Petra Hiking Path Revealed
Petra’s network of ancient trails offers adventurers multiple ways to experience this UNESCO World Heritage site (One of Seven Wonders!), from gentle walks through dramatic canyons to challenging mountain ascents with breathtaking vistas. Understanding each route’s characteristics, difficulty levels, and unique features is essential for planning the perfect Petra adventure.
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The Siq Trail: Petra’s Grand Entrance
The Siq Trail serves as Petra’s main entrance and provides one of the most spectacular approaches to any ancient site in the world. This 1.2-kilometer natural corridor winds through towering sandstone cliffs that rise over 80 meters high, creating a dramatic, narrow passageway carved by tectonic forces and water erosion over millennia.
Trail Explained
- Distance: 1.2 km one-way
- Duration: 30-45 minutes (depending on pace and photo stops)
- Difficulty: Easy
The trail showcases the Nabataean civilization’s engineering brilliance through visible water channels carved into the rock walls, designed to control flash floods and supply water to the city. As you walk through this natural wonder, the walls narrow to just 5-6 meters wide in places, with the polychrome sandstone displaying stunning patterns of red, orange, purple, and yellow hues.
What to Expect
The journey culminates in one of travel’s most iconic reveals—emerging from the narrow Siq to your first glimpse of the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) through a thin vertical slice of opening. Early morning visitors (arriving by 6:00 AM) can experience this magical moment in relative solitude before tour groups arrive. The soft morning light during golden hour (6:44-7:15 AM in October) illuminates the Treasury’s intricate façade in warm, honeyed tones.
Pro Tips for the Siq Trail
Start as early as possible, the gate often opens before the official 6:00 AM. when dramatic Treasury reveal. Watch for ancient Nabataean carvings, including god-blocks and niches along the walls. The walk is accessible for most fitness levels, but wear comfortable walking shoes as you’ll cover significant distance beyond the Siq.
Al-Khubtha Trail: The Treasury from Above
Ascending to Petra’s Most Photographed Viewpoint
The Al-Khubtha Trail delivers arguably the most spectacular panoramic view in Petra a bird’s eye perspective of the Treasury from 200 meters above, with the entire ancient city sprawling below. This challenging hike rewards those willing to tackle hundreds of steps with views that have become iconic on social media and travel magazines worldwide.
Trail Explained
- Distance: 2-3 km one-way from Royal Tombs
- Duration: 90 minutes ascending, 60 minutes descending
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
The trail begins near the Royal Tombs area, branching off the main path past the Roman Theater. The ascent involves climbing carved Nabataean steps that zigzag up the mountainside, offering increasingly impressive views with each switchback.
What to Expect
The climb is steep and demanding, particularly in warm weather, requiring good physical fitness. Multiple rest spots along the way provide natural photo opportunities of the Royal Tombs, the Street of Facades, and the surrounding mountains.
The viewpoint itself features traditional Bedouin carpets laid out on the rocky ledge where visitors can sit and absorb the panoramic spectacle. From this vantage point, the Treasury appears small yet magnificent, nestled in its canyon setting with the Siq entrance visible beyond.
Best Time to Hike
Morning light (7:00-09:00 AM) provides ideal conditions for photography, with the sun illuminating the Treasury façade. Afternoon visits (3:00-5:00 PM) offer softer, golden-hour lighting and fewer crowds. Avoid midday during summer months when temperatures soar and shade is limited.
Monastery Trail (Ad-Deir Trail): The 800-Step Challenge
Climbing to Petra’s Largest Monument
The Monastery Trail leads to Ad-Deir, an architectural masterpiece even more massive than the Treasury, standing 45 meters high and 50 meters wide. This iconic hike represents one of Petra’s signature experiences, combining physical challenge with archaeological wonder and spectacular desert vistas.
Trail Explained
- Distance: 2 km one-way from Qasr al-Bint (Basin Restaurant area)
- Duration: 45-60 minutes ascending, 30-40 minutes descending
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Steps: 800+ carved stone steps
Two Routes to the Monastery
Main Trail (Recommended for First-Time Visitors)
The standard route begins near the Basin Restaurant in Petra’s center and follows an ancient processional path. The 800 steps are well-maintained Nabataean stonework, varying in height and width, with periodic flat sections providing rest opportunities. Along the way, hikers pass rock-cut tombs, hermitages with carved crosses, and the Lion Triclinium fountain.
Backdoor Route from Little Petra (For Adventurous Hikers)
This alternative 8-kilometer trail starts at Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) and approaches the Monastery from behind, offering a less crowded, more wilderness experience. The route traverses open desert landscapes with sweeping views across Wadi Araba to Israel. This approach requires 4-5 hours one-way and is best done with a local guide as trail markings are minimal.
What to Expect
The main trail’s steps are interspersed with donkey rest stations where local Bedouins offer rides for those struggling with the climb (negotiable fees). The path winds through a narrow wadi with towering rock walls before opening to reveal the Monastery’s massive façade carved into the rose-red cliff face.
Beyond the Monastery, adventurous hikers can climb an additional 15 minutes to upper viewpoints offering panoramic vistas across Jordan’s desert valleys and distant mountains. These elevated positions provide unique perspectives of the Monastery from above and sweeping desert panoramas.
Timing Your Visit
Afternoon lighting (3:00-5:00 PM) bathes the Monastery in golden tones, perfect for photography. The late afternoon timing also means fewer crowds, as many day visitors have already departed. Early morning visits offer cooler temperatures and quieter trails, though morning light hits the façade less directly.
High Place of Sacrifice Trail For Panoramic Views
The High Place of Sacrifice (Al-Madhbah) trail transports hikers along an ancient pilgrimage route to one of Petra’s most significant religious sites, where Nabataean priests performed ceremonial animal sacrifices 2,000 years ago. This moderately challenging hike combines steep climbs, archaeological wonders, and some of Petra’s finest panoramic viewpoints.
Trail Explained
- Distance: 1.2 km ascent to High Place; 3.9 km total if descending via Wadi Farasa loop
- Duration: 40 minutes ascent; 2.5-3.5 hours for complete loop
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
The Ascent
The trail begins near the Street of Facades, just before reaching the Roman Theater on the main path. Clear signage marks the starting point beside souvenir stalls and facilities. The Nabataean engineers carved dramatic stairways directly into the rock, creating deep corridors through otherwise impassable outcrops.
As you climb through the beautiful Wadi al-Mahfur ravine, the engineered staircases showcase ancient stone-cutting mastery. The ascent is steep but features safe steps at all tricky points—no scrambling or technical climbing required.
At the Summit
The most striking features at the top are two towering obelisks, both over 6 meters high, representing the chief Nabataean deities Dushara (male) and al-Uzza (female). Remarkably, these weren’t placed but rather left standing as the entire mountaintop was leveled around them—an extraordinary feat of ancient engineering.
The sacrificial platform itself measures approximately 15 meters long by 6 meters wide, with a circular basin used for ritual purposes and rainwater collection. Channels carved into the rock once drained blood from sacrificed animals during religious ceremonies.
From this elevated vantage point, sweeping views encompass the Royal Tombs, Street of Facades, the Theater, Qasr al-Bint, and distant mountains including the Tomb of Aaron. Bedouin tea tents offer refreshments with arguably the finest views in Petra.
Wadi Farasa Descent (Recommended)
Rather than returning the same way, experienced hikers should descend through Wadi Farasa, forming a spectacular loop. This route passes multiple archaeological treasures in a peaceful, less-traveled valley:
- Lion Monument (Lion Triclinium): A carved fountain featuring a lion’s head, likely offering refreshment to ancient pilgrims
- Garden Triclinium: A simple cave temple in a hidden, beautiful setting that sprouts green carpet-like vegetation in spring
- Roman Soldier Tomb Complex: An elaborate two-façade structure that once featured a colonnaded courtyard and garden
- Renaissance Tomb: Distinguished by its graceful façade crowned with a gable featuring three funerary urns
- Az-Zantur Nabataean Mansion Excavations: Revealing luxurious ancient residences
The descent takes approximately 1.5 hours and emerges near Qasr al-Bint and the Basin Restaurant area.
Umm al-Biyara Trail: Summit the Highest Peak
Scaling Petra’s Dominant Mountain
Umm al-Biyara, meaning “Mother of Cisterns,” rises as Petra’s highest and most prominent mountain at 1,160 meters elevation. This challenging trail rewards experienced hikers with the site’s most comprehensive panoramic views and access to significant Edomite and Nabataean archaeological remains at the summit.
Trail Explained
- Distance: 2.5 km one-way
- Duration: 3-4 hours ascent; 6-7 hours roundtrip
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Starting Point: Bend in main trail near Pharaoh’s Column/Qasr al-Bint area
The Challenge
This strenuous hike requires high physical fitness and is not recommended for casual visitors or those with time limitations. The initial section presents the most challenging climbing, involving steep, exposed segments through rocky terrain. However, the final staircase leading to the summit, while demanding, is generally well-maintained and safe.
Summit Rewards
At the top, hikers discover remains of an ancient Edomite settlement (pre-dating the Nabataeans) and a Nabataean royal hilltop residence, adding historical significance to the physical achievement. The 360-degree panoramic views justify the grueling ascent, encompassing the ancient city center of Petra below, the modern town of Wadi Musa, Jabal Haroun (Mount Aaron) in the distance, Wadi al-Siyyagh, and the vast desert landscapes stretching toward Israel.
Essential Requirements
This trail demands sturdy hiking boots with excellent ankle support. Pack at least 2-3 liters of water per person, as the exposed climb in heat is extremely demanding. Bring substantial snacks or lunch for energy. High-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses are mandatory for the largely shadeless route. Starting early in the morning (6:00-7:00 AM) is critical to avoid midday heat.
Trail Conditions
The path includes steep segments with loose rock, requiring careful foot placement. Some sections involve minor scrambling over boulders. The trail is not as well-marked as more popular routes, so consider hiring a local guide for navigation and safety.
Jabal Haroun Trail: Pilgrimage to Aaron’s Tomb
Trek to Petra’s Highest Sacred Site
The Jabal Haroun (Mount Aaron/Mount Hor) trail represents Petra’s most challenging full-day expedition, ascending to 1,350 meters elevation where a white-domed shrine marks the traditional burial site of Aaron, brother of Moses. This sacred mountain holds spiritual significance for Muslims, Christians, and Jews, making it both a physical and spiritual journey.
Trail Explained
- Distance: 10.4 km one-way; approximately 27 km roundtrip from Visitor Center
- Duration: 7-8 hours roundtrip; full day expedition
- Difficulty: Very Difficult
- Starting Point: Pharaoh’s Column area beyond Qasr al-Bint
The Journey
The trail passes significant landmarks including rock-cut tombs at the eastern base of Umm al-Biyara and snake monuments at Al Thugra. The route traverses remote valleys including Wadi Sabra and passes through landscapes adorned with juniper trees, adding scenic beauty to the challenging terrain.
The final segment from the mountain’s base involves the steepest, most strenuous climbing, demanding high physical fitness. However, donkeys can be hired to assist with much of the ascent, though the final approach to the shrine typically requires walking.
Summit Experience
The white shrine at the peak dates from the 14th century and became a pilgrimage destination over centuries. Access to the tomb interior varies—it’s sometimes locked, so inquire at the Visitor Center if interior access is important. Aaron’s Terrace, a rock ledge near the summit, provides exceptional 360-degree views across the Wadi Araba desert valley, all of Petra below, and the distant Asharah mountains.
Essential Preparations
Start extremely early (5:00-6:00 AM) to complete the full journey before dark. This is mandatory as the trail requires the full daylight hours. Pack 3-4 liters of water per person minimum—this is not optional in the exposed desert conditions. Bring substantial food including lunch and energy snacks. Wear broken-in, supportive hiking boots with very good tread. Sun protection is critical: wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and light long sleeves.
Wadi Farasa Trail: Hidden Valley of Tombs
Exploring Petra’s Most Scenic Side Valley
Wadi Farasa presents a beautiful alternative route through a peaceful valley containing some of Petra’s most exquisite smaller monuments, typically combined with the High Place of Sacrifice as a descent loop but also hikeable as a standalone trail.
Trail Statistics:
- Distance: 2-3 km as standalone trail; part of 3.9 km loop with High Place
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours one-way
- Difficulty: Moderate (mostly descending when combined with High Place)
Key Monuments
The valley route showcases exceptional Nabataean architecture
- Lion Monument/Lion Fountain: An ancient water feature carved with a lion’s head, possibly serving refreshment to pilgrims heading to the High Place
- Garden Triclinium: A temple cave overlooked by a magnificent tree, named for the carpet of springtime green sprouting before its portico
- Roman Soldier Tomb: An elaborate complex featuring two façades with what was once a colonnaded courtyard and formal garden between them
- Renaissance Tomb: Notable for its graceful, crown-like gable with three funerary urns
- Broken Pediment Tomb: Additional funerary architecture displaying Nabataean artistic evolution
Trail Character
This route offers significantly fewer crowds than Petra’s main attractions, providing peaceful exploration and contemplation. The valley’s natural beauty combines with human-carved wonders, creating photogenic scenes especially during golden hour light. The trail passes through varied terrain including narrow wadi sections, open valleys, and archaeological zones.
Photography Opportunities
The Garden Triclinium with its overhanging tree creates a particularly photogenic scene. The Roman Soldier Tomb’s elaborate façades and architectural details reward careful photography. Early morning or late afternoon lighting enhances the colorful Nabataean sandstone carvings.
Access
Most hikers experience Wadi Farasa as a descent from the High Place of Sacrifice, forming a loop that maximizes archaeological site visits while varying the terrain. However, it can be hiked in either direction or as a standalone exploration from Qasr al-Bint area.
Practical Hiking Tips for All Petra Trails
Water is available for purchase at various points throughout Petra from Bedouin vendors, though at premium prices. Carrying adequate supplies from the start provides better value and ensures consistent hydration.
Timing Your Hikes
Early Morning
- Cooler temperatures (especially critical March-October)
- Softer, more photogenic lighting during golden hour (6:44-7:15 AM in October)
- Minimal crowds—experience trails in relative solitude
- Treasury in optimal morning light
- Full day to complete longer trails before closing time
Late Afternoon
- Returning visitors find fewer crowds as day-trippers depart
- Golden hour sunset lighting (5:29-6:00 PM in October)
- Monastery faces west, receiving beautiful afternoon light
- Cooler temperatures than midday
Midday
- Peak crowds between 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM as tour groups arrive
- Hottest temperatures, most challenging hiking conditions
- Best time for shaded restaurants and rest breaks
Staying Overnight in Wadi Musa
The Overnight Advantage
Staying in Wadi Musa, the gateway town just steps from Petra’s entrance, provides significant strategic advantages for maximizing your Petra experience:
Multi-Day Exploration
Single-day visits force rushed decisions about which trails to prioritize and typically result in exhausted, incomplete experiences. Petra’s 264 square kilometer archaeological park contains far more than can be properly appreciated in one day. A two or three-day ticket (costing only 10 JD more than single-day admission) allows comprehensive, relaxed exploration.
Optimal Timing Flexibility
Overnight guests can implement an early morning + late afternoon strategy, hiking during the best light and coolest temperatures while resting during crowded, hot midday hours. This approach means experiencing Petra’s iconic sites like the Treasury in magical morning solitude and catching the Monastery in glowing afternoon light.
Recovery and Rejuvenation
Petra hiking is physically demanding covering 15-25 kilometers on challenging terrain in desert conditions. Overnight accommodation allows proper rest, meal breaks, and energy restoration between hiking sessions. Multi-day visitors commonly explore easier trails and major sites on Day 1, then tackle challenging climbs like Al-Khubtha or the Monastery on Day 2 when they understand the layout.
Nomads Hotel Petra: Your Adventure Base
Strategic Location
Nomads Hotel Petra sits in the heart of Wadi Musa, just a 10-minute walk from Petra’s entrance. This proximity means early starts without complicated transportation logistics and easy returns for midday breaks.
Rooftop Experience
Our Hotel’s featured, its rooftop café and bar, offers panoramic views over Petra’s mountains on one side and Wadi Musa village on the other. The rooftop provides the perfect setting for sunset watching with views that guests consistently describe as “stunning” and “unreal”.
sunset (around 5:30 PM to 6:30 in October) captures optimal light.
Creative Activities
Nomads Rooftop offers unique souvenir-making experiences where guests can paint or shape clay while enjoying Petra sunset views.
Social Atmosphere
The rooftop’s authentic, cozy design combines traditional Bedouin elements with modern comfort. Evening entertainment often includes shisha, wine, and even Indiana Jones movies projected for guests. The social environment makes it easy to meet fellow travelers and share hiking experiences and trail recommendations.
Hiker-Friendly Services
Nomads frequently hosts Jordan Trail through-hikers resting before or after completing the Petra trek section. This means staff understand hikers’ needs early breakfasts, packed lunches (5 JD), trail information, and guide recommendations.
Whether you choose the gentle walk through the Siq, the challenging climb to the Monastery, or the extreme full-day trek to Jabal Haroun, Petra’s trails offer unforgettable experiences combining ancient wonders with natural beauty. Multi-day tickets, overnight stays in Wadi Musa, and strategic early morning and late afternoon timing maximize your adventure while minimizing crowds and heat exposure. With proper preparation, appropriate gear, and realistic assessment of your fitness level, you can select the perfect trails to create your ideal Petra experience one that balances challenge with reward and leaves you with memories to last a lifetime.
Stay at Nomads Hotel Petra to position yourself perfectly for early morning departures and sunset rooftop relaxation after your day’s adventures. The combination of strategic location, comfortable accommodation, authentic atmosphere, and that spectacular rooftop view makes it the ideal base for exploring Petra’s magnificent trails.
