Dana Biosphere Reserve

There is some parking lots where you can park your car and head down to the trail. The vertical distance to the trail at the valley is 600+m so do be prepared.

One of the most beautiful reserves in Jordan. Magical scenes & around 5 trails varying in distance & difficulty. If you are hiking addict, this place is definitely a must visit. There are several options for accomedation around the reserve.

Another otherworldly place to visit in Jordan. It is a great place to hike and see some incredible sites and views.

Great nature area with zero other people in early December. With lots of options but little time, we chose the Wadi Dana Trail (Red Trail) as recommended by our excellent host, Ghaleb, at Wild Dana Eco Lodge. We started at the lodge, so that added some time and kilometers to our trek. Once we reached Dana Village and got on the paved road going down into the valley, it was a very steep 1.5k to the valley floor. The entire trail is 14k and you need a ride back, so we opted to walk awhile and return. We ended up doing a total of 15k in about 6 hours. The scenery is beautiful and we recorded 11 different species of birds.

Nestled within the breathtaking Dana Biosphere Reserve, this natural gem unfolds a serene tapestry of beauty that transcends time. The sculptured Rocky Mountains, shaped by millions of years of wind and the remnants of ancient seas, stand as majestic sentinels, echoing the resilience of nature. The Dana reserve is a living canvas, where the rugged landscape seamlessly blends with delicate ecosystems. Walking through this reserve is like stepping back in time, encountering scorpions and other unique creatures that have adapted to this pristine environment. The wildlife, thriving amidst the rocky contours, adds an element of discovery to the journey. As the day draws to a close, the Dana reserve unveils its most enchanting spectacle—the sunset. From the elevated perch of the Dana resting point, the sun paints the sky in hues of warmth, casting a golden glow over the vast expanse. The accompanying cafeteria and the 16 immaculate rooms managed by the RFCN offer a retreat into comfort, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the reserve while enjoying modern amenities. Dana Reserve, with its geological wonders, diverse fauna, and the embrace of a mesmerizing sunset, provides an unforgettable retreat, inviting all to connect with nature's grandeur.

We asked information from the visitor center (at Dana Guesthouse) where we were kindly encouraged to go on a hike on our own (we also didn’t pay any entrance fee). We chose a gorgeous Wadi Dana trail (the red trail) which is a one way 14km, but we chose to hike for some time and then return. The beginning of the trail is a bit tricky to find - because you don’t expect it to be what it is. It starts from behind the Dana Tower Hotel, really in the end of the village, a paved road down the hill. There are no signs, but if you find the starting point (locals are helpful) then the rest is really easy, because you really see the road in front of you the whole time and there are not really chance to get lost. First 1,6km and app 45min is really steep way down, but as it is basically by a road wide as a driveway, it’s easily doable. We ended up doing a 7,5km and app 3hrs hike back and forth in the gorge. We absolutely loved the scenery and the views. We really recommend the hike and it’s really not that complicated.

Absolutly beautiful!!! We stayed in Dana and started out trek through the valley around 10am. By 4pm we crossed the canyon. It is an amazing walk in Dana, lots of plants, birds and even fresh water. One of the most beautiful treks I have done for sure. We had a guide, however I think this is not absolutely necessary.

It is a beautiful place to spend a weekend. Try not to miss it if you are in Jordan , the terrain is completely different from that of Amman . There are many camps that offer hiking trips & the camps there have friendly & hospitable stuff .The hikes & trek are reasonable and be sure not to miss the sunrise or sunset .