- DurationHalf to Multi-day
- Activity typeGuided Trekking
- DifficultyEasy-Challenging
- Best seasonMar-May, Sep-Nov
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from 75 JD / person
Wadi Rum Trekking - Experience the Desert on Foot
Trekking in Wadi Rum offers a completely different perspective from jeep tours—slower, quieter, and more immersive. You'll walk through narrow canyons, scramble up rock formations, navigate sandy valleys, and reach viewpoints that vehicles can't access. With an experienced Bedouin guide leading the way, you'll follow ancient paths through the desert, learning about local geology, desert survival, plant uses, and the history woven into the landscape around you.
The routes vary dramatically in difficulty and duration. Half-day treks cover 4-6 km and might include an easy canyon walk or a climb to a viewpoint. Full-day routes stretch 10-15 km and often involve more challenging terrain—rock scrambles, steep ascents, or longer desert crossings under the sun. Multi-day expeditions (2-4 days) are for serious hikers who want to venture deep into remote areas, sleeping under the stars and covering 15-20 km per day. The choice depends on your fitness level, available time, and how adventurous you want to be.
⛰️ Featured: Jebel Umm Ad Dami Day Hike
Summit Jordan's highest mountain — 1,854 m (6,083 ft)
The Jebel Umm Ad Dami day hike is the most popular full-day trekking experience in Wadi Rum. Located in the southern corner of the protected area near the Saudi border, this summit offers breathtaking panoramic views that no other route in Jordan can match.
Tour description
The tour begins with a scenic one-hour 4x4 drive south through Wadi Rum's dramatic landscape to the base of Jebel Umm Ad Dami. The hike starts in a sandy valley, passing a Nabatean dam before ascending a rocky trail to the summit, marked by a Jordanian flag. From the top, you'll enjoy panoramic views over Wadi Rum, the mountains of Saudi Arabia, and on clear days even the Red Sea in the distance.
After the descent and a lunch break in the shade, the adventure continues by 4x4 to Wadi Sabit, where you'll see ancient petroglyphs and a Bedouin cemetery. The tour then visits the Thathaa Viewpoint for stunning views of the white desert, stops at a Bedouin cistern, and ends the day with a beautiful sunset at Um Sabatah.
5 km
(3.1 miles)
430 m
(1,410 ft)
Moderate
Off-trail, uneven terrain
Jebel Umm Ad Dami Day Hike — Pricing
Duration: 1 full day • Private tour • All group sizes
95 JD
per person
85 JD
per person
75 JD
per person
Included:
- Private tour with local Bedouin hiking guide
- Lunch (traditional galayet bandora, pita bread, hummus, feta cheese, cucumber)
- Bottled water and Bedouin tea throughout the day
- 4x4 transfers to trailhead and scenic afternoon stops
Not included:
- Wadi Rum entrance fee (7 JD, or free with Jordan Pass)
- Tips for guide
Start time: 9:00 AM at Wadi Rum Rest House. The tour finishes after sunset. Good fitness and proper hiking shoes required.
Book This Hike →🌙 Want to add an overnight stay? You can combine this day hike with a night in a desert camp or a night sleeping under the stars. We'll arrange the full package and pricing for you. Contact us for details →
Who is trekking for?
Trekking suits people who prefer active exploration over passive sightseeing—hikers, trail runners, rock climbers, or anyone who feels more connected to landscapes when moving through them on foot. It's ideal if you want solitude and quieter desert experiences away from jeep routes and tourist crowds. The slow pace allows for photography, observation, and genuine appreciation of the environment's details: rock patterns, desert plants, animal tracks, and the way light shifts across the landscape throughout the day.
Physical fitness matters more for trekking than jeep tours. Half-day routes require basic fitness—comfortable walking 4-6 km on uneven terrain. Full-day treks demand good fitness—10-15 km with potential rock scrambles and sustained uphill sections in heat. Multi-day expeditions require strong fitness and some hiking experience; you'll be walking hours daily with rest breaks but consistent physical effort. That said, your guide will set a reasonable pace and adjust the route if needed. It's about enjoying the journey, not racing through it.
Popular trekking routes
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Jebel Umm Ad Dami (Full-Day, Moderate)
Jordan's highest peak at 1,854 m, located in the southern corner of Wadi Rum near the Saudi border. The hike starts with a one-hour 4x4 drive to the trailhead, then follows a sandy valley past a Nabatean dam before ascending a rocky trail to the summit. From the top you'll see panoramic views over Wadi Rum, Saudi Arabia, and on clear days the Red Sea. After descending, the afternoon includes scenic 4x4 stops at Wadi Sabit petroglyphs, Thathaa Viewpoint over the white desert, and a sunset finish at Um Sabatah. Approximately 5 km hiking, 430 m elevation gain. Requires good fitness and proper hiking shoes. From 75 JD per person (group of 5-6). Book this hike →
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Rakhabat Canyon (Half-Day, Easy)
A gentle introduction to Wadi Rum trekking through a narrow canyon with smooth sandstone walls, easy scrambles, and shade for much of the route. The canyon opens to views of surrounding mountains and the desert beyond. About 2-3 hours walking, minimal elevation gain, suitable for families with older children. Your guide will point out ancient inscriptions carved into the canyon walls and explain the geology that formed these passages over millions of years.
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Jebel Rum Summit (Full-Day, Challenging)
The ascent of Jebel Rum (1,754m), Wadi Rum's second-highest mountain, is a challenging full-day route involving steep rock scrambles, narrow ledges, and sustained climbing. The reward is spectacular 360-degree desert views from the summit—on clear days you can see into Saudi Arabia. Requires good fitness, no fear of heights, and confidence on exposed terrain. Most routes include Via Ferrata-style sections with fixed chains and cables for safety. Typically 6-8 hours including breaks and summit time.
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Burdah Rock Bridge Scramble (Full-Day, Moderate-Challenging)
A popular route to Wadi Rum's highest natural rock arch. The approach involves desert walking followed by a steep scramble up the mountain's back side to reach the bridge from above. Standing on the bridge offers dramatic views and excellent photos. The descent is via the same route or an alternative path. Requires moderate fitness and comfort with heights—there are exposed sections where you're scrambling on rock with significant drop-offs. About 5-7 hours total with breaks.
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Barrah Canyon to Um Fruth (Full-Day, Moderate)
A varied route combining canyon walking, desert crossings, and a visit to Um Fruth Rock Bridge. You'll trek through Barrah Canyon's narrow passages, cross open sand flats, and approach the rock bridge from a quieter side than jeep tours reach. The route offers diverse terrain and scenery without extreme difficulty. Good for hikers who want a full day's challenge but prefer moderate exertion over intense scrambling. About 10-12 km, 5-6 hours walking.
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Multi-Day Desert Expedition (2-4 Days, Varies)
Extended treks venturing into remote areas rarely visited by day-trippers. Routes are customized based on fitness and interests but typically cover 15-20 km per day through changing terrain—canyons, sand dunes, rock formations, and vast open desert. Nights are spent sleeping under the stars at wild camps far from any development. Your guide leads, while a support jeep carries heavy gear, water supplies, and camping equipment, meeting you at designated points. These expeditions offer genuine desert solitude and the most authentic trekking experience in Wadi Rum.
Ready to hike Jordan's highest peak?
Jebel Umm Ad Dami full-day hike — from 75 JD per person
Book Now →We did a full-day trek to Burdah Rock Bridge and it was absolutely worth the effort. The scramble up was challenging but exhilarating, and standing on the bridge with desert views stretching endlessly was unforgettable. Our guide was patient, knowledgeable, and made sure we felt safe throughout. Highly recommend for anyone who loves hiking and wants to experience Wadi Rum beyond the jeep routes.Lisa & Tom, Germany
What's included & considerations
- Experienced Bedouin guide
- Water supply throughout trek
- Lunch on full-day treks
- Tea and snacks during breaks
- Support jeep for longer routes
- Camping gear for multi-day
- Navigation and safety
- Wadi Rum entry ticket (7 JD, or free with Jordan Pass)
- Personal hiking boots/shoes
- Daypack and trekking poles
- Personal layers and rain gear
- Tips for guide (customary)
Typical full-day trek schedule
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AM07:00
Start & Morning Trek
Early morning pickup from your camp or meeting point. After introductions and a route briefing, you'll begin trekking in cooler morning temperatures. The first 2-3 hours typically cover the most distance, taking advantage of comfortable conditions before midday heat. Your guide sets a steady pace with occasional stops to point out desert features, animal tracks, or geological formations.
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AM10:30
Mid-Morning Break
Stop in a shaded spot (under a rock overhang or in a canyon) for a rest break. Your guide prepares tea over a small fire while you rehydrate, eat snacks, and rest your feet. This break usually lasts 20-30 minutes—enough to recover energy but not so long that muscles stiffen. Good time to adjust shoes, apply more sunscreen, or ask questions about the landscape.
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AM11:00
Technical Section or Scramble
The next phase often includes the route's most challenging terrain—rock scrambles, steep ascents, or narrow canyon passages. Your guide will assist with hand placements and route finding. Take your time; safety is more important than speed. If the route includes a summit or rock bridge, you'll typically reach the highlight during this mid-morning to midday window.
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PM13:00
Lunch Stop
Extended break for lunch in the best available shade—often a cave, canyon alcove, or beneath a large boulder. Lunch is usually simple but satisfying: flatbread, hummus, cheese, fresh vegetables, fruit, and plenty of water. You'll rest for 45-60 minutes, allowing your body to recover from the morning's exertion before continuing. This is also when heat is typically strongest, so the long break is strategic.
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PM14:30
Afternoon Trek
Resume trekking, often following a different route back or continuing through new terrain. The afternoon section is typically less intense than morning—flatter terrain, gentler slopes, or easier walking. As the day cools, energy often returns. Your guide might share stories about Bedouin life, desert survival techniques, or local history during this more relaxed phase.
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PM16:30
Final Approach & Return
The last hour of trekking usually offers beautiful afternoon light for photos. You'll reach your pickup point where a jeep waits (common on longer routes), or walk directly back to camp if the route ends nearby. Total walking time is typically 5-7 hours for a full-day trek, though the entire experience spans 9-10 hours with breaks. Arrive back tired but satisfied, ready for dinner and rest.
Essential trekking tips
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Best season for trekking
March through May and September through November are ideal—daytime temperatures range from 20-28°C, comfortable for sustained walking. Avoid June-August when midday heat exceeds 40°C, making trekking exhausting and potentially dangerous. Winter (December-February) is possible but bring warm layers; mornings start cold and temperatures can drop significantly during breaks. Spring offers wildflowers; autumn provides clearer skies and stable weather.
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What to bring (essential)
Proper hiking boots with ankle support and broken-in (not brand new). Sunglasses, strong sunscreen (SPF 50+), wide-brimmed hat. Lightweight long pants and long-sleeve shirt (protection from sun and rocks). Small daypack (20-30L) with extra water bottles, snacks, first aid basics, and phone/camera. Trekking poles are helpful for descents and unstable terrain. In cooler months, bring a light fleece and windbreaker. Personal medications and blister treatment. Buff or shemagh for face/neck protection from wind and sun.
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Physical preparation
If you're booking a full-day or multi-day trek and don't hike regularly, start preparing 4-6 weeks in advance. Walk or hike 2-3 times per week, gradually increasing distance and including elevation gain if possible. Break in your hiking boots fully before the trip—blisters can ruin a trek. Practice walking on uneven terrain, sand, and rocks to condition ankles and feet. Strengthen legs and core with squats and lunges. Even moderate preparation significantly improves your enjoyment and safety.
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Hydration & sun protection
Dehydration is the biggest risk in desert trekking. Drink water consistently throughout the trek, not just when thirsty—by the time you feel thirsty, you're already mildly dehydrated. Your guide will carry water but bring your own bottles as backup. Apply sunscreen every 90 minutes; desert sun is intense even on cooler days. Wear a hat and sunglasses constantly. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, headache, excessive fatigue. Tell your guide immediately if you feel unwell.
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Combining trekking with camp stays
Most camps can arrange guided treks, either departing from the camp directly or with jeep transport to trailheads. Discuss your fitness level and trekking interests when booking so the camp can match you with an appropriate guide and route. Half-day treks work well as an afternoon activity before dinner. Full-day treks typically start early (7:00-8:00 AM) and return late afternoon. Multi-day expeditions are standalone experiences but can be combined with a camp stay before or after. Always book trekking at least a day in advance to ensure guide availability.
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