One of the most challenging and often overlooked things about Petra is the hiking. Similarly to other famous destinations such as Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain, in order to visit Petra properly there will be plenty of hiking to do. Given the size of the site and the several different areas to visit you’re in line for a long day. Even a very relaxed afternoon in the site will translate into at least 3-4hrs of walking around.
Hiking, Paths & Trails
Generally speaking, and local tiny paths apart, there are 9 different trails you can do in Petra. Each trail varies in difficulty, sights, length and most importantly starting point. Here’s the complete list for the trail who are often more crowded versus the less common ones a little more off-the-beaten-track.
Keep in mind that for each trail, there’s always the possibility to avoid the hiking and… nothing. You wouldn’t be reading a hiking guide to find our other ways to avoid hiking, am I right ? If you’re looking for other ways to visit Petra check out the Essential Petra Guide but if you’re an outdoor lover & hiking addicted like me, keep on reading!
Most Common Trails
1. Main Trail
The most common trail in Petra. It starts at the visitor center, through the Siq, Treasury, passes next to the Royal Tombs & High Place of Sacrifice, and ends just after the City Complex. Mostly flat, even though there’s a little elevation loss. At the end of the trail you’ll find the starting point for the (5) Wadi Farasa Trail, (6) Umm Al-Biyara Trail, (7) Jabal Haroun Trail and (8) Sabra Trail.
4.5km | 1h30min | Easy
2. Al-Khubtha Trail (Treasury Upper Viewpoint)
Short yet challenging enough trail that leads to the top of the canyon walls right in front of the Treasury but by passing through the magnificent Royal Tombs. Beautiful location to have another perspective over the most famous façade in Petra. The trail is dirt road then mostly stairs and back to dirt road for the last part. Breathtaking views over the whole site whilst hiking up.
1.7km | 50min | Moderate
3. High Place of Sacrifice Trail
Very short trail just off the (1) Main Trail which leads to the obelisks High Place of Sacrifice on top of a peak located west. From the highest point you will have similar views of the (2) Al-Khubtha Trail but just from this time over the beautiful Royal Tombs. This trail also connects to the (5) Wadi al Farasa Trail.
1.2km | 30min | Moderate
4. Ad-Deir Trail (Monastery Trail)
Starting off from the end of the (1) Main Trail, hiking the Ad-Deir path is the only way to see the beautiful Monastery. Steep, challenging yet nothing too difficult, the trail offers some sweeping views over the valley below, Petra and the surroundings. From the small cafe at the end of the trail, it’s also possible to hike up an additional 500m/10min to another lookout point.
1.8km | 1h | Hard
The Monastery
Less Common Trails
5. Wadi al Farasa Trail
Also known as the extended version of the high place of sacrifice, this trail ends and connects with the (3) High Place of Sacrifice Trail. Starting off just west of the end of the (1) Main Trail, it leads all the way back toward high place but from the opposite side of the mountain.
2.7km | 1h30min | Moderate
6. Umm Al-Biyara Trail
Stunning views and ancient village ruins/cisterns are the highlights of this trail. Starting off just next to (1) Main Trail, the Umm Al-Biyara Trail is a pretty strenuous path which leads to the top of a flat mountain, similar to Table Mountain in Cape Town (South Africa).
2.2km | 1h15min | Hard
7. Jabal Haroun Trail (Moses’s Brother Burial Site)
Famous for being considered Mt. Hor (aka burial site of Mose’s brother), this path is today often hiked as a way of pilgrimage. The shrine marking the burial site can be visited but you’ll have to let the caretaker (usually chilling at the bottom of the mountain) know. Overall the path is pretty tiring, especially the last bit. Starting point just off the (1) Main Trail.
8.5km | 3h | Hard
8. Sabra Trail
On the tracks of the old trading routes, this trail will lead you to the suburbs of the city complex named Sabra. The path is not too hard but overall pretty long so can be challenging for some travellers. Finding and following the trail later on can be a bit tricky, nevertheless maps.me is always the best self-guided support option. Starting point just off the (1) Main Trail.
9km | 2.5h | Moderate
9. Al-Madras Trail
Any plans to walk the trail of Indiana Jones? The Al-Madras Trail (aka Indiana Jones Way) is nothing but the trail that the fictional character hikes in the famous movie filmed here. Starting just before the beginning of the Siq (LINK) this is trail offer some beautiful views but it can be hard to find your way around. Generally speaking, a path not too easy nor hard, just average.
1km | 30min | Moderate
Possible Itineraries
One-Day
Full-Day: If you’re keen on visiting Petra and have a full day at the site you should try make the most of it. Starting off as early as the park opens at 6am, you’ll have the chance to do all the most common trails (1-4) + the Wadi al Farasa Trail (5) and get back to your hostel/hotel by 4-5pm or later if you’re planning to see the sunset from inside the site.
Two-Days
First Day: Either spend a full-day like in the one-day itinerary or visit half of the common trails (1-4) + Wadi al Farasa Trail (5) .
Second Day: Either pick one of the less common trails (6-8) or visit the other half of the common trails (1-4) + Wadi al Farasa Trail (5).
Three-Days
First Day: Visit half of the common trails (1-4) + Wadi al Farasa Trail (5).
Second Day: Visit the other half of the common trails (1-4).
Third Day: Hike one of the less common trails (6-8).
Four-Days
First Day: Visit half of the common trails (1-4) + Wadi al Farasa Trail (5).
Second Day: Visit the other half of the common trails (1-4).
Third Day: Hike one of the less common trails (6-8).
Fourth Day: Hike one of the less common trails (6-8).
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