Amman Hiking & Trekking Guide 2025
Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in Amman.
Amman is Jordan's dynamic capital city, a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern urban life set across a dramatic hillside landscape. The city is home to Roman ruins, vibrant souks, world-class restaurants, and a thriving arts scene, making it one of the Middle East's most compelling destinations.
Top Hiking Trails
The best hikes Amman has to offer.
Amman Citadel Hill Trail
easyThe classic Amman walk — ascending from downtown through the traditional staircase alleys (daraj) to the Citadel hilltop, passing street life, old neighborhood mosques, and arriving at one of Jordan's most impressive archaeological sites.
Jabal Al Luweibdeh Art Walk
easyA leisurely walking route through Amman's most artistic neighborhood, passing murals, gallery exteriors, Ottoman-era stone villas, indie cafes, and the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts — ending at the remarkable Darat Al Funun arts complex.
Wadi Al-Seer Valley Walk
moderateThe Wadi Al-Seer Valley on the western edge of Amman Governorate offers a pleasant half-day hiking escape into terraced olive groves and traditional village landscapes. The Iraq Al-Amir Roman Palace ruins at the valley's end are an extraordinary reward.
Iraq Al-Amir Trail (Qasr Al-Abd)
moderateThe remarkable Qasr Al-Abd ('Palace of the Slave') is a 2nd-century BC Hellenistic palace — one of Jordan's least-visited and most atmospheric archaeological sites. The surrounding valley trail explores caves, Roman-period carved rock faces, and traditional village life.
Naour Hilltop Circuit
easyA gentle loop walk around the hilltop village of Naour, combining countryside views across the Amman Governorate with a visit to the Kan Zaman Ottoman caravanserai. Best done in the morning before finishing with lunch at the village.
Al-Fuheis Village Heritage Walk
easyAl-Fuheis is one of Jordan's best-preserved Christian villages — a charming community of Ottoman stone houses, old churches, and a vibrant central square. The walk connects the village's heritage sites and offers insight into Jordan's Christian minority culture.
Zarqa River (Nahr Al-Zarqa) Valley Trail
moderateThe Zarqa River forms part of the northern boundary of Amman Governorate and the valley trail through the nature reserve offers the closest experience of genuine wilderness hiking from Amman. Expect rocky terrain, seasonal wildflowers, and excellent birdwatching.
Abu Darwish Mosque to Al-Ashrafieh Loop
easyA gentle urban walking circuit in East Amman, ascending to the striking Abu Darwish Mosque at the top of Jabal Ashrafieh for panoramic city views, then descending through authentic working-class neighborhoods that show a completely different face of Amman.
Trails by Difficulty
Find trails that match your fitness level.
🟢 Easy
Mostly flat or gentle slopes; suitable for all fitness levels and families with children
🟡 Moderate
Some elevation gain and uneven terrain; comfortable fitness required; good shoes recommended
🟠 Challenging
Significant elevation gain; experienced hikers; proper hiking boots and equipment needed
🔴 Expert
Technical terrain; guide recommended; specialized equipment required
Complete Hiking Guide
Detailed trail descriptions, packing checklists, and route recommendations.
Hiking Preparation
What to bring and how to prepare.
Essential Gear
Day Hikes
- Sturdy hiking boots/shoes
- Plenty of water (2-3 liters)
- Snacks and lunch
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Rain layer/jacket
- First aid kit
- Navigation (map, GPS, phone)
- Flashlight/headlamp
Multi-Day Treks
- All day hike essentials plus:
- Backpack (40-60L)
- Tent or shelter
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Cooking equipment
- Water purification
- Extra clothing layers
- Emergency supplies
Physical Preparation
- Start training weeks before challenging hikes
- Build up endurance with regular cardio
- Practice on local trails with elevation gain
- Break in new boots before the trip
- Acclimatize to altitude gradually if needed
Hiking Safety
Stay safe on the trails.
Always tell someone your hiking plans and expected return time. Carry emergency communication device in remote areas.
Check weather conditions before setting out. Turn back if conditions deteriorate. Never underestimate mountains.
Stay on marked trails. Getting lost in unfamiliar terrain can be dangerous. Carry navigation tools.
Be aware of wildlife. Research local animals and know how to respond to encounters.
Start early to allow plenty of daylight. Always aim to be back before dark.
Local Hazards
- Sun exposure — carry sunscreen, hat, and at least 2 liters of water per person for any trail over 2 hours
- Loose limestone rocks on hillside trails — wear proper footwear with grip
- Limited trail marking on many natural trails — download offline maps or hire a local guide
- Unpredictable weather in winter — flash flooding possible in wadi (valley) trails after rain
- Dogs guarding farm properties in rural areas — give them space and avoid approaching
Best Time to Hike
Plan your hiking adventure for optimal conditions.
🌸 Spring
March–May: Wildflowers bloom across the hills — the most beautiful season for hiking. Comfortable temperatures (15–25°C). The Jordan Trail season.
☀️ Summer
June–August: Hot (30–35°C) but early morning starts (before 8 AM) make hiking viable. Carry abundant water. Higher elevation trails are more comfortable.
🍂 Fall
September–November: Excellent hiking weather returns with temperatures cooling to 20–27°C. September–October is the best season for most trails.
❄️ Winter
December–February: Occasional rain and cold but some trails remain accessible. Rare snowfall can make higher terrain icy. Not recommended for valley trails in heavy rain.
Explore Amman's Trails
Get our complete hiking guide with GPS routes, difficulty ratings, and local tips.
Download Hiking Guide