Barrah Canyon Adventures

Barrah Canyon, located in the eastern part of Wadi Rum, is a climber's paradise that many visitors never discover. This spectacular area offers some of the finest slab climbing in the desert, dramatic canyon scenery, and routes that range from moderate scrambles to technical multi-pitch adventures.

Why Barrah Canyon is Special

While most visitors focus on Jebel Rum and the main valley, Barrah Canyon offers a different character of climbing. The rock here is generally excellent quality-smooth, solid sandstone perfect for friction climbing. The routes are less crowded, the scenery is stunning, and the sense of adventure is heightened by the remote location.

Hunter's Slabs: The Crown Jewel

Hunter's Slabs on Jebel Barrah is one of Wadi Rum's most celebrated routes. This spectacular climb offers 500 meters of vertical height gain up sustained slabs of excellent rock quality.

Route Details

• • Height: 500m vertical gain
• • Duration: Full day (6-8 hours)
• • Grade: Multi-pitch technical climbing
• • Character: Sustained slab climbing on excellent rock

The Climbing Experience

Hunter's Slabs is all about friction climbing. The route follows a line of beautiful, smooth slabs that require good footwork, balance, and trust in the sandstone's excellent friction properties. Unlike many Wadi Rum routes that follow cracks and chimneys, this is pure face climbing.

The climbing is sustained-you're constantly engaged, reading the rock, finding the best line. The exposure builds gradually as you gain height, and the views across Barrah Canyon become increasingly spectacular. Multiple pitches keep you focused and committed, making this a true adventure climb.

Ocean Slabs

Another classic in the Barrah area, Ocean Slabs offers similar high-quality slab climbing with its own unique character. The name comes from the wave-like patterns in the rock-ripples frozen in stone that look like ocean waves.

This route is slightly less committing than Hunter's Slabs but equally beautiful. The rock quality is superb, and the climbing is engaging throughout. It's a great choice for those wanting to experience Barrah's slab climbing without the full commitment of Hunter's Slabs.

Barrah Canyon Itself

The canyon is a spectacular feature in its own right. Deep, narrow in places, with towering walls on both sides, it offers:

• • Canyon Hiking: Beautiful walks through the canyon with dramatic scenery
• • Scrambling Routes: Various lines up the canyon walls for those wanting easier adventures
• • Photography: Stunning light and shadow play in the canyon, especially morning and late afternoon
• • Solitude: Often you'll have the entire canyon to yourself

Other Routes in the Area

Jebel Barrah North Summit

The northern summit of Jebel Barrah offers various routes of different difficulties. Some follow traditional Bedouin paths with scrambling and moderate climbing, while others tackle the steeper faces with technical climbing.

South Canyon Routes

The southern section of Barrah Canyon (El Barrali, South Canyon) has numerous routes on excellent rock. These range from moderate scrambles to challenging technical climbs, offering something for every ability level.

Tower Lawrence

This distinctive tower near Barrah Canyon offers shorter but quality routes. It's a good warm-up or alternative if weather or conditions aren't suitable for the bigger routes.

Getting to Barrah Canyon

Barrah Canyon is located in the eastern part of Wadi Rum, about 45-60 minutes drive from the village by 4x4. The journey itself is an adventure, crossing beautiful desert terrain and passing various rock formations.

The remote location means you'll need:

• • 4x4 vehicle (regular cars cannot access the area)
• • Local guide who knows the routes and access points
• • Full day commitment (including drive time)
• • Self-sufficiency (bring all water, food, and equipment)

Best Time to Visit

Optimal Seasons: October through April. The slab routes face various directions, so with good planning, you can find comfortable climbing conditions throughout the cooler months.

Summer: Possible with very early starts on north-facing routes, but the long approach and sustained climbing make heat management challenging.

Morning vs. Afternoon: The canyon provides some shade, but the main slab routes are exposed. Morning starts are generally better, especially in warmer months.

What Makes Barrah Special

Rock Quality

The sandstone in Barrah Canyon is consistently excellent. Smooth, solid, with great friction-it's some of the best rock in Wadi Rum. The slabs are particularly impressive, offering sustained quality climbing that's rare to find elsewhere.

Variety

From easy canyon walks to challenging multi-pitch slab climbs, Barrah offers incredible variety. You can spend multiple days here and climb something different each day.

Solitude

While Jebel Rum can get crowded during peak season, Barrah Canyon remains relatively quiet. You'll often have routes to yourself, enhancing the wilderness experience.

Adventure Factor

The remote location, long approaches, and committing routes give Barrah a true adventure feel. This isn't sport climbing at a roadside crag-it's real desert mountaineering.

Skill Requirements

For Hunter's Slabs and Technical Routes:

• • Solid slab climbing technique
• • Comfort with sustained exposure
• • Multi-pitch experience helpful
• • Good physical fitness for long routes
• • Mental stamina for committing climbs

For Canyon Exploration and Easier Routes:

• • Basic fitness for hiking
• • Some scrambling experience helpful but not essential
• • Willingness to try new challenges

Multi-Day Options

For those wanting to fully explore Barrah Canyon, consider a multi-day trip:

• • Day 1: Drive to Barrah, explore canyon, camp nearby
• • Day 2: Climb Hunter's Slabs or other major route
• • Day 3: Additional routes or return via scenic route

Barrah Canyon represents Wadi Rum at its finest-spectacular rock, beautiful scenery, quality routes, and true adventure. It's less famous than Jebel Rum but equally rewarding. For climbers seeking something beyond the standard tourist routes, Barrah is a must-visit destination.