Dana to Petra
Also known as: Jordan Trail signature section
Dana to Petra - a classic desert traverse from the Dana biosphere through canyons and mountains to Petra’s back door
The route
The line through Dana - Petra, Jordan - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Waypoints
- 1Dana villageTrailhead
Biosphere start
- 2FeynanCamp
Eco-lodge
- 3Wadi GhuweirCamp
Canyon
- 4Little PetraJunction
Near Petra
- 5Petra (Monastery back door)Trailhead
Petra arrival
Season & conditions
Mar-May and Sep-Nov
Extreme heat in summer, cold desert nights, sun
Best in spring/autumn; brutally hot in summer; water is scarce - guided or fully self-sufficient. Confirm.
On the trail
Desert canyons, ridges, Bedouin country and a back-door arrival into Petra
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season
Section-hike; the dramatic Petra back-door arrival at the Monastery
Getting there & staying
Dana Biosphere Reserve to Petra (Wadi Musa)
Point-to-point may need transport between ends - confirm
Bedouin camps and camping
Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote
Services in Dana / Wadi Musa; limited or none on the trail
Guided or very experienced self-sufficient parties (water/navigation)
Permits & safety
Part of the Jordan Trail; Dana and Petra reserve fees; a guide or full self-sufficiency (water caches). Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Heat and water scarcity (the key risk), navigation, remoteness
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.