Dana to
Petra
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.
Duration
5 days
Route distance
76.0km
Vertical Gain
+2,679m
Max Altitude
1,200m
Mission Brief
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. The trek culminates in the 'Back Door' entry to Petra, a high-altitude Nabataean mountain path that provides immediate access to the Monastery (Ad Deir). The route is defined by its geological transition from limestone escarpments to sandstone canyons and the presence of Bronze Age copper mines in the Feynan region.
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 Si…
Mission Snapshot
Intensity Breakdown
Understanding what drives the overall route demand
Physical
70
Technical
32
Commitment
70
Primary driver: Physical load
- Sustained Physical Output
- Significant Vertical Gain
- High Remote Commitment
Serious physical effort or sustained terrain friction. Demanding but not expedition-scale.
Full Route Breakdown
Complete stage overview with transparent route metrics. Values are shown as recorded in the route dataset and source links.
Distance
76.0 km
Ascent
2,679 m
Highest point
1,200 m
Start
Dana Escarpment to Feynan
Finish
The Nabataean Back Door
Use the KM / MI toggle in the main menu to switch units.
Route Profile
Route Considerations
This route is generally safe, but these are the main factors to be aware of.
Heat and sun exposure
The transit across the Wadi Araba floor involves sustained exposure to temperatures exceeding 40°C in unshaded desert conditions.
Impact
Route-specific
Likelihood
Context-dependent
Tip
Desert crossings should begin pre-dawn and strictly avoid the 12:00–15:00 heat window. Consumption of 5L per day with electrolyte supplementation is typically necessary for hydration management.
Flash flood risk
Narrow canyon systems (Wadis) in the Rift Valley are subject to rapid flash flooding from localized rainfall in the eastern highlands.
Impact
Route-specific
Likelihood
Context-dependent
Tip
Monitoring regional weather alerts for the Karak and Tafilah plateaus is recommended before valley entry. Check official travel advisories and local authority guidance before departure. Independent transit through the 'Back Door' path requires proficient GPS navigation due to cliff-edge sections.
Terrain & conditions
Conditions change quickly on the ground. Slow down on wet rock and pay more attention where paths narrow or exposure increases.
Impact
Moderate
Likelihood
Variable
Tip
Refer to stage notes and expert briefings; maintain focus on slick or exposed sections.
Why hike this route?
LANDSCAPE
The immense geological scale of the Great Rift Valley and the pink-sandstone architecture of the Nabataean kingdom.
VARIETY
Passing through fertile mountain springs, desolate rocky hammada, and ancient metropolitan ruins.
CULTURE & PLACE
Observing the resilient nomadic traditions of the local Bedouin and the preservation of ancient trade routes.
STANDOUT
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. Th…
Expert Verdict
“Dana to Petra is one of the Middle East’s most iconic long-distance treks. Efficiency is found by starting desert crossings pre-dawn to avoid the 12:00–15:00 heat window. The 'Monastery Reveal' via the Back Door is a major cultural highlight.”
Who This Is For
- EXPERT — Experience in arid-zone navigation, heat management, and multi-day wilderness logistics.
- PHYSICAL — High. The combination of sustained climbs (2,679m total gain) and sustained heat creates a significant physical demand. Maintain hydration with electrolytes and steady pacing.
- WATCH FOR — Underestimating the 5L/day water requirement, leading to thermal failure in the central wadis.
- WATCH FOR — Attempting the 'Back Door' without a guide or high-resolution GPS in low-visibility or dust-storm conditions.
Plan This Hike
Key things to arrange before starting this route—practical tips first, then buttons that open curated picks (gear, maps, stays) where we list them.
Essential Gear
Recommended preparation for this route:
Desert sun, sand and long water carries drive the kit list.
- Use a sun hoodie, brimmed hat and high-UV sunglasses
- Carry enough bladder/bottle capacity for cached-water stages
- Protect electronics from sand and heat
Getting There
Travel and trail access for this route:
Start in Dana Village and finish around Wadi Musa/Petra.
- Arrange transport from Amman or Aqaba before arrival
- Plan the return around Petra/Wadi Musa services
- Use local operators for water-cache logistics
Where to Stay
Explore accommodation options for this trail:
Eco-lodge start, mobile camps mid-route, Wadi Musa finish.
- Dana and Feynan lodges work for the early stages
- Central desert stages usually require supported camps
- Book Wadi Musa lodging for recovery and Petra access
Safety Check
Practical next step for this hike:
Heat and flash floods are the two hard stops.
- Avoid summer and midday desert crossings
- Check regional rain alerts before entering wadis
- Carry offline navigation and emergency communication
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What You Need to Know
Essential answers about the demands, risks, and logistics of this route.
Q.How hard is this hike really?
Q.Do I need technical gear?
Q.Is water available on the route?
Q.What is the main risk?
Ready to hike Dana to Petra?
A final decision point after reviewing the route, risks, logistics, and alternatives.
This route is a strong match if you're comfortable with the effort level implied by an Intensity Score around 61/100 (Hard), sustained hiking where this route requires it, and the terrain and exposure described in this guide.
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Data: official trail documentation and topographic sources · About