Petra Walking Trails and Hikes

Travel advisory, October 2026: Jordan is affected by the wider regional conflict involving Iran that began in 2026. At the time of writing, the US State Department rates the whole country Level 3, “Reconsider Travel”, and Level 4, “Do Not Travel”, for the borders with Syria and Iraq and a few named areas. The UK FCDO advises against travel only within 3 km of the Syrian border and gives no warning for Petra, Wadi Musa or Wadi Rum. Petra and Wadi Musa are open, but flights can be disrupted and conditions can change at short notice. Read the US State Department advisory and the UK FCDO advice before you book and again before you fly.

Walking is how most people see Petra, and reports say no trail inside the park legally requires a guide. Official licensed guides are optional. Fees are in Jordanian dinars (JD).

Main Trail

The Main Trail runs from the Visitor Center through the Siq and the Treasury to Qasr al-Bint, about 4 km one way. It is flat to gently downhill on the way in, so the return is the tiring part. Allow 4 to 6 hours for the round trip. An official guide for this route costs 50 JD.

Monastery trail

The climb to Ad-Deir starts from the Basin area and has 800 to 850 stairs. It is strenuous, and the climb takes about 45 to 60 minutes. A guide for the Main Trail plus the Monastery costs 100 JD. Do not ride a donkey up the steps. Welfare groups have documented overloading of working animals in Petra.

High Place of Sacrifice and Wadi Farasa

The path begins opposite the Theatre and climbs to a summit altar with two obelisks. The descent passes the Lion Monument and the Garden Tomb through Wadi Farasa. It is moderate to strenuous. A guide for the Main Trail plus the High Place costs 100 JD. Go in the late afternoon light, and be back at the gate before closing.

Al-Khubtha Trail

This ridge walk above the Royal Tombs leads to a Bedouin tent with a view down on the Treasury. It is a hard walk of four hours or more. A guided Al-Khubtha trail costs 50 JD, and a 15 JD per person charge is listed for viewpoints opposite the Treasury. A small payment for tea or a tip, about 2 to 5 JD, is customary at the tent.

The back door to the Monastery

The back door trail runs from Little Petra to the Monastery via the Nabatean Cultural Village. It is unmarked in places, and a guide is wise. Your ticket is checked at the Little Petra office, so carry your valid Petra ticket.

Khurmah Trail

The Khurmah Trail is 14 km from Al-Rajef to Masoudah and was launched in February 2025 as one of 24 trails outside the park. It suits hikers and is booked through local operators. Read more at Jordan Times .

A stroll in Wadi Musa

Tourism Street has bakeries and falafel and shawarma shops, and no ticket is needed. Keep it short, since the walking in Petra itself will be long.

Safety on the trails

  • Carry 2 to 3 litres of water in summer, and use bottled or filtered water.
  • June to August is hot and shadeless, often 35 to 40 C or more. Spring and autumn are better.
  • The park closes between 4:00 and 6:00 pm depending on the season. The UK FCDO reports tourists have been locked in overnight, so start back early.
  • The Siq is a drainage channel. Do not enter it in or after heavy rain.

To compare guided walks, search GetYourGuide walking tours in Wadi Musa . Read more: sightseeing in Wadi Musa and multi-day plans .