DANA TO PETRA
One of the most awe-inspiring sections of a trek across Jordan, this route was recently named by National Geographic as one of the fifteen best hikes in the world. The trail drops from the heights of the mountain plateaus to the Araba Valley and climbs back again, crossing several climate zones, diverse ecosystems hidden in canyons, and dramatic labyrinths of hills and valleys displaying the full spectrum of the region’s geology. The scenery spans from majestic and epic mountaintops to peaceful, bucolic countryside, and new landscapes present themselves every few kilometers: the one thing this region does not offer is monotony.
If the natural attractions aren’t enough, the route ends with the Nabatean masterpiece, Petra. The city in the rocks holds days worth of exploration by itself, and the short route the Jordan Trail takes through it is meant only to display a few of its highlights and to provide a base for further wanderings, not to fully capture its depth. Few other long-distance trails can boast stages as consistently spectacular as this or end in a place as worthy of a visit as Petra.
Entry to Petra requires a pass, which can only be purchased at the front entrance. This route does not approach Petra through this entrance, so a pass must be purchased in advance.
Days: 4
Length: 72.6 km
Main sites in the Dana to Petra Region:
- Wadi Dana Biosphere Reserve and countless other natural wonders
- Feynan ruins and ancient copper mines
- Feynan ecolodge
- Hidden stream and waterfall in Wadi Feid
- Little Petra, an outpost of Petra in the same city-in-the-cliffs style
- Petra, Nabatean capital and wonder of the world
ACCOMMODATIONS
DAY 1: DANA TO WADI MALAGA
- Distance: 23.5 km
- Time: 6 – 8 hours
- Physical Challenge: Moderate
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Waymarked: No
DAY 2: WADI MALAGA TO RAS AL-FEID
- Distance: 13.7 km
- Time: 5 – 7 hours
- Physical Challenge: Difficult
- Trail Difficulty: Difficult
- Waymarked: No
DAY 3: RAS AL-FEID TO LITTLE PETRA
- Distance: 22.8 km
- Time: 6 – 8 hours
- Physical Challenge: Difficult
- Trail Difficulty: Difficult
- Waymarked: No
DAY 4: LITTLE PETRA TO PETRA
- Distance: 12.6 km
- Time: 3 – 4 hours
- Physical Challenge: Moderate
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Waymarked: No
