Dana Atlas

topographical maps &

route descriptions
a work in progress - v1.0

Amenities
Accommodations: Hotel, hostel, guesthouse, homestay, or free trail angel room
Implies: Water, Bathrooms with showers, Shade, shelter
Bedouin tent accommodations: Guesthouse with sleeping arrangements in Bedouin-style tents, not buildings
Implies: Water, Bathrooms, Shade, shelter
Campsite: An area officially designated for camping, a commercial campsite, or a well-established, often-used wild
campsite. In some natural areas, camping is only permitted in designated sites in order to protect the environment
Implies: No services unless otherwise noted
Free unless otherwise noted
Recommended campsite: An area suitable for wild camping, but not typically used for it
Implies: No services unless otherwise noted
Drinking water: A reliable source of potable water
When appearing next to a spring, well, stream or other natural water source, the water still should be purified before
drinking. The symbol will only appear next to natural water sources that have water year-round
Restaurant: Any establishment selling prepared meals
Implies: Water, Bathrooms, Shade, shelter (possibly only for customers)
Grocery store: A store selling substantial foods and essentials (rather than simply snacks)
Implies: Water, Bathrooms, Shade, shelter (possibly only for customers)
Bus stop: A station or stop where public transit can be taken. May be a central bus station or a roadside stop

Bathrooms: Western-style toilets and sinks unless otherwise noted. Does not imply showers; does imply shelter
Picnic area: An area with picnic tables and other park amenities. May be a good camp spot, if noted
Implies: Shade
Gas station: A gas (petrol) station and its accompanying facilities
Implies: Water, Bathrooms, Shade, shelter, and a snack shop
Shade: A reliably shady spot to rest in. Only appears in stages where shade is otherwise nonexistent; sometimes
refers to the point at which a stage begins to have regular shade after having lacked it (see stage notes for details)
All Amenities: A large town or city generally has everything a hiker needs for resupply, and many shopping,
accommodation, and restaurant options; this is used to save space rather than showing all icons
Implies: Accommodations, Restaurants, Grocery Stores, Public Transportation, Bathrooms, Shade, Water, shelter

Natural Features
Spring: A natural water source emerging from the ground, or a pool. May have water only in season. Often
only visible as an area of heavy plant growth. Does not imply drinking water unless otherwise noted
Well or cistern: A man-made water source dug in the ground. May not have water; also appears to serve as a
landmark. Does not imply drinking water unless otherwise noted
Lookout: A natural or man-made viewpoint with a view in the specified direction
360-degree lookout: A lookout point in all directions; usually the summit of a hill, or a watchtower
Cave: A cave of any size; may be anything from a small nook in a cliff wall to a large cavern system
Implies: Shade and shelter (caves marked on maps are always large enough for people to fit into)
Waterfall: A wet or dry waterfall; dry ones run only seasonally or after rain. Does not imply drinking water

Trail Features and Warnings

Scrambling: A section of trail where rock scrambling (using hands) is required. Note that these are all non-technical;
no sections on the Abraham Path require the use of ropes or other climbing equipment
Ladders: A section of trail where the climbing of ladders, staples or ropes is necessary. Again, it is never necessary
to bring any special equipment on the Abraham Path; all ladders, ropes, and handholds are already installed
!

!
!

Exposed trail: A section of trail that is narrow and exposed to a long drop on one or both sides; path may be
slippery or unstable as well. Use extreme caution when crossing.
While none of these sections are inherently dangerous, people with extreme fear of heights may find these
sections impossible to pass and may wish to plan not to hike these stages
General warning: When this symbol is present, a note beside it or in the walking notes will explain why caution or
extra attention is required on that trail section
Flash flood risk area: An area, normally in a narrow or deep wadi or canyon, where dangerous flash floods (large
walls of water moving extremely quickly) can occur.
It does not have to be raining for a flash flood to occur; rain upstream of a desert canyon can cause flash
flooding in the canyon. Always check local weather forecasts before hiking in flash flood risk areas

Cultural Features
Ruins or archaeological site: Ruins of any age or size. Free admission (or non-maintained site) unless
otherwise noted
Church/Mosque or religious site: This may be either a significant site for one or more religions (tomb of a
famous figure; traditional site of a story or event; etc.) or simply one serving as a landmark
Point of interest: Generic symbol for relevant locations not covered by another symbol; see notes beside the
point for more information

Trail Indicators
Abraham Path route: Shows the route followed by the Abraham Path on a given stage
Other Abraham Path route: Shows Abraham Path routes other than the one that is the focus of a stage
map; includes previous and next stages, detours, spurs, etc.
City Walk routes: Shows City Walk routes, special spurs/alternates of the Abraham Path
Begin/End Stage: Mark the beginning and ending of a stage on stage maps
1.4

Waypoints and Distance Indicators: Waypoints mark turn-by-turn directions and navigational
landmarks along a trail stage. There may be a distance markers, indicating cumulative distance from the
beginning of the stage. Even if no distance is attached, each waypoint has a corresponding entry in the
stages data book which does list its distance as well as a description of the location and directions

Other Geography
Roads: Beige are larger highways, up to expressways; white are smaller roads as well as city streets.
Labelled with road number if applicable
Roads marked this way are virtually always asphalt, but in some places with very few paved roads, a wide,
smooth, easily driveable dirt road may also be marked as a white road (e.g. Harran region)
Dirt road or 4x4 track: A wide, unpaved surface generally large enough to accommodate a jeep or 4x4
vehicle. Should be assumed not to be accessible by normal car unless otherwise noted. The distinction
between these and paths (below) is a gradual one, and some trails are on the borderline between both, or
change from one to the other over a distance
Footpath: A narrow, unpaved walking surface generally too small or too rough to be driven by a 4x4
vehicle. May be wide enough for two people to walk abreast, or a narrow, faint goat path. May be very
clear and easy to follow, or faint and more intermittent.
Wadi Name

Wadi or ditch: A wadi is an intermittent streambed which flows with water only in the wet season or
after rain. Many of them form very large canyons, and wadi can refer either to the broader canyon or to
the streambed in the bottom of it
Stream/River: Waterways that flow year-round, rather than seasonally. A stream is usually small enough to
cross easily by foot, while a river is larger. Canals appear the same as streams or rivers

900

Contour Lines: Show the topography of a landscape; a line is drawn every 10m of elevation, and a thicker line
every 100m with a label showing its height. Lines closer together mean a steeper slope; further apart mean a
gradual one
Summit: A peak or local high point
Built-up area: A town, residential, commercial or industrial area
Forest: A densely wooded area
Border: Country boundaries

Abraham Path
Dana Region (Jordan)

The Abraham Path is a long-distance cultural walking route following the footsteps and memory of Abraham
across the Middle East. The Abraham Path celebrates the Abrahamic values of hospitality and kindness to
strangers, provides eco-nomic benefits to local communities along the route. For more practical planning information, including downloadable companion GPS tracks and waypoints, visit www.abrahampath.org.
This map series is part of an effort by local partners and the Abraham Path Initiative to produce the first allpath online guidebook, covering over 400 km of walking trail and Abrahamic memory and heritage across
the Middle East. We invite you to take part in this project by walking the path, visiting communities along the
way, and by providing comments and suggestions for improvement. These routes are still in development, and
map feedback is especially helpful for name corrections (towns, wadis, landmarks), areas which are difficult to
navigate, and updates on current path conditions (feedback@abrahampath.org).
The Abraham Path in the Dana Region follows the Jordan Trail, a long-distance hiking trail crossing the whole
of Jordan. Find more information at www.JordanTrail.org
Map data OpenStreetMap (and) contributors, CC-BY-SA
Databook & Diagrams Abraham Path Initiative
Disclaimer
This map may not be up to date with recent changes on the ground. By making this map available, the Abraham Path Initiative does
not assume any liability for use of the information provided or for its accuracy. All hiking and other outdoor activities have potential
hazards involving risk of injury or death. The wilderness in and of itself can be a dangerous place and there are areas in the Middle
East that can suddenly become subject to security instability.
By using this map for any use, you recognize this, assume all risks of property damage, personal injury and death, and agree to
hold the Abraham Path Initiative, its Board Directors, its staff, its partners, its contributors and authors harmless from any liability
and loss. You accept the terms and conditions set forth in this Disclaimer on the Abraham Path Initiative website by downloading,
streaming or using any map or other information or materials provided on the Abraham Path Initiative website.
Find out more at www.abrahampath.org

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Rashidiya

1: Dana to Wadi Malaqa

Distance: 21.6km
Time: 5-8 hours
Physical Challenge: Moderate
Trail Difficulty: Moderate

(Dana Region)
km

Walking notes

+km

0.0

BEGIN STAGE in front of the Tower Hotel in the center of

Dana village; head NE along the street out of town

0.1

0.1

Reach the lip of the canyon and turn R down a 4x4, with
the canyon on your L. Keep L and down toward the canyon
whenever the path branches

1.9

2.0

Pass a gate leading to a fenced-in farm on R

0.3

2.3

Pass a sign saying you are entering the Dana Biosphere

Reserve. Continue on the wide footpath up a ridge toward
the mouth of the canyon

0.9

3.2

At the Y and the meeting point of two streambeds, go L,

staying on the southern bank for the rest of the way down
the wadi

1.9

5.1

Cross a greenery-filled streambed; this comes from Hreiz

spring

3.7

8.8

Continue downstream as the path crosses the sandy

streambed and passes through dense trees

2.3

11.1

Pass an old concrete pipe and black plastic pipe in streambed; may be easier to walk above streambed for the next
few hundred meters

0.8

11.9

Pass a few Bedouin tents on a wide, level section of stream

bank (depending on season)

0.4

Water:

12.3

As the trail curves down L to cross the streambed, opposite

a single acacia tree, pass a basin with tap - drinkable water

1.2

13.5

Continue past a flat parking area on a 4x4 - Feinan Lodge

is on R

0.3

Water available in Dana, and at several faucets (used by local

Bedouin) near the bottom of Wadi Dana. Next water point is
Wadi Feid in over 20km.

13.8

Pass a few more Bedouin Bedouin tents on L, and water

tap. Stay straight on 4x4

0.5

14.3

Continue downstream on the 4x4, passing through the few

buildings of Feynan village

1.3

15.6

Begin passing foundations of ruined buildings on L, the

ruins of ancient Feynan

0.2

15.8

Follow the 4x4, curving L down toward the wide bed of

Wadi Ghweir. Pass a large ruin just above on L, and a sign
on concrete pedestal

0.1

15.9

Reach the wadi bed and keep SW across the wadi on a

rough 4x4

0.6

16.5

Stay L at the junction of 4x4s to keep heading SW; maintain

the same heading past several more trail junctions

0.4

16.9

As 4x4 curves L around a low hill, turn R down onto another 4x4 crossing a small valley past Bedouin tents

0.5

17.4

At the top of a small hill at a flat area ringed with rocks,

head straight S, continuing with the same path

0.3

17.7

Begin to head SSW along a small wadi bed just below

darker-colored hills on R

0.7

18.4

Continue with this wadi as it becomes somewhat deeper

and wider, keeping the dark-colored hills just to your R

0.5

18.9

As the wadi curves R and heads E onto the Araba plains,

stay SW, curving towards S, staying generally parallel to the
mountain range on L

1.9

20.8

Stay straight S, following a clear 4x4 track, across a sandy

shallow streambed with a number of Bedouin tents just upstream (season dependant). From here, a 4x4 track heading
up the mountains leads to the Shobak area

0.3

21.1

Stay with the 4x4 as it crosses a streambed and curves R

then L around a large hill

0.5

21.6

END STAGE in the area of the next streambed just to S Wadi al-Malaqa. This is a common camping area for groups
doing the Dana-Petra trek

END

Transportation:
From Feynan Ecolodge, a taxi (12.50JD) can be arranged to
take you to the Feynan Reception Center; from there, you can
hitchhike to nearby Qureiqra village. From the village, there are
daily buses to Amman (6JD) and Aqaba (3JD). Dana Village can
be reached by private transport from nearby Tafila or Qadisiya,
which have bus connections with Amman and other major
towns. The Dana Reserve can help arrange a taxi from there.

Note that Feynan Ecolodge does not have water available for
hikers, although guests staying there as part of a hike can fill up
before leaving.

Stage Notes:
Admission to Dana Biosphere Reserve costs 8JD (student 4JD),
though the fee is waived for guests staying in the Dana Guesthouse or Feynan Ecolodge.
The Reserve also contains many more hiking trails than the
one the Abraham Path follows; some can be hiked solo, while
others are available by local guide only. Danas unique natural
setting and abundant wildlife are worth spending a few days in
to explore more deeply.
Camping is forbidden inside the Reserve; beyond Feynan village, you are out of the reserve and free to camp.
Be sure to venture off-route to further explore the ruins of
ancient Feynan.

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2: Wadi Malaqa to Ras al-Feid

Distance: 16.2km
Time: 4-6 hours
Physical Challenge: Difficult
Trail Difficulty: Moderate

(Dana Region)
km

Walking notes

+km

0.0

BEGIN STAGE at Wadi al-Malaqa campsite. From here,

you will be heading generally SSW, parallel to the mountain
range at L, until you reach the wide mouth bordered by
cliffs of Wadi Abu Sakakin. Cairns may be present intermittently, but navigate using topography here

0.4

0.4

Path fades out. Keep heading toward the L of the twin

peaks; soon the path resumes again. Heading about 205

0.5

0.9

Cross the wide, rocky streambed of Wadi Barwas

4.9

5.8

On a low hill, pass several smoothed-out tent sites - a possible camping area. From here, head generally S to reach
the rim of the low cliffs overlooking the bed of Wadi Abu
Sakakin

1.4

7.2

Heading SSW toward the cliffs overlooking the wide wadi

bed, pass a lone tree as the 4x4 and a small cemetery (stone
heaps) to reach Wadi Abu Sakakin campsite, overlooking
the wadi bed from the cliffs above. Water is available yearround up the canyon, about a 45 minute walk upstream.
From the camp, head NE around the conical hill, then up
and E

0.2

7.4

Pass more graves on R; continue following a footpath for

a bit

0.2

7.6

After having followed a clear path around the conical

hill just above the wadi, turn L away from it and cut N a
bit before continuing E, to come to an easier path up the
mountains than the deep gorge just above you now

1.9

9.5

Having come to the northern side of the outcrop surrounding Wadi Abu Sakakin, begin to look for cairns and a wellused footpath switchbacking S up a steep hillside

0.6

10.1

Reach a saddle overlooking a steep gorge flowing down to

the Araba. Turn R and continue on the footpath, curving
down R toward sheer canyon walls with trees growing all
over the cliffs, and begin to head up the canyon - Naqb
Shdeid

0.1

10.2

Turn L at the canyon bed full of trees, head upstream on

the rocky path. A footpath and occasional bridges mark an
unambiguous path up the wadi

0.9

11.1

Continue up the wadi as the vegetation thins out, nothing

that this is the last shady spot along the route for some
distance

0.4

11.5

Reach a saddle, Ras Naqb Shdeid, with a view of another

canyon system and highlands ahead to E. Head R to follow a rough path SE down the pinkish cliffs; the path will
continue along a ridge before dropping into the main gorge
below you to E

1.0

12.5

As you come to the point of the ridge heading SE, turn L to

follow another rough path (there may be cairns) down into
the wadi bed below

0.4

The portions of this stage inside wadis have plentiful shade;

otherwise the terrain is mostly barren.

12.9

Reach the wadi bed and continue S, downstream

0.2

13.1

Where the stream joins a larger one flowing from S and

filled with greenery (Wadi Feid, which becomes Wadi Abu
Sakakin), turn R along the stream with thick vegetation,
looking for an opportunity to cross to S

0.2

From the point of leaving the Araba Valley until the Ras al-Feid
campsite, the trail is inaccessible by any vehicle.

13.3

Find a crossing over the stream and head S upstream along

Wadi Feid

0.4

13.7

As the stream curves L (E) and the way narrows between

plants on R and wadi wall on L, find the best path upstream
through the dense brush, or go up L higher onto the bank
and follow the wadi course from up there. Caution: serious
flash flood risk in the coming section

0.8

14.5

As you emerge from the greenery and a tributary joins

from L, a clear path heads up R away from stream (last
chance to fill water from it). Follow the path and stay
upstream along Wadi Feid, curving to SE

0.7

15.2

Continue along canyon as it bends L, narrows, and the

floor begins to be covered in large white boulders. A building visible on ridge ahead, high up, is a useful direction
guide for the next few steps

0.4

15.6

Just after a tributary joins from L and the main wadi curves
R (S), and reddish/purple rock gives way on L to tan-colored rock, head up a footpath L out of the canyon - initially
a groove in purple rock, and wind your way up generally E
up this ridge, using the building on the highlands above as
a general directional guide

0.6

16.2

After a steep climb up the ridge, looking for a 4x4 track

heading generally N-S across the hillside. Follow it S to
continue the trek to Petra. END STAGE
OPTION: Follow the track NNE to reach the Ras al-Feid
campsite

Transportation:
No public transit. From Wadi al-Malaqa campsite, the closest
villages are Feynan, and Qureiqra on the Dead Sea Highway.
The closest village to the Ras al-Feid area is Jahayir, a 2-hour,
44-drive away.

Water:
Prior to this stage, Feynan village or some water faucets used by
Bedouin in Wadi Dana are the last place to fill up water. Water
can be obtained off-route by venturing 45 minutes up Wadi
Abu Sakakin to where Wadi Feid joins it; the section of Wadi
Feid along which the Abraham Path route runs also flows yearround. Fill up on water before leaving the stream of Wadi Feid;
next water point is at Qbour al-Wahdat in 13km.

ka
ki

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bu

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200
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W Poo
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Ra
Sh s Na
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Stage Notes:

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abrahampath.org

3: Ras al-Feid to Little Petra

Distance: 23.0km
Time: 5-8 hours
Physical Challenge: Difficult
Trail Difficulty: Moderate

(Dana Region)
km
0.0

Walking notes

+km

15.1

At the top of the hill where several stone houses are, turn R. Head
for a group of white tents visible ahead - Rock Camp

0.3

15.4

From Rock Camp, head W along its dirt access road

0.3

15.7

Turn L at the olive groves, staying with the dirt road. Then, at a
junction with a sign pointing to Rock Camp, stay straight S,
leaving the dirt road for a fainter 4x4. Follow it as it curves around,
crossing a stream and climbing a low hill

0.4

16.1

From the top of the hill, head straight S as the 4x4 curves away to
R. Go down toward agricultural fields and a wadi bed to S

0.3

16.3

Cross a streambed and, go R on another 4x4. It fades out into a

plowed field, but stay straight and climb to the hill, then go L. Follow this rough path as it curves W, to reach an asphalt road

0.2

16.6

Cross the asphalt road just north of the water treatment plant. Follow a dirt road past a small house, heading W and then turning S

0.2

16.8

Cross a stream; if it has water it is not good for drinking. The

streambed flows from just to E where it passes the treatment plant.
Just after the crossing, come to a T of 4x4 tracks. Head R on this,
aiming N then, shortly, turning SW

0.6

17.4

Reach a pass/notch at a hilltop, keep straight on the dirt road. It

continues SW toward a lone boulder on top of the furthest ridge
ahead

2.3

19.7

Reach the top of a hill overlooking a small valley with numerous

trees. The dirt road youve been following curves R. Leave it, and
head S, downhill and soon pick up another 4x4 ahead. Aim generally S for the flattish mountain furthest away - Qaroun mountain

0.5

20.2

At the Y, go L. There may be spray-painted arrows on rocks here,

pointing R

0.4

20.6

Just past a view of the valley at L, stay R at the Y toward Jebel

Qaroun

0.3

20.9

Stay L at the Y about 200m away from Jebel Qaroun, changing

direction to SE. Then very soon, turn L down into the canyon,
leaving the track

0.2

BEGIN STAGE on the 4x4 track leading SSW from Ras al-Feid
(also known as Tor Asfur, Yellow Cliffs) campsite, about 0.5km
down the track. Continue with this 4x4 track heading S along the
hillside

0.6

0.6

The track dips down to cross a wadi bed, and continues S. To W

is the beginning of a high ridge - Mt. Safaha. Your goal is to climb
this ridge, then follow it S

0.4

1.0

After crossing a lower streambed, turn W and head up the steep

hillside toward the ridge of Mt. Safaha, passing terraces and faint
footpaths along the way

1.2

2.2

From the northern end of Mt. Safaha ridge, turn S and continue
along the ridge top

2.1

4.3

Continue S along the ridge, following a clear path, staying between

the highest ridgetop to L and a lower ledge to R

0.9

5.2

Nice flat place for a camp spot; continue S along the ridge

0.7

5.9

Continue past a footpath heading up L; this leads to a 4x4 that goes

to near Ras el Feid and to a village after Jaheyir

1.6

6.5

Continue past the Qutla ruins, an area used by Nabateans and

possibly as old as the Stone Age. The terrain is fairly amenable to
camping

0.1

6.6

Qutla spring, which consistently has murky water which is possible

to drink if treated. From here, continue S then SW with the path,
leaving the distinct mountain ridge youd been following, though it
is still above to L

1.3

7.9

Pass old terraces, and continue on a clear footpath below the high
ridge to L and above the drops and gorges to R

3.0

10.9

As the ledge between ridge and drop widens somewhat, continue

S into a lower area of white rocks, following a sandy streambed
to where it empties out into a wider sandy area. You are entering
the area of Qbour al-Wahdat, where numerous graves and a rock
formation resembling a skull are found

1.0

11.9

Further down the streambed, join a 4x4 heading SSE as several

tributaries join the stream over a short distance. Ahead, across the
valley, is a conical peak and a paved road below it to R

0.5

21.1

Make your way down a short, steep rock face into the canyon
heading E - Wadi al-Aghlat. Continue E with this wadi; use caution
regarding flash floods

0.2

12.4

Continue S with the wide track, which has become a dirt road, past
a small building uphill to R

1.3

21.3

1.0

12.7

Just after the dirt road crosses a wadi bed, stay L at the Y

0.7

Cross a ledge past a 50-foot drop to R. Path about 2-3 feet wide. An
option to avoid this goes up toward the tree on L; then find a way
down from there

13.4

Nearing an asphalt road, turn down away from the dirt road toward a large metal water tank, and follow a 4x4 curving up the hill
just past it, going SE. Then continue up R toward the conical peak
on L, past a 4x4 heading L

0.2

22.3

At a very large oak tree at the foot of cliffs at L, look for a narrow
gap to climb up. At the top of the climb, find a tent with a souvenir
vendor, and continue up the narrow slot canyon (Siq al-Barid)

0.7

23.0

END STAGE at the Little Petra entrance and shops

13.6

Just before reaching a group of Bedouin tents to S, turn L off the

4x4 and head uphill, SSE, toward the gap full of trees

0.2

13.8

Reach the top of the climb, and a view over Qbour al-Wahadat area
to R. Continue generally S on a wide, gravelly footpath, curving L
to keep the conical mountain (Jebel Baaja) on your R. As you pass
it youll begin to follow Wadi Baaja downstream; near the wadi
mouth in the distance you can see an asphalt road winding down
a mountain

0.9

14.7

Continue down Wadi Baaja with high rugged cliffs on L. Pass a

reconstructed Nabatean dam on L. Has water after rain; climb the
wall behind the tree to its L to access it (need bucket and rope).
Needs filtration. From the dam, continue keeping the high cliffs
just to your L

0.3

Continue along the cliffs on L, passing a building under construction on R and then a group of Bedouin tents on L in an alcove in
the cliffs. The path begins to widen to become a 4x4. Head uphill
for some stone buildings (inhabited)

0.1

No public transit. Qbour al-Wahdat and Little Petra are accessible by road.

Water:
Last water before beginning of stage is in Wadi Feid, 2km
downstream. In the populated areas of Qbour al-Wahdat you
should be able to find or buy water; Rock Camp and stores at
Little Petra will also sell bottled water to hikers.

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Little Petra
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udhlim

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Treasury

Al-Siq

Petra
Entrance
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1.0km

4: Little Petra to Petra

Distance: 13.5 km
Time: 3-5 hours
Physical Challenge: Moderate
Trail Difficulty: Moderate

(Dana Region)
km

Walking notes

+km

0.0

BEGIN STAGE at the entrance of Little Petra. Rurn

R away from the asphalt road, along a wide dirt road.
Along the way are signs with dates moving backward
in history; follow the road curving R

1.1

1.1

After passing the neolithic village on R, continue

straight on the path follows the wadi bed you were
walking beside, heading SW

1.0

2.1

Turn L with the path, away from the wadi bed, as the
cliffs open up on L. Head S around a rock formation
at L, then turn L and head E, hugging the side of it

0.7

2.8

After passing the rock formation on L, turn R onto

another 4x4 track and head S then SSW

0.4

3.2

When you reach another track running E-W, turn R

to head W

0.2

3.4

After 100m, as dirt road continues toward two

buildings and small fenced farm area, turn L on a
4x4 to head SSW. Youll see the town of Um Seihoun
through a gap in the rocks to L

0.5

3.9

At crest of hill and junction of 4x4s, turn L, taking

you to the foot of the large rock formations at L; follow the edge of these cliffs

0.3

4.2

As you reach the corner of the rock formation, with

a juniper tree on L, stay left, still hugging the rock
formation, heading downhill

0.3

4.5

At the low point, as the track begins to turn R away

from cliffs on L, turn R, heading about 220 degrees,
aiming for a small track zigzagging uphill towards
the R end of the next high rock formation

0.4

Transportation:

After taking the zigzagging footpath to the rock formation, pass a sign saying not to enter Petra (make
sure you have your valid ticket!), turn R down into
a wadi, keeping the cliffs just L. Youll soon reach a
well-constructed path, easy to follow

0.8

Wadi Musa has buses to Amman and Aqaba. A daily bus also
runs to Wadi Rum if there are enough passengers; this bus can
only be booked through hotels.

5.7

Pass ruins of Umm Saysaba, a Bronze age settlement

0.2

5.9

As the maintained path ends, continue on a level

ledge along the edge of the cliffs

0.4

6.3

Pass a section of trail thats been fortified and

expanded with stones below (exposed crossing);
come into the view of a hilltop with flags; continue
hugging the bottom of the cliffs at L

0.7

7.0

Pass the Monastery on L and a caf on R. After

Monastery, head L down the stairs through a narrow
gorge past numerous vendors on a busy trail

1.6

8.6

Pass the Basin restaurant on L; continue over bridge

0.3

8.9

Turn L onto large dirt road, the Colonnaded Street;

continue E toward the numerous tombs in the cliff
face

0.8

Curve R with the main street; then turn L up the

staircase leading toward the tombs. Turn L and walk
along the wall of tombs , curving slowly R to keep
the cliffs and tombs on your R

0.3

10.0

At a sign with directions to Byzantine Church, Qasr

al-Bint Area and al-Khubtha Trail, continue straight,
keeping the cliffs on R
OPTIONAL DETOUR: the al-Khubtha Trail leads
about 1.3 km up to a lookout over the Treasury

0.1

10.1

Reach another sign indicating Main Trail, alKhubtha Trail and Sextius Florentinus Tomb.
Continue ahead for the Tomb

0.2

10.3

Pass Sextius Florentinus Tomb on R; continue up

along the wadi bed, keeping next to the cliffs on R

0.8

11.1

Head R away from the main wadi bed into a canyon,

passing a stone wall on R and goat pen on L

0.3

11.4

With caves in front of you, turn R uphill into a narrower canyon

0.2

11.6

Turn R into another narrow canyon (Wadi

Mudhlim) at the junction. Continue up this slot
canyon

1.7

13.3

Continue up the canyon through a tunnel

13.5

Reach the opening of the canyon and the entrance of

Petra and the Siq canyon to R. END STAGE

0.2
END

Water:
You can buy water at Little Petra, and throughout Petra starting
at the monastery (but excluding the last few km once you leave
the center of Petra to head for Wadi Mudhlim). Wadi Musa is a
city with all services including stores and hotels.

Stage Notes:
Watch for a short section of exposed trail (5-10 feet long) just
before the Monastery.
This route does not pass Petras iconic Treasury (though it can
be easily reached from the center of Petra). Instead, the next
stage on the Abraham Path route (Petra Stage 1) approaches the
Treasury from the Siq, the classic entry to Petra.

Um

1200
1000
800

Petra
Entrance

C
of ent
Pe er
tra

Little Petra

1400

on The
as
te
ry

S
Ru ays
in ab
s a

As you cannot buy Petra tickets on this stage, see ticket information on the region information pages (x-y)

600
400
200

600
400
5.7

1 km

1200
800

0.8

1400
1000

Ne
Vi olit
lla hi
ge c

4.9

9.7

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12

200

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Abraham Path
Dana Region (Jordan)

The Dana region crosses the full range of elevation and climate across the western front of the Edom mountains, dipping from the juniper-forested highlands to the parched Araba Valley and climbing back up again.
A handful of Bedouin villages are the only sign of civilization you may see while hiking, but the remains of
past civilizations still haunt the landscape. The ruins of an ancient mining operation at Feynan are surrounded by enormous slag heaps, evidence of ancient industry; Little Petra was a waystation and inn for merchants
on the Nabateans long-distance trade routes; and Petra itself, needing no introduction, is one of the crown
jewels of the world, with its thoroughly unique cliff-carved architecture and the exquisitely-fashioned facades
of its royal tombs.
The route from Dana to Petra is a natural wonderland as well; students of geology and wildlife will find the
desert mountains an inviting study in the regions environment, and the wild beauty of the trail will captivate
anyone. The trek is a challenging one, but every climb into the canyons and crags brings more breathtaking
views, and the surprises like flowing, shaded streams and elegant cliff dwellings make sure there is never a
dull moment along the way.
Four stages from Dana village to Petra divide the walk into a strenuous but doable itinerary; those opting to
wild camp will find many more options for taking the region at their own pace. The trail can be done with
vehicle support (a truck providing luggage transfer and supplies and food and water to each campsite ) or as
an unsupported backpacking trip; in the latter case, travelers will need to bring enough food for the entire
walk, and plan their route around the availability of water, which is shown in the maps, elevation profiles, and
GPX files for the region.
Accommodations:
Aside from the options listed below, wild camping is the only option - in some places truck support is possible, while other wild campsites may be reachable only by foot. Between Feynan and Rock Camp (3 days
hike) camping is the only option. Sketch out your itinerary in advance according to your camping plans; or, if
hiking with a guide and support truck, the guide will know where the truck can reach you to camp.
Dana village, Stage 1:
Dana Guesthouse. $116/night and up; includes dinner and breakfast. dhana@rscn.org.jo
Dana Hotel: From $13/person/night; contact via booking websites. Meals also available
Dana Moon Hotel: From $35/night; contact via booking websites. Restaurant in hotel.
Tower Hotel: From $20/night. info@dana-tower-hotel.com. Meals also available
Feynan, Stage 2:
Feynan Ecolodge. From $185/night; lower prices possible in off-season. reservations@feynan.com
Bedouin camps, area of Little Petra, Stage 3/4: (all offer meals, transportation)
Rock Camp. From $50/night. info@therockpetra.com
Ammarin Camp. From $24/night. info@bedouincamp.net
Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp. From $21/night. info@sevenwondersbedouincamp.com
Wadi Musa, Stage 4:
Dozens of hotels; find information and book online

Abraham Path
Dana Region (Jordan)
Water and Supplies:
The route has enough water for an unsupported hike without caches, but careful planning is needed. From
the bottom of Wadi Dana, just above Feinan, to the first point in Wadi Feid where water is available, is over
20km; otherwise, there are no day-length stretches between water points.
In several places on the trail (bottom of Wadi Dana, Wadi Feid, and especially the Qutla well, which has
stagnant water that should only be used in case of desperation), natural water sources are available. Even
when the drinking water bottle symbol appears next to a natural water source, all natural water should
be purified before drinking! See www.abrahampath.org for more information on water treatment methods
recommended for Jordan.
Otherwise, water sources appear at least once per stage, and refills can be planned into a once-a-day schedule.
As this is the desert, carry at least five liters a day per person for drinking, besides water for camping and
cooking.
There are no places to buy food along the route; stock up in Qadisiya near Dana, and bring enough food to
last you until you reach Wadi Musa.
Transportation:
Shuttle buses from Queen Alia International Airport to downtown Amman depart every half hour between
6am and 4:30pm (50min, 3JD, 06-4453200). Private taxis have posted prices depending on destination, with
an average cost of 20JD to downtown Amman.
From Ammans southern bus station, buses depart for Wadi Musa, Aqaba, and other southern destinations;
from these towns, taxis can be arranged to the nearby villages. Buses from Amman to the south stop in Humeima, as well as at the Rashidiya junction by request - this is the junction closest to Wadi Rum, from which
you can hitchhike the rest of the way as the locals do, by offering a few JD to whoever picks you up.
Dana can (nearly) be reached by bus: From Ammans Wahadat (south) bus station, take a bus to Tafila; transfer to one to Qadisiya. Dana is another few km away from Qadisiya; walk or hire a taxi for the short ride.
A private taxi from Amman to Wadi Musa should cost around 50JD ($70). As always, be sure you have
agreed on a price with the driver before beginning your journey. Taxis from Aqaba to Wadi Rum generally
cost 20-25JD.
The Amman airport and city center also offer numerous rental car companies (average cost of $75/60 per
day, gas/petrol 0.89/liter, $4.20/gallon).
For up-to-date information on entering Jordan and on visa costs, see www.abrahampath.org
Petra Tickets:
Tickets to Petra cost 50JD for a day, 55JD for two days, or 60JD for three days. These tickets can only be
purchased at the main Petra entrance next to Wadi Musa; if you hike into Petra, its best to buy your tickets
beforehand, or have someone else buy them and bring them to you.

15