Petra-hiking-areas

Petra’s Hidden Gems: The Best Hiking Areas to Explore

Located in southern Jordan, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts an ancient city carved into sandstone cliffs. While many visitors flock to see the famous Treasury building (Al-Khazneh), there are numerous hiking areas nearby that offer breathtaking views and a glimpse into the region’s natural beauty.

1. The Monastery Trail

  • Distance: 2 hours, 30 minutes round-trip
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Starting point: The entrance to Petra National Park
  • Features: The Monastery (Al-Deir), a massive rock-cut structure perched atop a mountain; stunning views of the surrounding landscape

This trail takes you up a steep path to the Monastery, offering panoramic vistas of the city and surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction.

2. The Valley of Moses Hike

  • Distance: 1 hour, 30 minutes round-trip
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Starting point: The entrance to Petra National Park
  • Features: A scenic valley surrounded by towering cliffs; ancient rock-cut structures and inscriptions

This easy hike takes you through a picturesque valley, offering a glimpse into the region’s natural beauty and rich history. Keep an eye out for ancient rock-cut structures and inscriptions etched into the walls.

3. The Siq Trail

  • Distance: 1 hour, 30 minutes round-trip
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Starting point: The entrance to Petra National Park
  • Features: A narrow canyon with towering cliffs; ancient rock-cut structures and inscriptions

This hike takes you through the famous Siq, a narrow canyon that leads to the Treasury building. As you walk through the Siq, keep an eye out for ancient rock-cut structures and inscriptions etched into the walls.

4. The High Place of Sacrifice Hike

  • Distance: 2 hours round-trip
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Starting point: The entrance to Petra National Park
  • Features: A scenic viewpoint with stunning views of the surrounding landscape; ancient rock-cut structures and inscriptions

This hike takes you up a steep path to a scenic viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas of the city and surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction.

5. The Little Petra Hike

  • Distance: 1 hour round-trip
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Starting point: The entrance to Petra National Park
  • Features: A scenic valley surrounded by towering cliffs; ancient rock-cut structures and inscriptions

This easy hike takes you through a picturesque valley, offering a glimpse into the region’s natural beauty and rich history. Keep an eye out for ancient rock-cut structures and inscriptions etched into the walls.

These are just a few of the many hiking areas in Petra that offer breathtaking views and a glimpse into the region’s natural beauty. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, as well as comfortable shoes and clothing.