Places to visit in Wadi Rum
What to see in the Wadi Rum desert
The Wadi Rum desert, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hides canyons covered in Nabataean inscriptions, natural rock arches, springs and red sand dunes. Here are the 9 places we show you with Eid, our Bedouin guide. All the sites on one page: see our Wadi Rum map.
The first five are included in our half-day jeep tour (3 to 4 hours, from 35 JOD). To also see Mushroom Rock, Burdah, Abu Khashaba and Um Fruth, choose the full day with a night under the stars (from 45 JOD).
Lawrence Spring
- Time thereabout 30 min
- Difficultyeasy, a short climb over the rocks
- Accessby 4×4, then a few minutes on foot
Seen on: Half-day jeep tour · Full-day jeep tour
Nestled high among the rocks, Lawrence Spring emerges as a sparkling cascade. In the barren desert, a fresh burst of green reveals the presence of this oasis. Though modest, the trickle of water that nourishes the spring tree is a true balm for the eyes. At the foot of the spring stand the Ain Abu Aineh inscriptions, remnants of a lost civilization. To fully immerse yourself in the magic of this place, it is best to set off at dawn. The rocky ascent is rewarded with a breathtaking view over Wadi Rum.
The red dune
- Time thereabout 30 min
- Difficultyeasy, a walk up the sand
- Accessby 4×4, to the foot of the dune
Seen on: Half-day jeep tour · Full-day jeep tour
It is in the valley running parallel to the village of Rum that the sand comes alive in glowing red flames. Here, in the heart of the Wadi Rum Protected Area, the exceptional beauty of nature reaches its peak. A slender and graceful dune, shaped by the wind, rises proudly across Wadi Rum, nestled at the foot of the mountains. It sparks the enthusiasm of countless visitors. Beyond the captivating color of the sand, the child within us awakens as we slide or race down the dune.
Little Bridge
- Time thereabout 20 min
- Difficultyeasy, a short scramble onto the bridge
- Accessby 4×4, then a few minutes on foot
Seen on: Half-day jeep tour · Full-day jeep tour
Located right at the entrance of Wadi Rum, close to two other highlights (the Red Sand Dune and the Nabataean site), the Little Bridge is a must-see spot for short excursions. Safe and easy to explore, it is perfect for families with children and travelers looking for an accessible and scenic experience.
Khazali Canyon
- Time thereabout 20 min
- Difficultyeasy, the canyon floor is flat
- Accessby 4×4, then on foot into the canyon
Seen on: Half-day jeep tour · Full-day jeep tour · All about Khazali Canyon
The northern face of Khazali Canyon splits into a deep fissure, cutting through the rock for nearly a hundred meters. The walls of this narrow canyon are covered with signs and petroglyphs left by the Nabataeans, the Thamud, and Arab peoples. The most striking carvings are footprints and human figures with oversized hands. At the end of the canyon, stone basins carved into the rock wait for rain to fill them with life-giving water. In 1932, Father Raphaël Savignac, an archaeologist from the École Biblique in Jerusalem, explored the area and its ancient inscriptions.
Want to go further? Our guide can take you on the Jebel Khazali traverse, between canyons and Nabataean inscriptions.
Lawrence House
- Time thereabout 20 min
- Difficultyeasy
- Accessby 4×4, right next to it
Seen on: Half-day jeep tour · Full-day jeep tour
Rough rocks are stacked upon the remains of an ancient Nabataean water reservoir. Yet behind this modest ruin of Wadi Rum lies a legend that of Lawrence of Arabia, who is said to have lived here. During the Great Arab Revolt (1916-1918), he fought alongside the tribes against the Ottoman Empire in southern Jordan. The British officer became world-famous thanks to the iconic film “Lawrence of Arabia”. Not far from his house, a splendid viewpoint opens up, allowing us to take in the vastness of the Wadi Rum desert. Countless small stone towers bear witness to the passage of previous travelers, giving this place a unique atmosphere and a very special energy.
Mushroom Rock
- Time thereabout 15 min
- Difficultyeasy
- Accessby 4×4, right next to it
Seen on: Full-day jeep tour
To the southeast of Wadi Rum, Mushroom Rock is a must-see stop between the House of Lawrence of Arabia and the Burdah Rock Bridge. This giant and iconic stone mushroom bears witness to the raw power of nature in Wadi Rum. Millions of years of wind, water, and sand have sculpted its base, forming a narrow stem, while the heavy cap appears perfectly balanced above. Nearby, the Bedouins run a small shop and a tea area under a tent, and sometimes one of them plays the oud, adding a musical touch to the atmosphere.
Burdah Rock Bridge
- Time thereabout 20 min, seen from below
- Difficultyeasy from the foot; climbing up to the arch is a separate full-day outing (from 70 JOD)
- Accessby 4×4, over an hour from the village
Seen on: Full-day jeep tour
On the side of a mountain, more than an hour’s drive from Rum, stands a natural arch carved into the rock, world-famous for having been the setting of a commercial promoting a major cigarette brand: the Burdah Rock Bridge. This site has become a true climbers’ haven, where the arch rises to 80 meters high. Thanks to your guide Eid Salman, it is possible to reach it without any prior knowledge of climbing (Burdah Rock Bridge hike). For the most daring, the most experienced climbers continue all the way to the summit of the mountain, reaching more than 1,500 meters in altitude.
Abu Khashaba Canyon
- Time thereabout 30 min
- Difficultyeasy, a walk along a flat floor
- Accessby 4×4, then a 25-min walk
Seen on: Full-day jeep tour
The Siq of Abu Khashaba is a canyon not to be missed by anyone looking for a short hike yet a memorable experience in Wadi Rum. The steep walls of this narrow gorge appear to have been carved directly into the stone, while the pink mountain rises majestically on each side, brushing against the blue sky. The canyon is home to wild fig trees and shrubs that Eid Salman will help you discover and appreciate. In the desert, every plant has a purpose, and many species are known for their medicinal properties. The walk along the flat canyon floor presents no particular difficulty and takes about 25 minutes, making it a perfect option for families with children.
Um Fruth Rock Bridge
- Time thereabout 20 min
- Difficultyeasy to moderate, a short scramble up to the bridge
- Accessby 4×4, at the foot of the bridge
Seen on: Full-day jeep tour
The Um Fruth Rock Bridge is a true wonder of the Wadi Rum desert and one of the most popular spots for photography lovers. Rising 15 meters above the arid ground, its ascent may seem steep at first, but with the right instructions and the help of a guide, you will be amazed at how easily you can climb up toward the sky.
For sensitive souls, the crossing can feel intimidating, but the splendid views over the golden mountains of Um Fruth more than justify the challenge. Even if you choose not to climb the narrow bridge, the natural beauty surrounding you will still be deeply rewarding. The shimmering colors, the changing shades of the sky, and the grand panoramas will leave you with an unforgettable memory of this extraordinary place.
See these places with Eid
Half day, full day with a night, or several days: we adapt the programme to what you want.
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