Petra Back Trail

Good tracks go pleasantly down Wadi Ghurab amidst sandstone mountains guarding the approaches to Petra. This way follows a Nabataean route out of the valley and skirting round the final mountain on a natural rock terrace which has been ‘improved’ by the PAP for the safety of walkers. Even so, it still narrows slightly before reaching a hidden plateau high above the impressive chasm of Wadi Siyyagh. Just beyond, carved into the cliff face, ‘The Monastery’ suddenly comes into view. Nabataean steps then lead down into ancient Petra, through which the route goes before exiting past ‘The Treasury’ and though the famous ‘Petra Siq’ to the shops, cafés and hotels of Wadi Musa.

Distance: 13km

Elevation gain: 762m