Top 12 Gorges in the Esh Shara

The canyons in Esh Shara, particularly around Petra and Wadi Rum, are known for their dramatic sandstone formations, vibrant rock colors, and intricate patterns. For example, The Siq (Petra) features towering walls up to 182 meters high, while Wadi Mujib boasts dramatic elevation changes and continuous year-round water flow. Wadi Rum's canyons, like Khazali and Um Ishrin, are famous for their unique rock formations and striking hues.

Yes, many canyons in Esh Shara are rich in history. The Siq (Petra), for instance, is the ancient entrance to Petra, featuring Nabatean carvings and water channels. Nearby, Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) offers a glimpse into Nabatean life with its rock-cut buildings. In Wadi Rum, canyons like Khazali are adorned with ancient Thamudic and Nabatean inscriptions and petroglyphs.

For families and beginners, exploring the initial sections of The Siq (Petra) is a popular and relatively easy option, offering a paved path and stunning views. Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) also provides a less crowded and accessible experience of Nabatean architecture within a canyon setting. These sites offer a good balance of natural beauty and historical interest without requiring advanced hiking skills.

For advanced hikers, Wadi Mujib offers exhilarating canyoning and wet hiking experiences, including navigating through fast-flowing water, swimming in natural pools, and rappelling down waterfalls. Another challenging option is Wadi Feid, which is categorized as challenging and involves navigating through a gorge with waterfalls and rivers. Wadi Ghuweir, within the Dana Biosphere Reserve, also presents an adventurous trek through rocky paths and water streams.

The best time to visit the canyons in Esh Shara is typically during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months. During these periods, the weather is milder and more pleasant for hiking and exploration, avoiding the extreme heat of summer and the potential for flash floods in winter, especially in areas like The Siq.

Beyond canyon exploration, the Esh Shara region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the "Dana view point loop from Dana" or "Running loop from Alamelh Camp," which are detailed in the Running Trails in the Esh Shara guide. There are also easy hikes like the "Bab al‑Siq Tombs – The Siq (Petra) loop from Petra" in the Easy hikes in the Esh Shara guide, and challenging mountain biking routes, including the "View of Shaharut Ridge loop from חוות ע'רנדל," available in the MTB Trails in the Esh Shara guide.

Wadi Ghuweir, located within the Dana Biosphere Reserve, is often considered a hidden gem. It offers a breathtaking transition from arid landscapes to a lush desert oasis with 'hanging gardens' and trickling waterfalls, providing an immersive experience away from the more frequented sites. Another less crowded option for a more intimate historical experience is Little Petra (Siq al-Barid).

When exploring the canyons, it's advisable to wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes, especially for uneven terrain. For wet canyoning experiences like in Wadi Mujib, water shoes and quick-drying clothing are essential. Always bring plenty of water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and snacks. For historical sites, a camera is a must. Depending on the season, layers of clothing are recommended as temperatures can vary.

Access to major sites like Petra, which includes The Siq and Little Petra, requires an entrance ticket. For protected areas like Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve and Dana Biosphere Reserve (where Wadi Ghuweir is located), specific permits or entrance fees are required, often including guided tours for certain trails. It's best to check the specific requirements for each canyon you plan to visit.

Many canyons offer spectacular viewpoints. In Petra, the dramatic reveal of Al-Khazneh (the Treasury) at the end of The Siq is an iconic view. Wadi Rum is dotted with numerous viewpoints, such as those near Um Ishrin Canyon, offering panoramic vistas of the desert and its unique rock formations. The Viewpoint of the Wadi Rock Formations is also a notable spot.

The time required varies greatly by canyon. Walking through The Siq (Petra) to the Treasury takes about 30-45 minutes one way, but exploring Petra itself can take a full day or more. Little Petra can be explored in 1-2 hours. Canyoning trails in Wadi Mujib can range from 2-4 hours for shorter routes to full-day excursions for more challenging ones. Exploring the vast canyons of Wadi Rum often involves multi-hour jeep tours or guided hikes.

Near major tourist attractions like Petra, you will find various food and drink options, including cafes and restaurants, especially around the visitor center and within the ancient city itself. For more remote canyons like those in Wadi Rum or Wadi Ghuweir, options are limited, and it's recommended to bring your own provisions. Some viewpoints, such as the Viewpoint of the Wadi Rock Formations, may have small cafes.

The ancient water management systems, particularly those developed by the Nabataeans in Petra, demonstrate remarkable engineering ingenuity. The Ancient Water Channel System in the Siq, Petra, for example, involved diverting the Wadi Musa river and constructing intricate channels and settling tanks to supply water to the city and protect it from flash floods. These systems were crucial for sustaining life in the arid region and highlight the advanced civilization of the Nabataeans.