This route covers 76km return.It involves around 2,679m of cumulative elevation gain.
The route reaches roughly 1,200m at its highest point. While the altitude is moderate, weather exposure and wind can make conditions feel more demanding than the elevation suggests.
Technically, the Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail) standard trail is challenging. The primary difficulty is the sustained physical effort required or technical terrain features.
Overview
Technical Summary
The Dana to Petra section of the Jordan Trail is a multi-day desert traverse connecting the Dana Biosphere Reserve to the archaeological site of Petra. The route transits through the Great Rift Valley, descending from the Dana ridge at 1,200 meters through the Wadi Dana gorge into the arid plains of Wadi Araba.
High Desert Landscapes and Ancient Nabataean Paths. The trek offers a unique cross-section of the Dead Sea Rift's eastern edge. The 'X-Factor' is the arrival at Petra; unlike the standard tourist entrance through the Siq, trekkers approach via the northwestern mountain ridge. This path reveals the Monastery facade—the largest monument in the Petra complex—from a mountain perspective, followed by a descent into the ancient city through rock-cut staircases. The journey also provides direct immersion in Bedouin social structures and the landscape of the Dana Reserve, which supports several endemic species including the Syrian Serin.
Hazard Assessment
The transit across the Wadi Araba floor involves sustained exposure to temperatures exceeding 40°C in unshaded desert conditions.
Narrow canyon systems (Wadis) in the Rift Valley are subject to rapid flash flooding from localized rainfall in the eastern highlands.
The Expert Take
Success on this route requires balancing physical stamina with environmental awareness.Local conditions shift rapidly; always verify forecasts with regional authorities before moving to higher ground.
Stage Breakdowns
Dana Escarpment to Feynan
Steep descent through the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Focus on the transition from Mediterranean forests to desert biomes and the Feynan ancient copper mines.
Araba Desert and Wadi Malaga
Linear transit along the eastern edge of the Wadi Araba. Crossing black boulder deserts and sand fly-over zones to Wadi Malaga.
The Nabataean Back Door
Mountain ascent from Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) through the high cliff paths of the Petra mountains. Final arrival at the Monastery.
Route
Geometry
Topographical Data & Reference Points
- Route Typehiking
- Highest Point1200m (High Variant)1200m
- Standard Transit Max1140m (Approx)
- Lowest Pointvalley floor elevation300m
- GPS Location30.5560°N 35.5390°E
Technical Profile
Vertical Ascent Profile
An intensive 'sawtooth' profile. The route features a dramatic 1,400m initial descent followed by sustained climbs over the Rift Valley escarpment on days 3 and 4.
Terrain Characteristics
The Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail) is primarily non-technical (Class 1), with optional technical variants. It is classified as Technical terrain based on cumulative vert and exposure.
The cumulative energy expenditure for Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail) represents a significant physical commitment. Success requires adequate preparation and moisture management.
Data referenced from regional park authority sources and topographic surveys.
Technical Specs
Access & Logistics
Regulations
Entrance to the Dana Biosphere Reserve requires a separate local fee. Entry via the 'Back Door' to Petra requires the standard Petra ticket or the Jordan Pass. Regulations change; verify with the official park authorities before departure.
Seasonality
Primary windows are March-April and October-November. Winter transit (December-February) is subject to severe cold and flood risk. Scheduled events and regulations vary; verify current requirements locally before arrival.
Safety Index
Compare This Route
Cross-Reference Analysis
Side-by-side metric analysis against comparable global routes.
Explore More In This Sector
Continue exploring routes grouped under this country and region hub.
Discover Additional Routes
Use the global index to compare distance, elevation gain, and route difficulty.
Next Operational Phase
Get Field Ready
Logistics & Permits
Verify all permit requirements and regional park access rules. High-season routes often require advance coordination for logistics.
View Requirements Protocol 02Field Preparation
Ensure equipment matches the technical demands of the specific terrain. Check current trail reports and humidity/wind variables.
View LoadoutExplore Similar Journeys
Related Route Clusters & Semantic Context for Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail)
Region Cluster
Direct Comparison
Compare with Hampta Pass Trek
Compare terrain metrics, intensity scores, and physical demands side-by-side.
Core Concepts
Comparable Technical Routes
Topic grouping based on geography, physical exertion profile, and technical movement typology.
Route Questions
Is the Jordan Pass viable for this trek?
Yes. The Jordan Pass (approx. €99 in 2026) is the most efficient method for managing visa entry and Petra admission. It must be purchased prior to arrival and covers the entry fees for the Petra Archaeological Park.
Dossier Verification & Sync
Data points indexed in this dossier are cross-referenced against authoritative land management records and regional mapping. HikeMetrics maintains independent verification protocols for all primary route geometry.