rum and the Hisma desert — this is both safer and supports local communities directly.
Do you need a visa to hike Jordan Trail?
Most nationalities can obtain a Jordanian visa on arrival at Amman's Queen Alia International Airport or at the Aqaba port entry point. The Jordan Pass (available online before arrival) covers the visa fee and Petra entry — essential if you plan to hike the Dana to Petra section, as the Petra entry alone costs JD 50 (approximately €65). Check your specific country's requirements at the Jordan Ministry of Tourism website.
How much does it cost to hike the Jordan Trail?
Independent hiking with camping and self-catering costs approximately €25–€40 per day in the north, rising to €60–€100 per day in the south where guide fees, water transport and Bedouin camp fees apply. A fully guided Dana to Petra section (7 stages) with accommodation and meals costs approximately €800–€1,200 per person through established Jordan Trail tour operators.
Can you hike the Jordan Trail solo?
The northern section from Umm Qais to Ajloun is hikeable solo with good navigation skills and GPS track downloaded from the Jordan Trail Association. The central and southern sections are not recommended for solo hiking without local guide support — water logistics, language barriers at remote checkpoints and emergency response times make independent solo hiking genuinely risky on these stages.
What is the best section of the Jordan Trail for a first-time visitor?
The Dana to Petra section (7 stages, approximately 112 km) is consistently rated the most rewarding by first-time Jordan Trail hikers. It combines the biodiversity of Dana Biosphere Reserve, the dramatic Wadi Feynan descent, highland Bedouin culture and a back-entrance approach to Petra through Wadi Sabra that avoids the main tourist crowds entering through the Siq.