Attractions in Wadi Rum

Seven Pillars of Wisdom

📍 Wadi Rum Village

Families can admire this massive, multi-peaked sandstone mountain that stands as an iconic landmark at the entrance of the Wadi Rum Protected Area.

The King's Highway (Highway 35)

📍 Madaba

280km paved historic route (5-7 hours). This ancient road winds through dramatic canyons like Wadi Mujib and high mountain plateaus. The southern stretch provides the most scenic approach to Wadi Rum, passing the Dana Biosphere Reserve and the Sharah Mountains.

Wadi Rum Protected Area

📍 Wadi Rum

A magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site known for its prehistoric petroglyphs and dramatic landscapes of red sand and towering sandstone mountains.

Jordan Bike Trail: Petra to Wadi Rum Section

📍 Petra

Jordan Trail: Wadi Rum to Aqaba

📍 Rum Village

76km challenging 4-day trek through red sand dunes and granite massifs with approximately 1,500m elevation gain. Ends at the Red Sea. Equipment and logistics: Jordan Trail Association (jordantrail.org).

Khazali Canyon Petroglyphs

📍 Wadi Rum Village

A narrow canyon containing remarkably preserved ancient rock carvings and Thamudic inscriptions dating back thousands of years.

Wadi Rum Protected Area 4WD Circuit

📍 Wadi Rum Village

20-60km unpaved sand tracks (4-8 hours). High-clearance 4WD vehicle required (usually with Bedouin guide). Navigates through the heart of the desert, visiting the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, Khazali Canyon, red sand dunes, and the Burdah Rock Bridge.

Wadi Rum Visitor Centre

📍 Wadi Rum

The official gateway to the protected area features an interpretive discovery center with exhibits on the desert's unique geology, history, and Bedouin heritage.

Um Frouth Rock Bridge

📍 Wadi Rum Village

An impressive natural stone arch that offers adventurous families the chance to climb for a spectacular view of the surrounding red desert.

Wadi Araba Road (Highway 65)

📍 Aqaba

190km paved highway (2.5 hours). A straight, starkly beautiful road through the Rift Valley floor between the Dead Sea and Aqaba. It offers vast desert vistas and dramatic mountain silhouettes that lead directly toward the entrance of the Wadi Rum region.

Burdah Rock Bridge Trail

📍 Rum Village

3.5km challenging scramble and hike, 3-4 hours duration, 300m elevation gain. Leads to one of the highest natural rock arches in the world. Requires basic climbing skills for the final section.

Jebel Umm ad Dami Summit Trail

📍 Wadi Rum

4km moderate to challenging hike, 3 hours duration, 450m elevation gain. Leads to the highest peak in Jordan (1,854m) with views into Saudi Arabia. Guided tours recommended via Wadi Rum Protected Area.

Lawrence's House

📍 Wadi Rum Village

The stone ruins of an ancient Nabataean structure used by T.E. Lawrence, offering a glimpse into history amidst towering red dunes.

Lawrence's Spring

📍 Wadi Rum Village

A tranquil mountain spring named after T.E. Lawrence, featuring a small oasis of green vegetation amidst the arid desert landscape.

Nabataean Temple

📍 Wadi Rum Village

An archaeological site featuring the remains of a 1st-century BC temple dedicated to the goddess Allat, located at the foot of Jebel Rum.

Red Sand Dunes

📍 Wadi Rum Village

These towering slopes of fine crimson sand offer families a fun place to climb, run, and enjoy panoramic desert views.

Royal Aero Sports Club of Jordan - Wadi Rum

📍 Wadi Rum

The primary center for aerial activities in the desert, offering daily sunrise hot air balloon flights that provide panoramic views of the sandstone cliffs and red dunes.