🏛️ Petra Hiking & Trekking

Name: Petra Hiking & Trekking
Location: Petra

Petra Moderate to Strenuous 4–8 hours🧗 Climbing & Hiking

About This Adventure

Most visitors see the Treasury and call it a day, which is roughly equivalent to visiting Paris and only looking at the Eiffel Tower from across the street. Petra's back trails stretch across 264 sq km of canyons, ridges, carved facades and ancient cisterns that reward hikers who go further.

The classic day hike covers the Siq to the Treasury, the Colonnaded Street, the Royal Tombs, and the climb to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) — a 850-step ascent that takes 45 minutes and deposits you in front of one of the largest carved facades in the world. Most people do not regret the climb, even mid-way when they are saying they regret the climb.

Advanced hikers can attempt the High Place of Sacrifice route, the back-country trail to Sabra (an ancient Nabataean suburb), or the multi-day trek to Wadi Rum known as the Jordan Trail southern section.

Location

Petra

Experience

Moderate to Strenuous

Duration

4–8 hours

Best Season

October–April

What's Included

Petra entry ticket (not included in hiking fees — purchase separately)
Guide for back-trails (strongly recommended)
Route planning and safety briefing

Trail Options

▸Siq → Treasury → Colonnaded Street (2 km, flat, 1–2 hrs)
▸Treasury → Royal Tombs → High Place of Sacrifice (6 km, strenuous, 4–5 hrs)
▸Monastery (Ad-Deir) climb — 850 steps, 45 min ascent (stunning)
▸Back-country to Sabra — half-day with local guide only
▸Jordan Trail southern section to Wadi Rum — multi-day, guide required

📅 Best Time to Visit

October–April

12–25°C — cool enough to climb the Monastery steps without stopping every fifteen to lie down

Prime months: October, November, December, January, February, March, April

Weather Warning

Summer temperatures of 35–40°C+ make Petra a medical emergency waiting to happen for unprepared visitors. The canyon floor traps heat; the Monastery climb faces open sun. Carry minimum 2 litres of water per person, and drink before you feel thirsty. Crowds in peak season (spring) are significant — start at 6 AM to have the Siq to yourself. Ankle injuries are the most common incident on rocky uneven trails; wear proper boots.