Hiking the Jordan Trail

Cross the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan from north to south on the Jordan Trail (JT), a challenging 651km trek that begins amidst the Greco-Roman remains of Umm Qais and ends on the shores of the Red Sea at Aqaba. Along the way the route visits the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra and dramatic desert landscapes including Wadi Rum and the wild Dana Biosphere Reserve, crossing Mediterranean hills and rocky scarps, arid creeks, canyons and wadis.

This guide divides the Jordan Trail into 35 stages across eight sections, so you can walk individual segments, complete a region or thru-hike the entire trail from end to end. Each stage description opens with practical information on distance, ascent, descent, difficulty and resupply options, helping you plan the day ahead and adapt your pace to the conditions.
Public buses and taxis connect the main towns along the route, while the Jordan Trail Association offers guided support for walkers who prefer not to go it alone. Homestays and simple hotels provide overnight accommodation for some stages, while wild camping is essential in more remote sections.

Complete stage-by-stage guidance for all 35 stages of the Jordan Trail, from Umm Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south
Practical day-by-day information on distance, ascent, descent, difficulty and refreshments for every stage of the Jordan Trail
Detailed advice on accommodation, water sources and waymarking for hikers tackling the trail self-guided or with local support
Visits UNESCO World Heritage Site Petra and the wild desert scenery of Wadi Rum, along with the Dana Biosphere Reserve
Background on Jordan's history, geology, ecology and birdlife, from Roman ruins at Umm Qais to Crusader castles at Ajloun and Karak
GPX files available to download free of charge, plus routes viewable in the Cicerone app
Advice on transport, visas and the Jordan Pass, plus tips on local culture and etiquette along the Jordan Trail
Includes 1:100,000 stage mapping and larger scale plans of towns and sites of interest along the route


Whether you choose to walk a single section or the complete 651km trail, the Jordan Trail rewards you with a rare blend of desert wilderness, ancient history and warm Jordanian hospitality. This guidebook gives you everything you need to plan your journey with confidence, from the ruins of Umm Qais to the shores of the Red Sea.

Seasons

November to mid-April, with conditions at their best from mid-February to the end of March.

Centres

The trail passes through Umm Qais, Ajloun, As-Salt, Karak, Dana Biosphere Reserve, Petra, Wadi Rum Wildlife Reserve, Humeima and Aqaba.

Difficulty

Moderate to challenging. The Jordan Trail is not fully waymarked, so strong navigation and route-finding skills are essential.

Must See

The Jordan Trail passes Graeco-Roman cities such as Umm Qais and Pella, medieval castles including Ajloun and Karak, and spectacular nature reserves such as Wadi Al Mujib, Wadi Dana and Wadi Rum. Its crown jewel is Petra, an internationally renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route also showcases Jordan's diverse geology and climates, from Mediterranean and subtropical conditions in the north to semi-arid and arid landscapes in the south.