Ma'an Governorate is Jordan's largest governorate by area, encompassing the legendary rose-red city of Petra, the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, and the historic market town of Ma'an city. This southern region is home to some of the ancient world's most extraordinary monuments, carved by the Nabataean civilization over two millennia ago. From rugged desert canyons to Crusader-era castles, Ma'an offers an unparalleled journey through layers of human history set against spectacular natural scenery.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
The Monastery (Ad-Deir) Hike
The most popular hike within Petra, ascending 800 rock-cut steps from the Colonnaded Street to Petra's largest monument — the Monastery (Ad-Deir). The path passes through shaded canyon sections, past Bedouin tea stalls, and opens onto sweeping views before the final ascent.
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2
High Place of Sacrifice via Wadi Farasa
A circular hike ascending to the Nabataean sacrificial altar on the summit of Zibb Atuf mountain, then descending through the quieter Wadi Farasa canyon past Lion Fountain, Garden Temple, Roman Soldier's Tomb, and a Byzantine chapel — a wonderfully complete cross-section of Petra's monuments.
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3
Wadi Dana to Feynan (Full Day Trek)
One of Jordan's finest multi-ecosystem treks, descending from the alpine pine forests of Dana village (1,400m) through progressively more dramatic sandstone and granite gorges to the desert floor at Feynan Ecolodge. Passes through four distinct bioclimatic zones with extraordinary flora and fauna.
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4
Khubtha Summit — Treasury Viewpoint
A lesser-known but spectacular hike ascending rock-cut stairs from the Outer Siq to the mountaintop directly above Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), providing the most dramatic aerial view of Petra's most famous monument looking down from above. Some scrambling required.
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5
Jabal Haroun (Aaron's Tomb) Full Day Hike
A full-day guided hike from inside Petra to the sacred summit of Jabal Haroun, where a white-domed shrine marks the traditional tomb of the Prophet Aaron. The route passes ancient Nabataean way stations and offers extraordinary views including Wadi Rum, Wadi Araba, and the Red Sea on clear days.
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6
Petra Back Trail — Outer Siq Circuit
An easy loop around the outer areas of Petra connecting the Siq entrance with the Obelisk Tomb and the Bedul Tomb ridge. Ideal for visitors who want a shorter Petra experience or families with younger children. Fewer crowds than the main Siq route.
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7
Um al-Biyara Summit Hike
An unmarked but rewarding hike to the highest point in Petra — the flat-topped mesa of Um al-Biyara where an Edomite settlement from around 600-700 BC was excavated. The climb requires route-finding ability and a guide is strongly recommended. Views from the summit are extraordinary.
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8
Wadi Sabra Canyon Trek
A full-day guided canyon trek through Wadi Sabra to a remote Nabataean theatre rarely visited by tourists. The route involves some scrambling, narrow canyon sections with spring pools, and open desert walking. One of the most rewarding off-track experiences available from Petra.
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9
Dana White Trail (Rummana Loop)
A short and beautiful trail through the juniper forest above Dana village, passing a Bedouin tent observation post and offering views over the canyon. Ideal for birdwatchers (this area is an important raptor migration corridor) and families with limited hiking experience.
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10
Shoubak Castle Walking Trail
A short walking circuit around the ruins of Shoubak (Montreal) Crusader Castle exploring the tower rooms, underground cistern, secret escape tunnel, Byzantine church, and castle walls. Stunning views over the pine-forested hillsides of northern Ma'an Governorate.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Ma'an.
- Spring
- March-May — The best hiking season. Mild temperatures, possible wildflowers in Dana and on Petra hillsides. Trails are dry and in excellent condition.
- Summer
- June-August — Hiking is possible but start before 7 AM to beat heat. Carry extra water. Dana highlands remain more comfortable than lower Petra trails.
- Fall
- September-November — Excellent hiking conditions. October is particularly ideal — cooler temperatures, golden light, and thinner crowds.
- Winter
- December-February — Cold but peaceful hiking. Petra and Dana hillsides occasionally receive snow. Flash flooding risk in narrow wadis after rain — check weather before any canyon hike.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Flash flooding in narrow wadis (canyons) — never enter a gorge during or immediately after rainfall
Hazard: Sun exposure and dehydration — the desert climate dehydrates rapidly; carry minimum 2-3 litres of water
Hazard: Unstable rock surfaces in Petra's unmaintained areas — stay on marked paths
Hazard: Slippery smooth sandstone on wet days — take extra care in winter conditions
Hazard: Scorpions and snakes — shake out shoes left outside overnight; watch where you place hands when scrambling
Hazard: No phone signal in many remote hiking areas — inform your hotel of your route and estimated return time
Hazard: Unmarked trails — Um al-Biyara and remote canyon routes require a licensed guide