Jordan’s Most Epic Thru-Hike: The Jordan Trail
Everything You Need To Know For The Jordan Trail
Jordan has a new long distance trail and its is joining the list of the world’s most epic thru hikes. The Jordan Trail spans the heart of Jordan, from the northern border with Syria to the Red Sea in Aqaba, and is 675kms long. The trail is divided into 8 sections, and you can either do the whole thing or hike different sections. One of the most popular sections of the trail is from Petra to Wadi Rum, which literally brings you through one of the 7 Wonders of the World. It is such an epic way to see Petra!
You can do this hike self guided or you can hire a tour operator to guide you. Once a year in October, there is also a fully supported thru hike put on by the Jordan Trail Association, that covers all 43 days.
This October we were fortunate to be able to join the group of 19 thru hikers and the Jordan Trail Association’s thru hike event for the last section of the Jordan Trail from Wadi Rum to Aqaba and the Red Sea.
Jordan Trail Hike Info
- Difficulty Level: Hard – Extreme long distance over varied terrain in hot temperatures
- Elevation gain: Varies by section
- Distance: 675km One Way
- Time: 43 Days
- Best Time – October for the annual Thru-Hike event
- Dog Friendly – No
- Terrain – Sand, Rock, Road, Trail, Shale, Desert
- Jordan Trail Association for more info
The Story Of The Jordan Trail
The Jordan Trail is a long-distance hiking route that spans the entire country, running from Um Qais in northern Jordan to Aqaba on the Red Sea. Stretching more than 675 kilometers, the trail takes roughly 43 days to complete and passes through over 75 towns and villages.
Along the way, it showcases Jordan’s striking range of landscapes, from forested northern hills and deep desert wadis to the sandstone ruins of Petra, the vast desert of Wadi Rum, and the clear waters of the Red Sea.
The famously beautiful Red Sea coral
Originally a series of individual trails, it was connected in 2015 to become the trail it is today. The trail follows paths that have existed for centuries.
Ancient trade routes once connected Egypt to Damascus through what is now Jordan, including the historic King’s Highway and spice roads used by the Nabateans, Romans, and earlier civilizations.
Some of the incredible Jordanian food we ate.
Hiking the Jordan Trail is as much a cultural journey as it is a physical one. Walking the length of the country offers rare access to daily life in rural Jordan. Each section of the trail is supported by locals, so you really get to experience the food and traditions in each region and how it changes.
The route also traces thousands of years of history, passing major archaeological sites like Um Qais, Jerash, and Petra, along with lesser-known ruins scattered throughout the landscape.
Highlights Of The Jordan Trail
There are so many iconic attractions, and these are just the one we personally got to see!
Petra
Walking into a wonder of the world is a truly unique opportunity.
Ma’in Waterfall Hot Springs
A beautiful green paradise valley hidden in the mountains above the Dead Sea
As Salt
The historic and preserved old capital of Jordan
Kerak Castle
An old crusader castle that has been fortified for thousands of years
Wadi Rum
This desert is so unique and is the set location for many films including, Star Wars, Dune, The Martian and Lawrence of Arabia.
Hiking The Jordan Trails Section 8
The Red Deserts of Wadi Rum
The scale of the terrain here is truly awe-inspring.
We were really excited when the Jordan Trail Association reached out to us about hiking this section. There were two areas we were really interested in: The Dana biosphere to Petra and the Wadi Rum to Aqaba section. It was a big win to find out our trip lined up with this magnificent section.
Wadi Rum To Aqaba really felt like walking through some of the most alien territory on earth. Beautiful lookouts, strong Bedouin culture and red sand deserts. We are used to alpine hiking in Canada, so this really felt like a different world and very far from home.
Crossing the mountains to look over the Red Sea
A Typical Day On The Jordan Trail
Your normal day starts with a breakfast at around 7:00am, with a team briefing for the day and a 8:00am departure. Depending on the distance covered that day, you break for lunch on the trail around noon and arrive at camp around 3 or 4pm.
There was always a daily brief about the terrain, what to watch out for, and the plan for the day.
Just after breakfast everyday you leave out the bags you would like transported and the team brings them to the next site for you.
Lunch is a picnic style, pack your own bag. I would highly recommend bringing a divided tupperware so you can take advantage of tahini and hummus.
We would usually walk for 3 or 4 hours then find a shady spot to break and snack for lunch.
The average day for our sections was about 15km through incredibly varied terrain.
One of the final passes heading over to the first views of the Red Sea
The scale of these landscape really took us by surprise.
After dinner the team sets up this little stamping station. At the start of the Thru-Hike they give you this really cool Jordan trail passport you can fill as you complete sections.
Every time you complete a section you get a stamp for that day. Like a really sweaty long and hard bingo lol.
At night you hang out by the fire, listen to the locals playing music or play card games and rest for the upcoming day!
One of the local operators brought his electric oud, an ancestor to the European lute. Words can’t describe how cool this was to listen to a Bedouin man playing oud and singing in the desert.
Camping On The Jordan Trail
We were not quite sure what to expect for camping in Jordan so we are going to tell you everything here!
Meghan contemplating that 57km trek through the desert we signed up for! Roller bags will work but we highly recommend bringing a duffle to keep the dust out!!
The rock formations in Wadi Rum were amazing.
Our magnificent first campsite
This was camp 2
By the time you arrive at camp there is always a hangout area setup for you. If there is no natural shade they always have something ready. This Bedouin tent was one of our favourite setups.
I have to tell you hiking without setting up and taking down your tent and camp is amazing.
Camp 3
The team transporting our mattress to the next site.
Bathing and Bathroom
The bathrooms are au natural, so make sure you don’t forget to bring toilet paper with soap and sanitizer.
For showering the team fills theses portable pump showers. It takes a bit of getting used to but they actually worked pretty well.
Food & Water
The main advantage of the Thru-Hike event is that everything is prepared for you. You just carry your day pack and water for the day, usually 2-3 liters or so and snacks. By the time you get to camp the local providers are already cooking and have tea waiting for you.
Some of the local cooks working there magic.
A typical hang out waiting for dinner and socializing.
A Typical dinner spread and tea by the fire always ready.
Food options were great! There was always a protein and rice as well as many vegetarian options. Hummus, Tahini, salads and fresh dips were always tasty and available.
I was very surprised by how sophisticated and good the food was. These meals were not what I was expecting from a “camp kitchen”.
The portions were also basically unlimited, I think I may have gained weight on this trek.
Our hike was basically fueled by Alghazleen tea. The locals seemed to run of incredibly sweet tea and tobacco.
Thru-Hike Trails Of The World
If you are a serious hiker or someone who just really hates repeating sections of a trail you have probably looked up Thru hikes.
Thru hiking means starting in one location and finishing in another with zero backtracking.
Some of the more famous thru-hikes around the world include: Tour du Mont Blanc, Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Camino de Santiago, Laugavegur, the Lycian Way and the Te Araroa.
Best Time To Do The Hike
This hike can be done all year but If you are looking to escape the summer heat but still have good conditions we recommend (Sept – Dec) and (March – May)
If you have the time in October we highly recommend joining the annual Thru-Hike. Depending on your chosen section the logistics of the trail can be quite challenging if you are self supplying. The main barrier is water supply.
How To Get To Jordan
Jordan is best reached by flying into Amman’s Queen Alia International AMM or AQJ airport in Aqaba. Amman connects directly with the majority of the Middle Eastern capitals as well as, London, Frankfurt, Vienna, Paris, Madrid Montreal and Athens.
We flew direct from Montreal with Royal Jordanian. It was amazing to go from Canada straight to the middle east with no stops!
Lucking out and getting a whole row to our ourselves on RJ.
The transit time from Amman to Aqaba is only about 4hr and both cities are nice places to hang out. We recommend starting in the busier Amman enjoying your hike and the relaxing by the beach in the warmer Aqaba.
Travel Insurance For Jordan And The Trail
Jordan is 100% a country you want to make sure you have travel insurance for. We like our Safety wing because it has great coverage at a great price and you can purchase it out side of your home country.
They also have lots of coverage for active people that policies don’t usually cover. Think high altitude trekking (under 6000m) and adventure sports like spelunking and skydiving. This is a great option for long distance treks like the Jordan Trail other insurances may not cover. Check them out here!
What Else To See In Jordan
Jordan has tons of highlights for such a small country. Outside of the trail itinerary, you have the vibrant Amman with it’s citadel and ancient amphitheater. The old Christian town of Madaba with some of the best preserved ancient Byzantine mosaics in the world. The epic Roman ruins of Jerash and countless others. By far the best access to the Dead Sea as well as the best lookout points. They even have waterfall hot springs that flow straight out of the rock walls in Ma’in.
In the south you have the incredible desert camps in the Red Sands of Wadi Rum. Wadi Rum is often reffered to as the most out of this world Mars like spot on earth.
Jordan is home to Petra, one of the most impressive wonders of the world! Yes I have seen them all so I can legit make this distinction. Finally at the very south you have the town of Aqaba on the Red Sea, that has phenomenal Scuba diving and snorkelling.
Incredible Stays In Jordan
If you are craving a bit of comfort after your hiking there are two hotels in Wadi Rum that really stood out to us.
Memories Aicha Camp for lost in the desert Bedouin vibes
Suncity Camp for comfort and their super unique dome tents
Jordan Trail Packing List
What we had and wished we brought! Everyone thought these were amazing.
Jordan Trail Gear
- Sleeping bag
- Bed roll
- Water bottle and 2-3L Camelback
- Daypack 20-35L
- Hiking boots or trail runners with gaiters
- Water/dust proof duffel (team to carry)
- Stuff sack, can double as a pillow
- Solar charger
- Power bank 10000mAh
- Ear plugs
- Mosquito spray
- Electrolyte powder, we prefer tabs
- Headlamp
- Sitting mat for mid day breaks
- Toilet paper hand sanitizer zip lock
- Soap, shampoo
- Travel towel
- Cards
- Good book (s)
- Jordan Pass passport cash tips
Jordan Trail Cooking Supplies
- Pocket knife
- Tupperware, small and medium size
- Camp cup
- Thermos for hot tea and water
- Hot sauce
- Snacks like nuts, dates, cookies, protein bars
Clothing For The Jordan Trail
- Long sleeve UPF shirt
- Long sleeve loose shirt
- Warm fleece
- Lightweight down jacket for desert nights
- Good rain and wind shell
- Comfortable trekking pants, lightweight airy
- If you like to hike in shorts bring them
- Good brimmed hat or hat with neck flap
- Scarf or a buff for dust and sun exposure
- Gaiters for your shoes to keep sand out!!!
- Swimsuit for the Wadis and Red Sea
- Socks
- Sunscreen SPF50, reapply hourly
- Sunglasses
- Sun lip balm
The Jordan Trail Hike Sections In Detail
I will break down just the quick highlights of each area to help you focus on what’s most appealing to you!
Section 1 Umm Qais to Ajloun – 85km/50miles 4 days moderate
Starts in the north at Um Qais, This is the greenest section with rolling hills gorges, the Roman Pella ruins. Lots of olive groves and goats as well as Ajloun Castle.
Section 2 Ajloun to As-Salt – 70km/39miles 4 days moderate
Ajloun Castle to pine forest around King Talal Dam. Rmemeen waterfall and the ancient UNESCO town of As-Salt.
Section 3 As-Salt to Wadi Zarqa Ma’in – 85km/52miles 4 days moderate
As-Salt to Dead Sea views. Roman road and Makuwir fortress as well as Wadi streams.
Section 4 Three Wadis to Al-Karak – 75km/47miles 4 days difficult
The impressive Wadis Hidan, Majdaline ruins, The Crusader castle of Al-Kerak
Section 5 Al-Karak to Dana – 85km/52miles 4 days moderate
This section is in the Dana Biosphere and one of the most naturally beautiful areas of Jordan. Al-Kerak castle to Tor Al-Taboun viewpoint. Wadi Hasa descending to Al-Matan ruins.
Section 6 Dana to Petra – 85km/52miles 4 days moderate
Dana cliffs, Wadi Araba , Awe-inspiring Dana Biosphere Reserve jagged cliffs and highlands with views. Sharah Mountains and the walk into Little Petra the backside of the park.
Section 7 Petra to Wadi Rum – 90km/56miles 5 days moderate difficult
The Wonder Of The World Petra, deserts, Wadi Sabra, the coloured canyon Humeima arches. Rocky terrain of Wadi Musa to the Desert of Wadi Rum.
Section 8 Wadi Rum to Aqaba – 110km/67miles 6 days easy moderate
Wadi Rum desert the film set for “The Martian, Lawrence of Arabia, and Star Wars”, Jabal Kharazah arch Jebel Khazali rock art. Bedouin camps and red sand to the sea.
For More Information On Jordan
If you are planning on trekking In Jordan definitelytly reach out to the Jordan Trail Association. They are a valuable resource and very willing to help Thru-Hike event or not!
For all other aspects of planning Visit Jordan at the Jordan Tourism Board is an excellent resource.
If you do reach out tell them Meg & Pat sent you!
