The Jordan Trail

About the trail

Created in the 2010s and managed by the non-profit Jordan Trail Association, the Jordan Trail links ancient paths, shepherds' tracks and village lanes into a continuous route the length of the country. It passes Roman cities, Crusader castles, canyons, forests, desert and sea, and deliberately goes through villages so that hikers spend money with local families and guides. Hikers can buy an official JT Pass, a trail passport that records their progress.

The eight regions

Dana to Petra: the classic section

Four to five days across some of Jordan's wildest scenery: down from Dana to Feynan, through the sandstone country of Wadi Malaga and Ras al-Feid, to Little Petra and finally into Petra by the back door, arriving at the Monastery. Most hikers go with a local operator who arranges camps, food and luggage. It ends at one of the world's great sites — a finish no other trail can match.

When to walk

Spring (March–May) and autumn (late September–November) are best. Summer is dangerously hot in the low sections; winter can bring rain, flash floods, cold and snow in the highlands. The Jordan Trail Association runs organised thru-hikes in spring and autumn; 2027 editions are announced on jordantrail.org.

Planning and safety

• Guides: strongly recommended for remote sections (Dana–Petra, Petra–Rum, Rum–Aqaba); required to enter some areas.
• Water: sources are scarce in the south; plan caches or vehicle support.
• Navigation: download the official GPS tracks; waymarking is incomplete in places.
• Accommodation: village homestays, camps and guesthouses.
• Permits and fees: Petra, Wadi Rum and RSCN reserves charge entry — the Jordan Pass covers Petra and Wadi Rum.
• Flash floods: never camp in wadi beds; avoid canyons after rain.

What a day on the trail looks like

Typical stages are 15–25 km with 600–1,000 m of ascent, starting at first light to avoid the heat. In the north you walk through olive groves, pine forests and villages, sleeping in homestays; in the south you cross open wadis and sandstone plateaus and camp under the stars, with a support vehicle bringing water, food and luggage. The rhythm of tea stops with shepherds and Bedouin families is part of the experience.

The trail in numbers

Length

More than 675 km from Umm Qais to Aqaba (Jordan Trail Association)

Duration

About 35 days of hiking

Villages and towns

About 75 along the way

Regions

8, each with numbered stages (101–806)

Dana to Petra

About 72.6 km over 4 hiking days (Jordan Tourism Board)

Petra to Wadi Rum

About 125.4 km over 6 hiking days (Jordan Tourism Board)

Which section suits whom?

Petra to Wadi Rum

The Jordan Tourism Board describes the Petra–Wadi Rum section as a week-long trek across one of the longest stretches of wilderness on the trail: deep, rugged wadis at first, then open sandy plains and sandstone mountains rising like islands from the sand, passing the Humeima ruins and ending in Wadi Rum village. Off-route, hikers can climb to Jabal Haroun, the traditional burial place of Aaron above Petra. It is remote — water must be planned and supported — and only suitable with a guide and logistics.

Trail passes, events and support

The Jordan Trail Association sells a Trail Pass, an official trail passport and hiking log that it says can be shown to authorities when needed, and organises group thru-hikes; in November 2026 it was advertising spring 2027 and autumn 2027 thru-hikes. Its website has stage maps and GPS files, packing and water advice, and a list of tour operators that offer guided sections. Hiring local guides and staying in village homestays along the way brings income to communities, which is one of the trail's aims.

The regions from north to south

North (regions 1–3): from Umm Qais through olive groves, oak and pine forests and villages to Ajloun, then to As-Salt and down towards Wadi Zarqa Ma'in. The greenest and most populated part of the trail, with frequent villages and the easiest logistics; good for a first multi-day walk.

Centre (regions 4–5): the 'three wadis' — Zarqa Ma'in, Hidan and Mujib — then the plateau to Karak and on to Dana. Big descents and climbs through deep canyons, with water crossings in places; strong hikers only.

South (regions 6–8): Dana to Petra through Feynan and Little Petra, Petra to Wadi Rum across empty desert, and Wadi Rum to Aqaba on the Red Sea. The most famous and most remote sections, where support and guides are essential.

Gear checklist

• Broken-in hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip.
• Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a long-sleeved shirt.
• Warm layer and windproof jacket — desert nights are cold.
• Water capacity of 3–4 litres, purification tablets or a filter.
• Head torch, first-aid kit and blister care.
• Offline maps and the official GPS tracks; a power bank.
• Cash for homestays, guides and village shops.

Respecting villages and the land

• Dress modestly in villages — long trousers and covered shoulders.
• Ask before photographing people and homes.
• Carry out all rubbish; there are few bins on the trail.
• Close farm gates and keep away from crops and olive trees.
• Accept hospitality graciously — tea offered by a shepherd is a gift, not a sale.
• Do not light fires outside designated places; summer forests burn easily.

Day hikes on the trail

No time for the whole trail? Walk a day section: Umm Qais to Ziglab in the north, the descent from Dana towards Feynan, Little Petra to the Monastery, or a stretch near Wadi Rum village with a Bedouin guide. See activities for more hikes.