The Wadi Rum Trail, opened in 2023, offers a 10-day loop hike of the Wadi Rum desert in southern Jordan.
This trail follows ancient paths used for shepherding and trade, blending history with natural beauty. It is the latest addition to a growing repertoire of long-distance hiking paths in the Middle East and Jordan.
In this article, you’ll find out everything you need to know about hiking the Wadi Rum Trail.
Key Takeaways
- The Wadi Rum Trail, opened in February 2023, spans 120 kilometers and integrates ancient historical paths, offering hikers a blend of physical challenge and cultural heritage.
- Key highlights include iconic natural formations like Jebel Burdah Rock Bridge and Jebel Umm Adami, as well as ancient petroglyphs that add historical context to the hiking experience.
- The Wadi Rum Trail is designed to be hiked with Bedouin guides, as they provide local insights and enhance safety, while community-based tourism supports cultural preservation and local economies.
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- Key Takeaways
- Hike the Highest Mountain of Jordan.
- Exploring the Wadi Rum Trail – Jordan’s Newest Long Distance hiking trail
- The Wadi Rum Trail Hike – Route & Phases
- Must-See Highlights on the Wadi Rum Trail
- Preparing for Your Hike – Step-By-Step Guide
- Logistics and Practical Tips for Hiking the Wadi Rum Trail
- Why Hike with Bedouin Guides?
- Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
Exploring the Wadi Rum Trail – Jordan’s Newest Long Distance hiking trail
In recent years, the region has seen a surge in tourism, creating new chances for the Bedouin tribes in and around Wadi Rum. In Wadi Rum, you’ll find plenty of tourism projects, one of them being the Wadi Rum Trail.
The Wadi Rum Trail, officially opened in February 2023, spans an impressive 120 kilometers in the Wadi Rum desert. Designed as a loop hike, it fully wraps around the Wadi Rum Protected Area once. Over six sections, this hiking trail showcases some of the best natural sites of Wadi Rum, Jordan.
This new trail began as the latest addition to the long-distance hiking trails in the Middle East, and it represents a collaborative effort involving local Bedouin communities over three years.
It not only follows the creation of the larger Jordan Trail, but also shorter regional trails such as the Red Sea Mountains Trail in Aqaba Governate and the Sinai Trail in Egypt.
What makes this trail extraordinary is its connection to the historical paths used for shepherding, hunting, trade, and pilgrimage, making it a vital part of the region’s cultural and historical landscape. In fact, without the insight of local Bedouin tribes scouting the path would not have been possible in the first place.
The Wadi Rum Trail is more than just a path through the desert; it’s a journey through time, offering hikers a rich tapestry of natural beauty and cultural heritage along a new route while walking the main route.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, rock climber or someone looking for a new adventure, the Wadi Rum Trail provides a perfect blend of physical challenge and historical exploration.
Hikers should note, however, that this trail is not designed to be hiked independently. Due to isolation and extreme conditions, you are strongly encouraged to hike with a Bedouin guide from Wadi Rum.
The Wadi Rum Trail Hike – Route & Phases
The Wadi Rum Trail offers 120 kilometers of hiking routes that showcase the diverse desert landscape, from towering sandstone cliffs to expansive red dunes.
The Wadi Rum Trail consists of six sections: Jebel Um Ashreen, Jebel Birda, followed by regions called the Tablelands, Borderlands and Hejaz Hills, with Jebel Rum being the last. On the hike, you will pass through these sections clockwise.
In total, the trails covers an area of 450 square kilometers. Completing the trail takes 10 days, traversing hiking, rock scrambling and rock climbing routes alike. The sections Jebel Umm Ashen, Jebel Birda and Jebel Rum are the heaviest in terms of rock climbing.
While you need to be in shape to complete the full circuit of the Wadi Rum desert, you do not need to be an expert rock climber to master the rock climbing sections. If in doubt, there is also alternative routes to avoid the rock climbing altogether.
If you are looking for a smaller challenge, we can also recommend a number of shorter day hikes and rock climbing routes in Wadi Rum, that will still get your blood pumping.
Wadi Rum Trail Alternatives – Wadi Rum Day Hikes
In the Wadi Rum desert, there is also a number of day hikes that offer a great challenge for avid hikers. Mountain summits such as the Jebel Al Hash hike and the Jebel Um Adami summit take about half a day to complete and reach heights of up to 1,854 m (6,000 ft).
The Wadi Rum reserve is also home to so-called rock bridges. These natural stone arches are formed by the erosion of the underlying sandstone, creating an amazing natural phenomenon. The Burdah Rock Bridge hike takes you to one of Wadi Rum’s most impressive rock bridges.
To do these Wadi Rum day hikes, we recommend booking a full tour package consisting of a hiking guide, accommodation in the desert and food and water. As you will be hiking in the wilderness, navigating will be near-impossible and water sources will be scarce.
Wadi Rum Trail Alternatives – Rock Climbing Routes in Wadi Rum
Along with hiking routes, Wadi Rum has recently become a Makkah for Western rock climbing, while the Bedouins had ben scrambling the rocks of Wadi Rum for centuries now. With its unique rock formations, the desert offers some amazing challenges for beginners and intermediate rock climbers.
Get in touch with some of the local rock climbing guides and ember on your very own rock climbing adventure in Wadi Rum. To learn more about the sport in Wadi Rum, check out this companion on Wadi Rum rock climbing we wrote last year.
Must-See Highlights on the Wadi Rum Trail
Wadi Rum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected area close to the Saudi border of Jordan, is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, including magnificent sandstone and granite formations, narrow canyons, and natural arches.
As you hike the Wadi Rum Trail, you’ll encounter some of the most iconic and awe-inspiring sights in the region, including Jebel Rum and Jebel Umm Adami, Jordan’s tallest mountain at over 1,854 m (6,000 ft).
At various points, the hike also includes rock scrambling, rock climbing and abseiling, making for a real physical challenge for hikers. Beyond the natural formations, Wadi Rum is a treasure trove of historical artifacts.
Near the sand dune of Wadi Umm Ishrin, you can find ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions left behind by the Nabataeans and Thamudic cultures. These carvings offer a glimpse into the lives of the ancient people who once roamed these lands, adding a layer of historical intrigue to your hiking adventure.
Additionally, we recommend staying in Wadi Rum for another few nights before or after the hike to explore some of the sights not included in the Wadi Rum Trail itself. Some other notable sights are: Lawrence’s Spring, Al-Kazali Canyon, Lawrence’s House, Abu Kashaba Canyon and Umm Froth Bridge.
Preparing for Your Hike – Step-By-Step Guide
Preparing for a hike in Wadi Rum requires careful planning to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The desert environment can be harsh, with significant temperature changes between day and night, so it’s essential to be well-prepared.
Use this step-by-step-guide to plan your Wadi Rum Trail hike the right way:
- Research & Plan: Get familiar with Wadi Rum and Bedouin culture. Check offers for hiking and rock climbing guides in Wadi Rum. Make sure to pick a favourable hiking season and avoid hiking during the holy month of Ramadan.
- Book your guide: Make sure to book a Bedouin guide, before travelling to Jordan. He will not only lead the 10-day hike, but also organise vital replenishment via camel or 4×4 vehicle.
- Get the Jordan Pass: Buy the Jordan Pass to save on visa fees and the Wadi Rum entrance fee. Read this review of the Jordan Pass to see if it is a good fit for you.
- Gear Up: Pack sun protection items like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Pack a keffiyeh or headscarf to protect your face from sand and sunlight.
- Clothing: Dress in layers with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and durable, closed-toe shoes to deal with hot days and cold nights. Your Bedouin guide will take care of sleeping arrangements.
- Travel to Wadi Rum: Are you landing at Queen Alia International Airport? Check out this guide to see how to get to Wadi Rum from Amman. Are you arriving to Jordan via Aqaba? Check out this guide to see how to get to Wadi Rum from Aqaba.
- Meet your guide: Meet your Bedouin guide at Wadi Rum Rest House. Your guide will explain all further proceedings and lead the start of the hike.
Following these steps ensures you’re ready to enjoy the Wadi Rum Trail’s challenges, spectacular views, and historical treasures.
Logistics and Practical Tips for Hiking the Wadi Rum Trail
Picking the right season for hiking the Wadi Rum trail is essential. Ideally, plan your hike for spring or fall. Avoid planning your hike during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. You might have trouble finding a guide because they will be fasting.
In 2026, Ramadan will be from February 18 to March 19. To learn more about the climatic conditions in Wadi Rum, check out our guide on ‘The Best Time to Visit Wadi Rum, Jordan’.
Reaching Wadi Rum is relatively straightforward, but it does require some planning. Wadi Rum is located approximately 60 kilometers east of Aqaba and about 320 kilometers southwest of Amman. The journey from Amman typically takes around 4-5 hours by car, following the Desert Highway.
Alternatively, public buses from Amman to Aqaba operate regularly, and from Aqaba, you can hire a taxi for the final leg to Wadi Rum. For more infomation, check out or in-detail guides for transfers from Amman and Aqaba.
Additionally, we recommend staying in a Bedouin camp for one or two nights before or after the hike. Booking a travel package in Wadi Rum, gives you the chance to explore all of the other sights of the desert from the back of a pickup truck.
These travel packages also include your accommodation, a Bedouin-style desert camp and Bedouin meals. This way, you will not only get to know the wilderness of Wadi Rum, but also the culture and customs of its people, the Bedouins.
Why Hike with Bedouin Guides?
Hiking with Bedouin guides enriches the Wadi Rum Trail experience significantly. Having lived in the Wadi Rum desert for centuries, the Bedouin tribes share a deep connection to the land through stories and traditions.
A Bedouin guide’s familiarity with the terrain not only helps prevent hikers from getting lost in the vast desert. It also brings a wealth of local knowledge and cultural insights that significantly enhances the hiking experience.
Bedouin guides often share personal stories and cultural insights during the hikes, providing a unique perspective on the desert’s history and the life of the Bedouin people.
This cultural exchange can be one of the most memorable parts of the journey, offering a deeper appreciation for the region and its inhabitants. Furthermore,
The creators of the Wadi Rum Trail believe that the most rewarding experience comes from hiking with Bedouin guides. Their traditional knowledge and skills are crucial for an enjoyable and safe hiking experience in Wadi Rum.
Community-based tourism plays a crucial role in Wadi Rum, promoting a slower, more immersive form of tourism compared to traditional fast-paced options. The Wadi Rum Trail project aims to preserve and promote Bedouin cultural heritage while fostering sustainable tourism.
This approach ensures that the local Bedouin families are actively involved in shaping the tourism experience, emphasizing local participation and equity.
The trail project allows all Bedouin operators equal access, promoting community equity in tourism. By choosing community-led tourism initiatives, visitors help maintain the relevance of Bedouin cultural heritage and contribute to the positive impact on the locals’ economy.
This not only enriches the visitor experience but also supports the sustainable development of the region, including the sister project, which benefits the bedouin community.
Summary
The Wadi Rum Trail offers an unparalleled hiking experience, blending physical challenges with historical and cultural exploration.
From the stunning sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs to the panoramic views from Jordan’s highest peak, the trail is a treasure trove of natural and historical wonders.
This trail is a must for long distance hiking trail enthusiasts and adventure seekers. So lace up your boots, pack your essentials, and get ready to discover the best hiking routes on the Wadi Rum Trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to hike the Wadi Rum Trail?
The optimal time to hike the Wadi Rum Trail is from October to April, as this period offers cooler temperatures, enhancing the hiking experience while avoiding the extreme heat of summer.
Do I need a guide to hike the Wadi Rum Trail?
Hiring a Bedouin guide is recommended for a richer and safer experience on the Wadi Rum Trail, although hiking it alone is possible.
How long is the Wadi Rum Trail?
The Wadi Rum Trail is approximately 450 square kilometers in size, covering a vast and stunning landscape.
What should I pack for the hike?
For a successful hike, pack lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, a reusable water bottle, closed-toe shoes, sun protection, and layered clothing. These essentials will ensure you are prepared for varying conditions and comfortable throughout your journey.
Can I stay overnight in Wadi Rum?
Yes, you can stay overnight in Wadi Rum, and it is highly recommended to fully immerse yourself in the Bedouin culture and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the desert.
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