Mujib Biosphere Reserve

Dana Hiking Trails

From Dana Guesthouse

White Dome Trail

(March 15 – October 31, except during Ramadan), guided only

Grade: Moderate

Distance: 8 km

Time: 3-4 hours

Starting time: from either the Rummana Campsite or the Dana Guesthouse

Group size: 4-20 people

Description: This trail contours the huge escarpments of Wadi Dana between the Rummana campsite and Dana Village. Passing through the terraced gardens of the village, the trail offers breathtaking views of the canyon-like Wadi. If desired, the trail can be done in reverse, from Dana Guesthouse to the Rummana campsite.

Shaq al Reesh Trail

(Year-round, except during Ramadan), guided only

Grade: Moderate to Difficult

Distance: 8 km

Time: 4 hours

Starting time: 8:00 a.m.

Group size: 4-20 people

Requirements: Transportation to and from al-Barra area; no fear of heights

Description: This circular trail traverses from Al-Barrah, through a breathtaking siq, and to Shaq al Reesh.

From Feynan Ecolodge

Feynan Plants hike

(Year-round), guided only

Grade: Intermediate

Distance: 3 km

Time: 2.5 hours

Starting time: check daily schedule on http://www.ecohotels.me/feynan/calendar

Group size: up to 15

Discover the hidden uses of the plants of the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Our guides will explain how the Bedouin use different plants as soap, herbs, medicines and treatments for their animals. This circular hike is also a great route to spot some of the birdlife that call the Dana Reserve home and see the varied geology of the Great Rift Valley unfurl before your eyes.

Copper mines

 (Year-round), guided only

Grade: easy, suitable for all ages

Distance: 6-7 km

Time: 3-4 hours

Starting time: check daily schedule on http://www.ecohotels.me/feynan/calendar

Group size: up to 15

Learn how vast deposits of copper were discovered, mined and processed at Feynan 
by ancient civilizations thousands of years ago and what an important supply centre Feynan was for the Roman Empire. Come explore deep, long-forgotten mine shafts and visit nearby sites to see how the copper was transported and refined, leaving vast slag formations from the smelting process that are still visible today.

Archaeological treasures

(Year-round), guided or self-guided

Grade: easy, suitable for all ages

Distance: 5-6 km

Time: 3-4 hours

Starting time: check daily schedule on http://www.ecohotels.me/feynan/calendar

Group size: up to 20

Uncover the remarkable history of Feynan through the many archaeological treasures that dot the landscape surrounding the lodge. Well-preserved Roman ruins include an aqueduct and mill. Remnants of an early Byzantine monastery and church still stand atop a nearby hill and the remains of Neolithic settlements attest to the shift from a nomadic way of life to that of permanent dwellings and agriculture.

Wadi Dana sampler

(Year-round), guided or self-guided

Grade: easy, suitable for all ages

Distance: 6-7 km

Time: 3-4 hours

Starting time: check daily schedule on http://www.ecohotels.me/feynan/calendar

Group size: up to 20

This half day hike explores the lower end of Wadi Dana. Starting from the lodge and the open desert-like zone of Dana Biosphere Reserve, the trail gradually becomes greener as the hike moves more and more into the valley of Wadi Dana, with tall peaks that line either side of the valley. Highlights of the hike include passing through groups of Bedouin families in traditional goat-tent homes, seeing natural springs, and catching a glimpse of some of the birds that call Dana Biosphere Reserve home. This hike returns to the lodge along the same route.

Wadi Ghwayr sampler

(Not available in winter), guided or self-guided

Grade: Easy to intermediate

Distance: 7-8 km

Time: 4 hours

Starting time: check daily schedule on http://www.ecohotels.me/feynan/calendar

Group size: up to 15

This scenic trail begins from the lodge and passes by Khirbet Feynan, where many Byzantine and Roman ruins are preserved passing onwards into the Wadi Ghwayr basin (wadi means valley or canyon). Following the gravel riverbed, the trail proceeds onwards past a Neolithic settlement estimated to be over 11,000 years old. The trail then follows the riverbed past pink oleander, reeds and other plant life. A regular stream of water keeps the gorge green and alive. Our guides enrich the experience by explaining the local uses of the plants as medicines, soap and shampoo. Before returning our guides will prepare for you a cup of tea to enjoy along the scenic path. The route returns the same way back to the lodge. Be prepared for your feet and ankles to get wet.

*This trail is closed in the case of rainfall in the surrounding mountains, due to the possibility of flash floods.  

Ajloun Hiking Trails

Rasoun Trail

Guided only

Grade: Moderate

Distance: 6-7 km

Time: 3 hours

Group size: 4-18 people

Description: This trail begins at the Reserve's Visitor Center and takes you to the Soap House in the neighboring village of Orjan. On the way, you will hike through thick, healthy woodlands filled with oak, pistachio, and oriental strawberry trees. Take a short detour to view the ruins of a wine press before you pass one of the oldest strawberry trees in the Reserve on your way down into the valley. The trail climbs to 1,100m above sea level at Eagle's View Point, and then descends to the Soap House where local women follow the traditional process of making Orjan pure olive oil soap.

Rockrose Trail

Guided only

Grade: Moderate

Distance: 8 km

Time: 3-4 hours

Group size: 4-18 people

Requirements: Reasonable level of fitness

Description: Named for the flowers that can be seen around the trail every spring, this hiking loop passes through thick woodlands, orchards, farms and villages in and around the Reserve. It offers beautiful views of the West Bank, Syria, and the Jordanian countryside. About halfway through the hike, observe the wine and olive press from the Byzantine and Roman eras, and just before reaching the end of the trail, rest in the shade of a large Maloul tree. Each season has different vegetation to enjoy.

The first half of the trail is uphill and the second half is downhill; there are steep scrambles enroute that demand a reasonable level of fitness.

The Prophet’s Trail

Guided only

Grade: Moderate

Distance: 8.5 km

Time: 4 hours

Group size: 4-18 people

Description: This hike takes you from Ajloun Forest Reserve Visitor Center to Mar Elias, the ruins of one of Jordan's oldest churches. It is named for the Prophet Elias, or Elijah, to whom Mar Elias is dedicated. The trail leads through fig and pear orchards, amongst forests of oak and oriental strawberry trees. The stone walls that crisscross the valley guard the farmers' crops inside from both the winter rains and wild boar. Relax in the shade with a glass of tea before climbing to the hilltop ruins, which provide sweeping views of the surrounding area. The hike also includes a locally prepared picnic lunch near the ruins.

Mujib Hiking Trails

Ibex Trail

(November 1 –March 31)  except during Ramadan , guided only

Grade: Moderate

Time: 4 hours

Starting time: 8:30 a.m.

Group size: 6-25 people

Description: The trail begins at the Visitor Center and follows the Dead Sea Highway before ascending into the Reserve. Diverging to the south, the trail runs parallel to the Dead Sea, which provides a startlingly blue backdrop for the entire hike. The hike then continues along a number of dry wadis to the Raddas Ranger Station, where you may see Nubian Ibex. It is also where the famous rock “statue” of Lot’s wife can be seen. After resting at the Station, the trail continues along a road for about one hour until reaching the Reserve entrance near the Visitor Center

Ajloun Forest Reserve is located in the Ajloun highlands north of Amman and covers 13 square kilometers. It is dominated by open woodlands of Evergreen Oak, Pine, Carob, Wild Pistachio and Wild Strawberry trees. These trees have been important to local people for their wood, scenic beauty, and quite often for medicine and food.

The Ajloun area has a long history of human settlement, due to its mild climate, dense forests, and fertile soil. This rich history is reflected in the many archaeological ruins scattered in the woodlands and surrounding villages. The reserve itself supports a wide variety of wild plants and animals and is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. Among the more unusual animals to be found in the Reserve are the Striped Hyena, Crested Porcupine and Stone Marten. In spring, the reserve is a carpet of wild flowers, including drifts of anemones and rockroses.

The Royal Academy for Nature Conservation
His Majesty King Abdullah II laid the foun­dation stone of a specialized Academy for training on the protection of nature and sustainable development near Ajloun Forest Reserve in 2010, and HRH Crown Prince Hussein inaugurated in 2015. The academy is “the first center in the Arab world” specialized in offering training on nature conservation.

The Academy constructed nearby the Ajloun Forest Reserve. It will be physically linked with the Reserve and its tourism facilities to create a single integrated eco-tourism complex. This will enable the Academy to use these tourism facilities as real-life training situations. Some of the key facilities in the Academy are training rooms, Medical clinic, a small conference hall and a restaurant.

Hiking Jordan’s trails is the best way to see beautiful landscapes and explore vast areas of wilderness and nature. For those who want hiking adventures that offer incredible panoramic views, a few shots of adrenalin or a more leisurely experience, Jordan’s nature reserves offer hiking trails to suit all levels of fitness and experience and a huge diversity of landscapes from mountains, to deserts, forests and fields. Walk one of our recommended day walks for a few hours or a day, which fit easily into any itinerary, or plan a multi-day hike across the stunning landscapes of Jordan’s nature reserves. Wild Jordan’s hiking trails are listed below according to duration.