Hiking the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail: Thrill Seeker’s Guide 2024

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Hiking the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail was one of my favorite experiences of my 3.5 weeks traveling solo in Jordan!

You do NOT need to go with a guide, but there are some logistics you’ll need to figure out to have a successful day.

I’ll admit, I’m not a super confident hiker and second-guessed my decision to do Wadi Mujib canyoning, but skipping this activity in Jordan would have been a huge mistake, and I’m so glad I did it. The Siq Trail Wadi Mujib is a canyoning adventure that can’t be missed!

You’ll trek in water between towering sandstone cliffs of a stunning canyon to a gorgeous waterfall, with a pool at its base that is big enough to swim in after there’s been a lot of rain. It’s beautiful and exciting.

Hiking (and sometimes swimming) upstream through water is only the beginning of this natural obstacle course. You’ll do some beginner-level canyoning, climb up a few rocky areas with the help of some ropes, and then slide down the same rocks on your way back. And you’ll have a blast!

Remember, the Siq Trail is only open for part of the year and is different than most hikes you’ve done before (trust me).

This guide will tell you everything you need about the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail, including when to go, how to get there, what to bring, where to stay nearby, and what else to do. You can even combine this with the Dead Sea, which is nearby (you’ll already have your bathing suits on, so why not!).

The Wadi Mujib Siq Trail will be the highlight of any Jordan Itinerary!

🚙 You don’t need a guide to experience the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail – it’s easy to get to by car. I recommend using Discover Cars to compare costs and get the best deal.

Important Info About The Siq Trail Wadi Mujib

📍 Location: The Siq Trail Wadi Mujib starts at Mujib Adventure Center.

⏰ Wadi Mujib Opening Hours: The Siq Trail is seasonal (usually April 31 through October 31) but depends on conditions and can be closed unexpectedly for lousy weather. It’s best to arrive at the Mujib Aventure Center before it opens at 8 am or as early as possible. The trail closes at 3 pm, the last hikers are allowed at 2 pm, and there is often a wait to enter.

💰 Siq Trail Entrance Fee: The Siq Trail is not included in the Jordan Pass and at 21 JD (~$29 USD and 28 Euros)

🥾 Siq Trail Length: The Siq Trail is approximately 3 km / 1.8 miles round trip, mainly through the water of varying heights. It takes an average of 2 hours to complete, including time for playing and relaxing in the water at the trail’s end.

😅 Siq Trail Difficulty: The Siq Trail is moderately difficult. A couple of parts require some upper body strength, but if I can do it, most people can!

🙅🏻‍♀️ Wadi Mujib Age Restriction: Hikers must be age 18+

🚗 Want to hike the Siq Trail, but you need transport? This door-to-door Wadi Mujib transport service will take good care of you!

About the Mujib Biosphere Reserve

The Wadi Mujib Siq Trail is one of several trails within the Mujib Biosphere Reserve, located east of the Dead Sea.

The Mujib Biosphere Reserve is stunning, and the Siq Trail is the most popular (and easiest) hike you can do here.

When to Hike the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail & Opening Hours

The Siq Trail is not open all year round. It’s typically open from April through October, but it can close anytime if high rainfall makes the trail’s water levels too dangerous to hike.

For example, in 2022, the Siq Trail opened a month late due to unsafe water levels in the canyon.

So be sure to double-check that it’s open before you go. The best way to do this is to check the Wild Jordan Facebook page for updates during the season (additional contact information is listed on their Facebook page and also on their website).

Remember that the water levels will be lower towards the end of the summertime and, in my opinion, not as fun – getting wet is a huge part of the adventure!

During the season, the Siq Trail Wadi Mujib is open from 8 am to 3 pm, with the last hikers allowed to enter the trail at 2 pm.

This is justifiably a very popular activity among tourists and Jordanians, so I would strongly recommend you get to the Visitor’s Center right when they open and even a little bit before. I arrived about 15 minutes before opening, and there was already a short line.

There is a limit to how many people can enjoy the Siq Trail at any given time, and visitors may have to wait 1-2 hours during peak times. There’s a waiting area with a cafeteria.

The busiest days tend to be Fridays and Saturdays because that’s when local Jordanians tend to visit.

How Much Does the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail Cost?

The Siq Trail is not included in the Jordan Pass, and at 21 JD (~$29 USD and 28 Euros), it’s not a cheap hike.

Parking is free, bathrooms are on site, and a life vest is included (you are required to wear a life vest for the whole hike).

Dry bags and water shoes are available for 5 JD each, and free lockers if you bring your own padlock (but you should probably leave anything that can’t get wet in your car).

How Do You Book Your Tickets to The Siq Trail?

It’s first-come-first-served at the Wadi Mujib Visitor’s Center, and you can pay with either cash or a credit card.

Get there early – there’s usually a wait to get onto the trail since they limit how many people are there at a time!

🚗 Want to hike the Siq Trail, but you need transport? This door-to-door Wadi Mujib transport service will take good care of you!

How Long and Difficult is the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail?

The Siq Trail is not a long hike, only about 1 or more km each way, about 2 km in total. It’s a great way to escape the Jordan heat; the water is the perfect temperature to cool off. Most of the trail is in the shade, thanks to the giant Wadi Mujib canyon.

It doesn’t take long to complete, about 1-2 hours, depending on how many photo-stops you make along the way and how long you spend at the waterfall and pool at the end. Some people hang out in the water even longer.

Excited, I finished the trek quickly and wished I had gone slower! The water is so refreshing, and the route was so fun.

Most of the trail is easy if you’re comfortable hiking and in water. You must swim (with a life vest on) against the current in a few points. You’ll also have to use a good amount of upper body strength to climb up rock formations with the help of ropes.

This was my first canyoning experience, and I am not a confident hiker on a regular trail, but I could do it and had so much fun! A group of Canadians in their 70s ahead of me had no trouble (they were fitter than me, to be honest).

You can and should take your time. Be mindful of people hiking back down – there are points where you’ll have to take turns when there’s only one route.

You can always turn around and head back if you get to a difficult point and decide it’s impossible.

Going back is just as fun because you can slide down a natural rock slide in a couple of points. You have to use the rope to climb back down carefully at one or two points, but if I can, most people can do it.

And if the water level is high enough, you can float downstream. There’s no hike quite like the Siq Trail Wadi Mujib!

Who Can Hike the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail?

This is not a kid-friendly activity, and all hikers must be 18+. This is strictly enforced.

If you’re uncomfortable in the water or have mobility restrictions that could prevent you from climbing or swimming, you’ll want to skip this activity.

Do You Need a Guide for the Siq Trail Hike?

There is absolutely no need for a guide, which costs another 30 JD unless you want to learn more about the area.

It’s an out-and-back trail with nowhere to go but straight, and plenty of other hikers will be around.

There are a few more complicated parts of the Siq Trail where you’ll use ropes and metal staples to climb up rocks, and there are attendants to give you a helping hand at the trickiest parts. I even had someone ahead of me offer their hand at one point, which I gratefully accepted.

Best Places to Stay Near Wadi Mujib

Mujib Chalets – Most Convenient

The most well-known and convenient accommodation near the Siq Trail is Mujib Chalets. Be sure to book in advance; they are very popular and only have 15 chalets. This accommodation is just a 5-minute walk to the Siq Trail and right on the Dead Sea with a private beach and beautiful views. Check pricing and book here.

~5-minute walk to the Wadi Mujib Visitor’s Center

Safi Kitchen Hostel – Budget Option / Off The Beaten Path

I stayed in a private room at Safi Kitchen Hostel when I visited Wadi Mujib, as Mujib Chalets was already booked up, and I had already been to the Dead Sea.

This farm stay also offers a seasonal agritourism experience, where you can pick out produce on the farm and then cook it. This wasn’t available when I visited, but the lovely owner invited me to join him and his family in the Eid end-of-Ramadan celebrations – an experience I’ll never forget! Check pricing and book here.

~43-minute drive to the Wadi Mujib Visitor’s Center

Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea – Luxury Option

Many consider the 5-star Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea to be the best hotel on the Dead Sea in Jordan. Of course, you’ll enjoy the Dead Sea and its top-rated swimming pools, restaurants, and spa. If you want to pamper yourself, this is the place! Check pricing and book here.

~24-minute drive to the Wadi Mujib Visitor’s Center

Dead Sea Spa Hotel – Mid-Rage Option

You get a lot of bang for your buck at the 4-star Dead Sea Spa Hotel, with a prime location and private beach on the Dead Sea. You also have a large swimming pool and air conditioning. Another great option! Check pricing and book here.

~24-minute drive to the Wadi Mujib Visitor’s Center

Tell Madaba Hotel – One of my Favorite Jordan Accommodations

I stayed at the beautiful, family-run boutique Tell Madaba Hotel the night of my visit to the Siq Trail (Madaba makes a great stop if you have the time!). The family who runs it is lovely and gave me a lot of great Jordan travel advice. I slept like a baby. Check pricing and book here.

~1-hour drive to the Wadi Mujib Visitor’s Center

What to Wear on the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail Hike

• Bathing suit (locals tend to dress conservatively)

• Tank top, t-shirt, swim shirt, or rash guard underneath your life vest

• Shorts that can get wet – you’ll be sliding down on your booty a couple of times on the way back down, so you’ll appreciate a little extra protection 

• DON’T wear any jewelry or watches that you’d be sad to lose

⛑️ My number one safety tip for travelers, no matter where you’re going or how long your trip is, is to buy SafetyWing insurance to protect your trip.

What to Bring to the Siq Trail

• Water and snacks for after the hike or to enjoy at the waterfall

• Water shoes, hiking sandals, or regular athletic shoes that you can wear in water – you can also rent some for 5 JD at the Visitor’s Center

• a change of dry clothes and a towel – leave in the car for afterward

• A bag to put wet clothes in – leave in the car

• Sunscreen – you’ll be in the shade the majority of the time, however

• GoPro, waterproof camera, or a waterproof phone case

• Dry bag or dry bum bag for anything you bring on the trail, but bring as little as possible – if you rent one at the Visitor’s Center, double-check that it doesn’t have any leaks

• Padlock if you plan to use the free lockers

• Leave anything that can’t get wet, or that could get lost in your car.

Luckily, everything I needed was already on my round-the-world packing list, so I was good to go.

🚙 You don’t need a guide to experience the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail – it’s easy to get to by car. I recommend using Discover Cars to compare costs and get the best deal.

How to Get to the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail

Driving in Jordan was very easy and convenient. I road-tripped solo in Jordan for 3.5 weeks, and I recommend using Discover Cars to compare prices and book your rental car easily.

Use Google Maps to drive to the Wadi Mujib Adventure Center on the Dead Sea Highway/Route 65, where most of the Wadi Mujib hikes begin.

The drive is about 1-1.5 hours from Amman, about 1 hour from Madaba, a little under 3 hours from Petra or Aqaba, and closer to 4 hours away from Wadi Rum.

If driving in Jordan isn’t an option, you have a couple of tour options that will provide a round-trip transfer for you and your group, both with stellar reviews to choose from:

This one will pick you up from Amman, QAI Airport, Deadsea, or Madaba, but the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail entrance is not included in the price.

Or this private tour from Amman includes pick-up and drop-off at your Amman hotel.

I’ve also met travelers who hired a private driver for about 75JD round-trip, which may also be an option for you.

🇯🇴 Check out this 5-star-rated, 7-night Jordan tour. It includes all the highlights: Amman, Jerash, the Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba. Enjoy a perfectly curated experience that lets you soak in Jordan’s beauty without the stress. 🐫

Other Things to do near Wadi Mujib

• Visit the Dead Sea – can easily be done the same day

• See Madaba’s famous Mosaic Map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land from the 6th Century

• Relax your muscles at the Ma’in Hot Springs

• See where Moses spent the end of his life at Mount Nebo

Other Wadi Mujib Canyoning Adventure Trails

Now that you’ve tasted canyoning in Wadi Mujib, you might want to continue the Wadi Mujib canyoning adventures with one or more of these hikes.

Wadi Mujib Malaqi Trail

You’ll descend a waterfall on the Malaqi Trail and finish on the Siq Trail. The hike is about 6-7 hours long and somewhat challenging. You’ll need to make a reservation with Wild Jordan in advance since a guide is required and included in the price.

Wadi Mujib Canyon Trail

The Canyon Trail is a little longer and more challenging than the Siq Trail but a couple of hours shorter than the Malaqi Trail. You’ll need to make a reservation with Wild Jordan in advance since a guide is required and included in the price.

The Wadi Mujib Canyon Trail and the Wadi Mujib Malaqi Trail include a 65-foot rappel – the ultimate canyoning adventure trails!

Wadi Mujib Ibex Trail

This is a dry trail and takes about 4 hours to complete. You’ll need to make a reservation with Wild Jordan in advance since a guide is required and included in the price.

The Siq Trail FAQs

👉 I’ve solo-traveled all over the world and LOVE to take tours that I find on Viator. They have so many 5-star tours, and it’s easy to see which ones have the best ratings. I’ve also had to use their 24/7 customer service more than once and was helped immediately.

Wrap Up: The Siq Trail Wadi Mujib

Is the Siq Trail in Wadi Mujib worth visiting? That’s a big fat YES from me!

Wadi Mujib isn’t known as the Grand Canyon of Jordan for nothing. This place is stunning and offers the ultimate canyoning adventure. It was one of the highlights of my road trip in Jordan.

Don’t forget to double-check that the Siq Trail is open before you go since it’s only open seasonally and sometimes closes due to unsafe water levels.

Try to get to the visitor’s center right when it opens or even a few minutes earlier, as this is a very popular activity, and they limit the number of hikers on the trail.

The hike isn’t too difficult, but you’ll walk through water with a current, and there are a couple of rock climbing segments that you’ll use a rope, ladder, and helping hands to overcome.

Try your best to work a visit into your Jordan itinerary!