Our Mountain Routes
Each mountain offers a unique adventure, from moderate scrambles to challenging climbs
Jebel Rum
HIGHLIGHTJordan's Second Highest Peak - The Crown Jewel of Wadi Rum
At 1,754 meters, Jebel Rum is the ultimate Wadi Rum experience. This magnificent mountain offers stunning views across the entire desert and into Saudi Arabia. The classic Bedouin routes like Hammad's Route and Sheikh Hamdan's Route combine scrambling, moderate climbing, and exposed traverses.
Overnight Option: Camp on the summit plateau and watch the sunset over the desert, followed by an unforgettable starlit night at 1,750m elevation.
Sheikh Hamdan's Route
HISTORICJebel Rum - First Recorded Western Ascent (1952)
The first recorded Western ascent of Jebel Rum! While Bedouin people had been climbing these mountains for generations, in November 1952, Sheikh Hamdan Amad guided Charmian Longstaff and Sylvia Branford up this magnificent route, marking the beginning of documented climbing in Wadi Rum. This classic Bedouin route takes the shaded north-facing wall of the Great Siq, following a long rising ledge to the summit domes. A fascinating journey requiring a head for heights but offering an unforgettable connection to climbing history.
Historical Note: This route bridges traditional Bedouin climbing and modern mountaineering. Sheikh Hamdan had previously guided survey parties to the summit during early mapping expeditions. His son, Hammad, later established another classic route on Jebel Rum.
Jebel Khazali - Inscriptions Peak
Rising to 1,420 meters, Jebel Khazali's hallmark is the stunning Khazali Canyon-a 100-meter narrow gorge filled with Nabataean and Islamic rock carvings (ibex, camels, Kufic inscriptions). The summit is reached via Bedouin "Sabbah's Route" with steep sandstone steps, short chimney climbs, and an exposed ridge. Views from the top are reportedly even finer than from Jebel Rum!
- • Elevation: 1,420m
- • Route: Sabbah's Route (east face) through Khazali Canyon
- • Duration: 5-6 hours round trip
- • Difficulty: Moderate, Class 3 scramble
- • Highlights: Nabataean rock art, hidden pools, wild flora, superior summit views
Jebel um Ishrin - Twin Peaks
At 1,753 meters (Jordan's 3rd highest!), this massive east wall of Wadi Rum valley features twin peaks and towers. The route ascends via Um Ejil (Raqaba Canyon)-a grand natural chasm-with steep steps, narrow traverses, and easier ramps to the northern dome. The Seven Pillars of Wisdom lie at its base, making the views and scenery legendary.
- • Elevation: 1,753m - Jordan's 3rd highest
- • Route: Via Um Ejil (Raqaba Canyon)
- • Duration: 8-10 hours (often multi-day trek)
- • Difficulty: Challenging, Class 3-4+
- • Highlights: Seven Pillars, sharp peaks, petroglyphs, technical finale
Jebel Al-Hash - Gentle Panorama
At approximately 1,700 meters, Jebel Hash is a relatively straightforward day-hike with rewarding panoramic views. The trail ascends from Um Snenah Valley via a broad ridge-mostly walkable with the last section involving steep scrambling. This accessible terrain makes it popular for families and those seeking stunning sunrise or sunset views across the entire Wadi Rum basin and Saudi highlands.
- • Elevation: ~1,700m
- • Route: Um Snenah Valley via broad ridge
- • Duration: 4-5 hours round trip
- • Difficulty: Moderate, Class 2-3 (family-friendly)
- • Highlights: 360° panoramas, sunrise/sunset ridge, accessible to most fitness levels
Jebel Umm Ad Dami - Jordan's Highest Peak
At 1,854 meters, this is Jordan's highest point! Located in Wadi Rum's far south, the popular route climbs via the western saddle over granite slabs and wadi terraces. The final push (marked by a Jordanian flag) is a steep scramble but technically straightforward. From the summit, you can see the entire Wadi Rum plain, the Saudi mountain horizon, and even the Red Sea on clear days!
- • Elevation: 1,854m - Jordan's highest!
- • Route: Western saddle via granite slabs
- • Duration: 4-5 hours round trip (5km, 430m gain)
- • Difficulty: Strenuous hike, Class 2 (no climbing gear needed)
- • Highlights: Jordan's summit, Red Sea views, Jordanian flag, easiest major summit
Rakkabat Canyon - Slot Canyon Traverse
East of Rum village lies this spectacular slot-canyon adventure through the Um Ishrin massif. Begin by scrambling up a steep gulley, then wander through a labyrinth of narrows, slots, and rocky basins. Cairns guide you across slickrock slabs and occasional downclimbs. The canyon finally opens into the Um Ishrin valley. An adventurous half-day through towering red walls, shaded pools, and stunning geologic patterns!
- • Type: Slot canyon hike/scramble
- • Duration: 4-6 hours round-trip
- • Difficulty: Easy to moderate, Class 2-3 (no rappels)
- • Highlights: Towering red walls, shaded pools, overhangs, geologic patterns
Jebel Barrah - Hunter's Slabs
Located in the Barrah Canyon area, Hunter's Slabs is a spectacular climbing area featuring 500 meters of vertical height gain (not 300m as sometimes stated). The classic route offers sustained slab climbing on excellent rock with multiple pitches. This area also features Ocean Slabs and other quality routes, making it a favorite for climbers seeking technical challenges in a stunning desert setting.
- • Height: 500m vertical gain
- • Duration: Full day (6-8 hours)
- • Grade: Multi-pitch technical climbing
- • Highlights: Sustained slab climbing, excellent rock quality, Barrah Canyon approach
Jebel El Mayeen
At 1,100 meters, this small peak immediately north of the Rest House provides a pleasant excursion with good views of the Rum Valley and the walls of Rum and um Ishrin. The south ridge route is a Grade F (Facile - Easy) scramble taking 2-3 hours return, making it perfect for acclimatization or a half-day adventure.
ℹ️ Note: The recorded trail is unreliable as it runs through canyons. While there are milestones and rock markings, the approach can be confusing. Navigation skills are helpful for this route.
- • Type: Multi-canyon circuit
- • Duration: Full day adventure (6-8 hours)
- • Difficulty: Easy, Grade II+ (easiest mountain route)
- • Technical Skills: Two rappels (one 45m high) - guided
- • Highlights: Rakabat & Kharazeh Canyons, exposed passages, adventurous route
- • Perfect for: Beginners to mountain routes, canyon lovers, full-day adventures
This beautiful and adventurous route is the easiest among our mountain routes, offering a true wilderness experience through Wadi Rum's canyon systems. Perfect introduction to desert mountaineering!
