Hiking Petra, One of the New Seven Wonders of the World

“Get Out There” is a column for itchy footed humans written by long-time Paste contributor Blake Snow. Although different now, travel is better than ever. Today we hike to Petra.

As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, I’ve wanted to visit Petra since I was 10–this after Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade put the canyon-cut “Rose City” ruins on the map. But I didn’t know about The Jordan Trail until a few years ago, whose most scenic section finishes at Petra by the “back door” (read: less crowded) entrance.

 As a lover of wondrous things, hiking, and avoiding crowds, the 50-mile route seemed like the perfect excuse to visit the Middle East for the first time. Despite raging war in neighboring Israel (or Palestine, as locals still call it), me and two adventurous friends booked passage on the five-day trek. 

So did hiking Petra live up to expectations? No. It obliterated them. Here’s why. 

Safety First

Right or wrong, Americans probably fear traveling to the war-torn Middle East more than any other region. I get it. But Jordan is “the quiet house in a noisy neighborhood.” It remains unaffected and peaceful and has been for most lifetimes of those reading this. 

Sure, it felt a little concerning to see our flight make a “V” around Israel’s southern borders. But I appreciated and understood the extra precaution of doing so. And that was the only official sign that something was off. I never felt unsafe, irresponsible, or in harm’s way during our week-long visit. 

Jordanian hospitality is a big reason for this. I immediately experienced it at my gate, in flight, on the ground, along the hike, and all the way back home to America, while interacting with Jordanians. “Welcome” I was told again and again. Not because of the Biblical proportion tension that continues to mar the region. But in spite of it. 

Heightened Adventure

After flying through enormous, golden-colored cumulus clouds just before landing in Amman, I giddily texted my friends, “I haven’t felt this close to Indiana Jones since we hiked Machu Picchu!”

But it wasn’t just the movie parallels or bordering conflict that heightened my sense of adventure. So too did imprecise Jordanian plans, detours, and communications. Things always worked out. But the hour by hour details weren’t as tightly explained or managed as I’ve experienced elsewhere. And that’s not a bad thing. 

Other common occurrences constantly reminded me that I was in a very foreign and unfamiliar place. Daily calls for prayer and religious singing over loudspeakers in large cities and tiny villages alike. Roosters depriving me of sleep for nearly two hours before sunrise and Patagonia-like winds thrashing our tents. Dust covered bodies and gear like something you would expect from an all-khaki, desolate desert that’s been devoid of water for what looks like millions of years. 

On our hike, we climbed up, down, and back again with little to no cell service. I didn’t hear a bird chirp until day three, the landscape was so lifeless. We often traveled a half day before seeing any vegetation. And I struggled to grasp the Arabic language, challenging pronunciations, curled writing, and ritualistic rhythms that dominate the area. But I respected and appreciated them as a special reminder that I was far, far from home.

Enchanting Surprises

Jordan is worth traveling to for the food alone, not to mention the dramatic scenery and endearing people. On the opening night of the hike, we were treated to a dinner of a dozen delicious dishes in a low ceiling room that was fully adorned in the red, black, and white stripe fabric the region is known for. Those turmeric rice meals with lots of vegetables, spiced meats, and savory yogurts never got old (really). 

Along the trail, we savored the rare tree shade, one small oasis, and infrequent showers that were among the most refreshing I have ever enjoyed. We ate sack lunches overlooking vast valleys that were once ocean floors. We delighted upon seeing and hearing a herder play the flute our first day. We struggled to keep our footing on bathroom marble tile floors that shine and slip forever. We thanked heaven when three trail-dusted pickups carried us home in their truck beds after our campsite was unexpectedly moved.

As a company of 23 from four different continents, we quickly bonded, listened to, and exchanged contact information with each other. The hundred bedouins we encountered on the trek were an ever present joy. 

I will never forget the four layer sunsets, crescent moons, and quiet moments I shared on the Jordan Trail. It’s a landscape unlike anything I’ve ever seen, having traveled to nearly every corner of the world. In truth, the energy of Petra, the bedouin shop owners that line its timeless canyons, and the many tourists that come to see the iconic Treasury, Monastery, and other 2000 year old buildings are undeniable. Although the actual trail isn’t as impressive as the Inca Trail, the big finish is monumentally better on the Jordan Trail. 

Parting Shot

When I first laid eyes on Petra, I thought to myself, “Poor Mesa Verde!” So far, the former is my favorite “Wonder of the World,” subject to change once I visit The Taj and Great Wall. 

In fact, the Dana to Petra leg of the Jordan Trail was recently named by National Geographic as one of the best multi-day hikes in the world. The trek is dramatic, awe-inspiring, and completely deserving of its reputation. I cannot recommend it enough, especially as Jordan remains a living example of the peaceful Middle East we all hope for.

ProTip: Buy the online Jordan Pass to have your on-site visa fees waived, plus considerable discounts to attractions such as Petra. And don’t forget to eat at least three servings of mansaf, the national dish.

Blake Snow contributes to fancy publications and Fortune 500 companies as a bodacious writer-for-hire and frequent travel columnist. He lives in Provo, Utah with his adolescent family and two dogs.