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Jordan Trail

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” - John Muir


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Trail Stats


  • Length: ~650 km (~400 miles)
  • Elevation gain: ~22K m (~72K ft)
  • Highest point: 1501 m (4925 ft)
  • Lowest point: -180 m (-590 ft)
  • Starting point: Um Quais, Jordan
  • Finishing point: Aqaba, Jordan
  • Max Scramble levels: 2/5
  • Bushwalking Level: 1/5 (trees are hard to get by)

Description


This long-distance trail was established in 2015. It runs for about 650 km from the north to the south of the country. It passes through well-known highlights like Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Red Sea.
​It is said that Jesus, Moses, and Mohamed have all three walk part of the trail. Even if some does the trail as a pilgrim, you don't have to be religious to enjoy the rich history this trail has to offer.

You will see the canyons, old Roman roads, deserts, ruins, the Dead Sea and so much more. You would think hiking in the Middle East the trail would be pretty flat. Not at all, there is always beautiful scenery waiting for you at every turn.

Highlights


  • Petra: One of those places you have to see in your life.
  • Wadi Rum: It doesn't matter if you are a fan of Lawrence of Arabia, it is a place to see, and even more incredible to hike through it.
  • Little Petra: The little brother of the one above.
  • Views: You always seem to have beautiful top-like scenery.
  • Hospitality: If I wouldn't have turned down the countless tea offer I had. I would still be on the trail.
  • Falafels: A great way to treat yourself after some hard days of work.

Challenges


  • Shepard dogssss! No kidding some days you can see over 50 dogs, barking at you to defend their sheep herd. Some of them can be quite intimidating! Enough that you will want to pick up rocks (just in case). I personally prefer dealing with bears than a horde of dogs.
  • Water: There are a few good distances (above 60 km) without water supply.
  • Food: Limited choice of food when resupplying 
  • Not as wild as you would expect: Every day you will meet or see people (and their dogs!) The longest stretch I had without meeting a soul was 24h.
  • Flash Floods: Especially in the winter and tight canyon. 

When to go


I have personally chosen the winter for this hike (December). The summer has unbearable heat that would result in a lot more water carrying. Spring and Fall are recommended to avoid the rainy season (flash floods) and "colder" temperatures of the winter.

Resupplies


There are plenty of towns in the way for resupplying. The longest stretch without food (and almost no water) is from Petra to Wadi Rum which is 98 km (61 miles). After that, the longest stretches are below 70 km (43 miles).

GPS


Jordan Trail Association website has all the extra information needed for some good planning and they update their GPS file. Keep in mind that in some narrow canyon your GPS will have a hard time to pinpoint, in a precise way, your location.
Download GPS

Personal Stats


For reference only, as they say: "Hike your own hike."
  • Average distance: ~41 km/day (~25 miles)
  • Average climb: ~1400 m/day  (~4600 ft)
  • Average hours: ~10h/day
  • Days on the trail: 16 days
  • Days off the trail: 2 days (waiting for a storm to pass, in a flash flood risk section)
  • Numbers of falafels I ate when resupplying: 5-6 (they are so good!)
  • Number of blisters: 2 (both on the same toe)
  • Total Water: 54 Litres

Extra Information


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Challenges

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Cost Breakdown

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Other & FAQs


Pictures


Valley
Sun hidden behind clouds
King Talal Dam
Local
Roman Roads
Canyons and the Dead Sea
Dry ground
Sheep in canyon
Wadi Mujib
Karak
Rock formation
View on Israel
Dana Nature Reserve
From Dana to Petra
Almost to Little Petra
Little Petra
The Treasury in Petra
Petra
View on valley
The ground peeling off
Tight canyon
Desert
Foot steps in the sand
Sprout in the sand
Wadi Rum
Desert
The Red Sea
If you have more questions about the hike feel free to contact me.
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  • Home
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    • Jessy Desjardins
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