Jordan Trail: When to Go, Where to Sleep, and What to Expect
Crossing Jordan from North to South, on foot, to discover deserts, canyons, mountains and ancient cities: this is the essence of the Jordan Trail , a path of over 650 kilometers that winds through the most evocative landscapes of the Middle East. Often compared to the Camino de Santiago for its ability to unite territories, spirituality and community, or to the Inca Trail for its spectacular scenery, the Jordan Trail is an experience that goes beyond simple trekking: it is a true journey into the history and culture of a hospitable people rich in traditions.
From the Roman ruins of Um Qais in the green north of Jordan to the fiery dunes of Wadi Rum and the turquoise waters of the Red Sea , the route passes through ancient villages, nature reserves, Crusader castles and even touches the legendary Petra.
A long and challenging trek, which requires trained legs and a great spirit of adventure… but which is truly worth it at every step!
What is the Jordan Trail?The Jordan Trail is a hiking trail designed to be walked entirely on foot: 40 days of walking to cover approximately 675 kilometers , from Um Qais in the north to Aqaba , on the shores of the Red Sea. The Jordan Trail Association has structured and promotes the trail, providing maps, GPS tracks and up-to-date information.
This is not a religious pilgrimage, but a journey that allows you to discover the most authentic soul of Jordan : a mosaic of landscapes and cultures that continually change under the feet of travelers. You pass from rolling hills planted with olive groves to red canyons carved by water, from rocky deserts to forests of oaks and juniper, up to the majestic red sands of Wadi Rum, more similar to Mars than to a terrestrial landscape.
Along the way you will cross more than 75 villages and towns and four Biosphere Reserves , protected areas that safeguard the extraordinary biodiversity of this wonderful country.
Many sections of the trail follow ancient caravan routes and Bedouin tracks, on sometimes technical terrain, often solitary and immersed in unspoiled nature. There is even the option of cycling it , in an equally adventurous way.
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The Jordan Trail is generally divided into eight major geographic sections , each with its own distinctive character and landscapes; being extremely long and strenuous in its entirety, many people choose to explore only certain sections of it.
Here is a possible subdivision of the 8 main segments:
Stage 1 – from Um Qais to Ajloun (80 km, 2,200 m D+, 5-6 days)The walk begins among the Roman ruins of Um Qais, with breathtaking views of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. The first few kilometers pass through verdant hills dotted with olive trees, small villages and ancient Byzantine monasteries. The landscape is surprisingly green and lush, especially in spring, and you finally arrive at the mighty castle of Ajloun , a Crusader bastion atop a wooded hill.
Stage 2 – from Ajloun to As-Salt (62 km, 1,800 m D+, 3-4 days)The drive gently descends to the historic Ottoman town of As-Salt, through agricultural valleys, oak forests and small wadis. Along the way, you will encounter the King Talal Dam and explore ancient Roman routes. As-Salt welcomes the traveler with its honey-yellow architecture and a lively city atmosphere.
Stage 3 – from As-Salt to Zarqa Ma'in (84 km, 2,000 m D+, 4-5 days)This section leads to the Dead Sea. You walk through areas that are not very touristy but full of charm, among solitary hills and hidden canyons. Among the most suggestive places are the thermal waterfalls of Zarqa Ma'in and the remains of the rock columbarium of Iraq Al-Ameer. The last kilometers offer dizzying views of the salty waters of the Dead Sea .
Stage 4 – From the Three Wadis to Karak (75 km, 2,400 m D+, 4-5 days)A very scenic stretch, which crosses the deep canyons (wadis) of the heart of Jordan. Wadi Mujib, the Jordanian “Grand Canyon”, is the absolute protagonist, with its spectacular sandstone walls. At the end of the section you reach Karak and its famous Crusader castle, imposing and evocative.
Stage 5 – From Karak to Dana (83 km, 2,200 m D+, 5-6 days)Here the limestone hills give way to the more rugged views of the Dana Nature Reserve. This section is a paradise for nature lovers: rare animal species and endemic plants live here. The small village of Dana, perched on the edge of a canyon, is a perfect refuge for the traveler.
Stage 6 – From Dana to Petra (84 km, 2,800 m D+, 5-6 days)Perhaps the most famous and frequented section: it starts from the silent Dana plateau to descend into the desert valley of Feynan and then climb up through wild mountains. Every day the landscape changes: red rocks, deep gorges and ancient caravan paths finally lead to Petra, the wonderful city carved into the pink stone. Visiting Petra requires at least a full day to fully enjoy its masterpieces, from the Treasury to the temples, up to the Monastery (El Deir).
Stage 7 – from Petra to Wadi Rum (90 km, 2,400 m D+, 5-6 days)You leave Petra behind you to cross arid plateaus and spectacular stone deserts. After days of solitary walking, the red mountains of Wadi Rum appear on the horizon. Here you immerse yourself in a lunar landscape, made of canyons, natural arches and gigantic rock formations, exploring on foot one of the most fascinating deserts in the world.
Stage 8 – from Wadi Rum to Aqaba (112 km, 1,800 m D+, 7-8 days)The last stretch follows the tracks of the historic expedition of Lawrence of Arabia. You walk through sand and rock, passing through Bedouin camps and ancient rock sites. The fatigue of the long journey, in a scorching and inhospitable environment, is finally rewarded: upon arrival in Aqaba, the Red Sea welcomes the walkers with its turquoise waters, perfect for a regenerating dip!
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To enter Jordan, you need a passport with at least six months of residual validity . You also need an entry visa , which can be easily obtained upon arrival at Amman airport or online with the e-visa procedure. A convenient solution for pilgrims is the Jordan Pass , which includes the cost of the visa and access to many archaeological sites (including Petra itself).
When to leaveChoosing the right time is essential to fully enjoy the Jordan Trail experience.
The best seasons are spring , from March to May, and autumn , especially in the months of October and November, when temperatures are mild in both the mountainous and desert areas. During the winter , the higher areas can be cold and humid, while summer brings scorching temperatures, especially in the South, making it inadvisable to undertake the entire trek.
It should be remembered that along the trail you cross very different environments: from Mediterranean climates in the North to the arid deserts of the South, with significant temperature variations between day and night. You need to be well informed and always pay maximum attention to the equipment and how the body adapts to the climate.
Signage and orientationIt should be noted that the Jordan Trail is not marked continuously and precisely like the great European trails: in some sections there are indicators or paint signs, but orientation often requires the use of maps and especially GPS tracks provided by the official association.
Many sections pass through remote areas , where it is easy to lose track if you are not careful. It is therefore essential to have reliable navigation devices and good technical preparation. Alternatively, you can rely on local guides , very experienced and helpful, who enrich the experience with the story of the Bedouin culture and the stories of the places crossed.
Difficulty and physical effortWe are talking about a medium-high difficulty route. The total length and the overall difference in altitude (around 20,000 meters of positive difference in altitude distributed over all the stages) require excellent physical preparation and the habit of walking for a long time, even in complicated contexts due to rocky ground and high temperatures.
Many stages involve 6-7 hours of walking per day, with average daily elevation gains of around 500-700 metres. Some sections, particularly those in canyons and desert areas, can be technical and tiring , with temperatures that increase fatigue.
It is essential to carefully plan water supplies, food supplies and rest stops! This is not a trek suitable for absolute beginners, but with good training and the right equipment it becomes accessible to many motivated hikers.
Organization and overnight staysThe Jordan Trail can be traveled independently or with the help of local tour operators. In both cases, it is important to study the logistics carefully:
- The villages crossed do not always offer structured services. It is often necessary to plan stops in tents or Bedouin camps , especially in remote areas such as Wadi Rum or Dana ;
- In the larger cities ( Ajloun, Karak, Petra, Aqaba ) there are hotels and B&Bs, but it is best to book in advance;
- For water, it is essential to always carry a good supply, especially in desert stages. Natural sources are scarce, so it is essential to find out in advance where to get supplies.
Finally, for those who cannot undertake the entire trail, it is possible to choose individual sections (among the most famous ones, the one from Dana to Petra or from Petra to Wadi Rum), organizing 8-10 day trips that allow you to still experience, but in a more accessible way, the unique atmosphere of the Jordan Trail.
Who is the Jordan Trail recommended for?The Jordan Trail is not a path suitable for everyone but it can be the perfect adventure for those who love authentic hiking, for those who can adapt to living in a Spartan way and love other cultures, for those who are not afraid of facing some unexpected events in places far from home, both physically and culturally.
It is perfect for those who dream of immersing themselves in history and nature, away from the crowds, and for those who appreciate contact with the Middle Eastern lifestyle: along the way you pass through dozens of villages, meet Bedouin communities, taste local tea – a true ritual – and sleep under the stars.
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