Walking Trails in Petra and Little Petra
Travel advisory, 31 October 2026. The wider 2026 regional conflict involving Iran affects Jordan. 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 Syria and Iraq borders and a few named areas. It has also named Ma’an city and parts of Ma’an Governorate separately. The UK FCDO advises against travel only within 3 km of the Syrian border and lists no warning for Petra or Wadi Rum. Petra and Wadi Musa are open and operating, though 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. The rest of this page is written for a normal visit.
Main Trail
The Main Trail runs from the Visitor Center through the Siq to the Treasury, then along the Street of Facades to the Theatre and Qasr al-Bint. It is about 4 km one way and flat to gently downhill, which means the return is gently uphill. Allow 4 to 6 hours for the round trip. A licensed PDTRA guide for this route costs 50 JD per group at the Visitor Center.
Monastery trail
The route to the Monastery starts at the Basin area and climbs 800 to 850 stairs. It is strenuous and takes 45 to 60 minutes up. Walk it in the morning and take water. Donkeys offered on the steps are a welfare concern, so walk or decline.
High Place of Sacrifice and Wadi Farasa
The summit altar has two obelisks. You descend past the Lion Monument and the Garden Tomb through Wadi Farasa. The walk is moderate to strenuous. A guide for the Main Trail plus the High Place costs 100 JD per group.
Al-Khubtha
Al-Khubtha is a ridge walk above the Royal Tombs that ends at a Bedouin tent with a view down on the Treasury. It is hard, taking about 4 to 5 hours, and it is the established viewpoint. The Jordan Tourism Board says to book a guide through the Visitor Center, and the listed price is 50 JD. Do not scramble up unmarked ledges instead.
Back Door trail
From Little Petra to the Monastery, the Back Door trail is unmarked in places and a guide is wise. A long walk is ahead, so go early. Hold a valid Petra ticket, since it is checked at the Little Petra office. An official 4x4 transfer costs about 5 JD per person one way if you prefer to ride part of it.
Khurmah Trail outside the park
The Khurmah Trail is 14 km long, from Al-Rajef to Masoudah, and opened in February 2025. It is one of 24 trails outside the park listed by the Jordan Times, and local operators take bookings.
Walking safety
Petra opens around 6:00 to 6:30 AM and closes between 4 and 6 PM, and tourists have been locked in overnight, so allow plenty of time to walk out. In June to August expect 35 to 40 C or more with no shade. Never enter the Siq in or after heavy rain. Do not stay at the High Place of Sacrifice late and walk down in the dark.
Read more: Sightseeing and Outdoor activities .
Book a guided walk on GetYourGuide and read Petra fees .