Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve

View at beginning of Siq Trail, Wadi Mujib
Bethany Layton 7.28.12

While not as well-known as some of the other attractions, Jordan has a wonderful nature reserve park named Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve.  Located off the east shore of the Dead Sea, Wadi Mujib is a great place to escape the common hustle and bustle of the more visited attractions.  Because of the close proximity of the two, it is suggested to visit Wadi Mujib early in the day and then take the short drive to one of the hotels located on the beaches of the Dead Sea and spend the night. 

According to the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature in Jordan (RSCN), at 410 meters below sea level, Wadi Mujib is the lowest nature reserve on earth.  The park has 5 hiking trails, 2 dry and 3 wet.  

Ray of Light, Siq Trail, Wadi Mujib
Bethany Layton 7.28.12

The  Siq Trail is the only self-guided trail available to hikers.  Open April 1^st to October 31^st, this trail is most popular and easiest of the trails offered at Wadi Mujib.  The hike will take approximately 2-3 hours round-trip, depending on how fast you go.  My suggestion is to take your time and take in the surroundings, look up and don’t forget to look back, at the ever-changing scenery that unfolds before you.  It is quite amazing to see the patterns in the surrounding sandstone, in some spots the stone is smooth and yellow, others vibrant red with wood grain texture.  The Siq Trail is one of the wet trails offered at the reserve.  At the beginning of your hike you have the option of avoiding the water, however, soon you will be forced to walk upstream in the river.  The hike soon becomes encased in vertical red and yellow sandstone cliffs, some as high as 200 meters, offering much appreciated shade to the hikers.  You will encounter a few points in the hike where you need to climb up and over 2-3 meter waterfalls, however, ropes have already been placed to assist you in your climbs.  Although this is the easiest of the trails, do not be fooled as it does require strategic foot placement  a good amount of upper body strength to hoist yourself up and over these mini-falls with the current working against you.  

Hikers relaxing and enjoying the cool water
of the waterfall located at end of Siq Trail
Bethany Layton 7.28.12

At the end is a much welcomed 20+ meter waterfall, a great payoff for all the hard work you put into getting yourself there.  Take your time and enjoy the cool spray from the waterfall, listen to the sounds of the waterfall as it rumbles down and hits the low pool at the bottom.  Enjoy your time, savor the experience.  By the time you reach the waterfall, you are most likely going to be completely wet.  Therefore, I suggest sitting or lying in one of the shallow spots of the river and taking the time to relax and enjoy the cool water that flows over and around your body, feeling the mist from the waterfall and reveling in the colorful sandstone cliffs that tower above you. You are able to walk and swim right up to and underneath the waterfall, and you can even navigate your way behind it and feel the force of the pounding water reverberating through your body.  

Plan:

Arrive early to the nature reserve and take the Siq Trail to the waterfall.  After you have completed the round-trip hike, drive to the Dead Sea and spend the night at one of the many hotels offered along the east bank.  This will allow you to clean up after the hike, as well as enjoy the benefits of the world-renowned mud and salt water.  Rest and relax overnight.  Visit Mt. Nebo and the Baptism Site before heading back into Amman the following day. 

Fees:

While there are a few guided trails at the Wadi Mujib Reserve, the easiest, fastest and most popular (and least expensive) is the self-guided Siq Trail.  The cost for this trail is 13JD and includes rental of the required life vest.  Other trails are offered as well, but you must have a guide and they are more expensive, require more time and are certainly more difficult.  Look here to find out more about the other trails within Wadi Mujib.

Tips:

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.  Keep in mind that you will be getting wet, so it is wise to wear clothing appropriate for this.  For women, polyester workout-out/running shorts are an excellent choice or any other shorts made of quick drying fabrick as well as a t-shirt.  You may want to wear a bathing suit underneath as well.  For men, swim or board shorts and a t-shirt will do fine. 
• For shoes, the best choice is an open style rugged hiking sandal such as Teva, hiking shoes, or tight fitting running shoe you don’t mind getting wet.  Keep in mind that you will be walking in a river as well as climbing over waterfalls so make sure it has a good, textured sole.  If you do wear shoes, ensure that they are tight fitting.  I lost a shoe and it had to be recovered by another hiker a while I was climbing one of the small waterfalls.  Make sure that they are on tight! 
• Remember to bring zip-top bags for your camera and anything else you don’t want to get wet.  Don’t get caught having to make the decision of leaving your camera and missing out on beautiful pictures or trying to negotiate with yourself that you can keep your camera dry (not going to happen!). 
• Bring an extra set of clothing so you can change after you are done with the trail.  There is a changing room located in the bathrooms at the ranger station at the beginning of the trail. 
• While it is quite shady and cool along the trail, you will be happy if you bring a bottle or two of water and even a small snack to enjoy at the end of the trail.  Remember to pack out all of your garbage!