Complete Wadi Rum Hiking Guide: Everything You Need To Know
Of all the things to do in Wadi Rum, hiking is certainly one of the best.
Wadi Rum hiking is diverse, with a wide range of trails allowing you to explore the different areas of this desert. From fascinating rock formations to stunning red sand dunes, any hike in Wadi Rum is a rewarding experience when you visit Jordan.
At Skyhook, we offer hikes through Wadi Rum as part of our Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea tour.
When considering the best time to visit Petra and Wadi Rum, this is absolutely one of the best routes to hike if you want to experience the best of Wadi Rum on foot.
To help you plan and prepare for your trip, here’s what you need to know about Wadi Rum hiking.
Hiking in Wadi Rum: What You Need to Know
Wadi Rum hiking is always an amazing experience and a must-visit in Jordan. This desert is famous for its impressive sandstone formations, red dunes, and ancient archaeological sites.
Needless to say, this means there are many phenomenal Wadi Rum hikes that you can go on to explore this area.
However, Wadi Rum is certainly not an easy place to hike - with its desert trails, intense sun, and lack of shade and water.
Here’s what you need to know to help you prepare for hiking Wadi Rum in a group tour or during a solo travel trip through Jordan.
See also: travel tips for Jordan
Understanding Wadi Rum's Terrain and Trails
Wadi Rum hiking is truly unique, thanks to the region’s one-of-a-kind desert landscape.
The Wadi rum desert in jordan is characterized by its varied terrain, including sand dunes, granite rock formations, narrow gorges, and vast open spaces. Be prepared for shifting landscapes during your hike.
Trails are not always well-marked, so having a knowledgeable guide or a detailed map is crucial. Some paths might require scrambling over rocks or navigating through soft sands, demanding proper footwear and physical fitness.
It’s also important that you know what to wear in Wadi Rum to help you have a more comfortable time in this tricky environment.
Preparation and Safety Measures
One of the most important aspects of hiking in this desert is being prepared for the Wadi Rum weather forecast.
Wadi Rum experiences extreme temperatures, with scorching heat during the day and considerable drops in temperature at night.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the day and warm layers for the evenings. Carry sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sufficient water to stay hydrated.
Guides and Permits
Consider hiring a local Bedouin guide or joining a guided tour with us at Skyhook Adventure for your Wadi Rum hike.
These guides possess invaluable knowledge about the area's history, geology, and safe hiking routes. Additionally, ensure you have the required permits to enter the protected area.
Emergency Preparedness
It’s essential that you stay safe on any Wadi Rum hiking trip.
Inform someone about your hiking plans and expected return time. Carry a fully charged phone, emergency supplies like a first aid kit, flashlight, and extra water. Be cautious of sudden weather changes and the challenges the desert terrain presents.
Respecting the Environment
The Wadi Rum Protected Area holds UNESCO status and needs to be respected.
Preserve the pristine desert environment by adhering to Leave No Trace principles. Carry out all trash and avoid damaging the natural surroundings. Respect the flora and fauna by not disturbing the wildlife.
Camping and Accommodation
Wadi Rum trekking involves spending a couple of nights in the desert. This is always an amazing experience, as it gives you the chance to appreciate the impressive starry skies.
Many hiking trips include overnight stays in traditional Bedouin camps. Experience their warm hospitality, enjoy traditional meals, and immerse yourself in their culture. Ensure you understand camp rules and cultural norms to respect their way of life.
There are plenty of other options for camping in Wadi Rum. Whether you want to go glamping or are after a more rustic desert camp experience, you have a wide range of campsites to choose from.
Embracing Unforgettable Moments
The beauty of Wadi Rum hiking is that you can get to hard-to-reach places in the Wadi Rum desert in order to see some truly magnificent sights.
Witnessing the sunrise or sunset against the desert's breathtaking backdrop is a highlight of any visit to Wadi Rum. Plan your hikes to capture these magical moments and experience the shifting colours of the desert.
Wadi Rum Hiking: 10 Best Trails
So, which Wadi Rum trail should you hike?
This desert is big, and there are many different hiking trails available. Here are some of the best Wadi Rum hiking routes you can explore so you know how long to spend in Wadi Rum.
1. Lawrence Spring Trail
Distance: Approximately 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) round trip
The Lawrence Spring Trail is a moderate hike of about 5 kilometres that starts near Rum Village.
This trail winds through stunning desert landscapes filled with towering sandstone cliffs and narrow canyons. Hikers will pass by fascinating rock formations while enjoying panoramic views of the Wadi Rum desert.
The highlight of this hike is reaching Lawrence Spring, a natural water source named after T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia. The spring emerges from a crevice in the rocks, providing a serene and picturesque spot amid the desert scenery.
2. Burdah Rock Bridge Trail
Distance: Approximately 8 kilometres (5 miles) round trip
The Burdah Rock Bridge Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike, covering around 8 kilometres round trip.
This trail takes hikers through rugged desert terrain, scrambling over rocks and navigating narrow passages.
The highlight is reaching the iconic Burdah Rock Bridge, a natural sandstone arch perched high above the desert floor. The bridge offers stunning panoramic views of Wadi Rum's vast expanse, making it a favourite spot for adventurous hikers and photography enthusiasts.
3. Um Fruth Rock Bridge Trail
Distance: Approximately 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) round trip
The Um Fruth Rock Bridge Trail is a moderately difficult hike of about 6 kilometres round trip. This trail leads hikers through a less-travelled area of Wadi Rum, showcasing magnificent desert landscapes with towering rock formations.
The highlight of the hike is reaching the impressive Um Fruth Rock Bridge, a natural sandstone arch nestled amidst the desert cliffs. The trail offers opportunities for exploration and solitude while providing breathtaking views of the surrounding desert scenery.
4. Jebel Umm Adaami Summit Trail
Distance: Approximately 16 kilometres (10 miles) round trip
The Jebel Umm Adaami Summit Trail is a challenging hike covering approximately 16 kilometres round trip.
It leads adventurous hikers to the summit of Jebel Umm Adaami, Jordan's highest peak, offering breathtaking views of Wadi Rum's expansive desert and surrounding mountain ranges.
The trail involves a steep ascent, and rocky terrain, and requires good physical fitness. At the summit, hikers are rewarded with unparalleled vistas that stretch across the vast desert landscape, making it a remarkable and memorable experience.
5. Khazali Siq Trail
Distance: Approximately 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) round trip
The Khazali Siq Trail is a short and easy hike covering around 1-kilometer round trip. This trail takes hikers through a narrow canyon (Siq) adorned with ancient Nabatean inscriptions and petroglyphs.
These inscriptions, etched into the canyon walls, provide a glimpse into the historical and cultural significance of Wadi Rum.
The trail offers a fascinating journey into the past, allowing visitors to explore the ancient rock art and learn about the region's rich heritage.
6. Jebel Khazali Trail
Distance: Approximately 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) round trip
The Jebel Khazali Trail spans about 4 kilometres round trip, leading hikers to the summit of Jebel Khazali.
This trail provides stunning views of Wadi Rum's expansive desert landscape. Along the way, hikers can explore caves and rock formations, experiencing the unique geological features of the area.
The summit offers panoramic vistas, making it an ideal spot to witness the changing colours of the desert during sunrise or sunset.
7. Barrah Canyon Trail
Distance: Approximately 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) round trip
The Barrah Canyon Trail is a picturesque hike of around 3 kilometres round trip. This trail takes hikers through Barrah Canyon, a stunning canyon characterized by towering cliffs and unique rock formations.
The hike offers awe-inspiring views of the canyon walls, providing a sense of tranquillity and natural beauty. The peacefulness of the surroundings makes it an ideal trail for those seeking a relatively easy yet visually captivating hiking experience.
8. Um Sabatah Trail
Distance: Approximately 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) round trip
The Um Sabatah Trail covers approximately 5 kilometres round trip, offering a serene hiking experience through a valley adorned with sandstone formations.
This trail provides a less crowded and peaceful atmosphere compared to some of the more popular routes in Wadi Rum. Hikers can immerse themselves in the tranquillity of the desert while marvelling at the unique geological formations and vast open spaces.
9. Al Hasany Dunes Trail
Distance: Varies, depending on exploration
The Al Hasany Dunes Trail leads hikers to the Al Hasany Dunes, offering an immersive experience in the mesmerizing golden sands of Wadi Rum.
The distance can vary as hikers explore the dunes, taking in panoramic views of the rolling sands and experiencing the tranquil beauty of the desert landscape.
10. Alameleh Inscriptions Trail
Distance: Approximately 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) round trip
The Alameleh Inscriptions Trail covers around 2 kilometres round trip, leading hikers to ancient rock inscriptions that showcase the historical and cultural significance of the region.
This hike provides an opportunity to explore fascinating archaeological sites, featuring inscriptions and petroglyphs that offer insights into the area's ancient civilizations and their artistic expressions.
Trekking in Wadi Rum
Trekking in Wadi Rum over multiple days is an exceptional way to immerse yourself in the vastness and serenity of the desert.
Multi-day hikes like the Petra to Wadi Rum hike allow adventurers to explore diverse landscapes, experience Bedouin hospitality, and witness stunning sunrises and sunsets amidst the desert's beauty.
Multi-day treks typically range from 2 to 5 days, offering varying itineraries tailored to different interests and fitness levels.
Experienced Bedouin guides lead these treks, providing insights into local culture, traditions, and stories about the desert. Overnight stays often involve traditional Bedouin campsites, where travellers can relish in warm hospitality, enjoy local cuisine, and sleep under the stars.
Multi-day hikes in Wadi Rum cover a range of scenic trails and landmarks. These journeys often include visits to iconic sites like Lawrence's Spring, rock bridges (such as Burdah and Um Fruth), towering sand dunes, ancient rock inscriptions, and the majestic Jebel Umm Adaami, Jordan's highest peak.
Jordan Trail Connection
Wadi Rum is part of our Petra and Wadi Rum Dead Sea tour, a long-distance Jordan hiking trail that spans the length of the country.
Trekkers can opt for multi-day hikes that incorporate sections of the Jordan Trail, providing an opportunity to experience Wadi Rum's desert terrain as part of a larger hiking adventure across the country.
See also: Petra in Jordan hike
Conclusion
As long as you’re well prepared, Wadi Rum hiking is an amazing experience.
Just make sure you pack the right gear, time your hike for the best time to visit Wadi Rum, and are clued up about the hiking trails from a knowledgeable guide.
The more prepared you are, the more enjoyable your hiking experience in Wadi Rum will be.
