Top National Parks in Jordan

When you connect to the land, you can connect more deeply to a place. Although Jordan is small, opportunities to experience the culture, learn the history, and engage with local people through outdoor adventures are plentiful.

You can trek through forests in the north, splash and climb through canyons near the Dead Sea, spot endangered wildlife less than two hours from the capital city, herd goats with a Bedouin shepherd in the largest national park, admire the architectural feats of Petra, and cross the vast desert dunes of Wadi Rum all within Jordan’s borders.

Here are six of the best national parks that you should explore in Jordan.

Yarmouk Forest Reserve

Best National Park Off the Beaten Track

If you’re wondering whether Jordan has forests, you’ll find your answer in several tree-filled reserves in the northern part of the country. Yarmouk Forest Reserve is the northernmost national park in Jordan where grassy mountains are speckled with the country’s national tree, the deciduous oak. The panoramic views of nearby Syria, Israel, Lebanon, and the Palestinian Territories are awe-inspiring.

• Home to nearly 30% of Jordan’s bird species, this national park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise.
• Springtime brings an explosion of colorful wildflowers, making it the ultimate treat in northern Jordan.

To fully appreciate the history of this region, consider enlisting the expertise of a local guide from Baraka Destinations. Yarmouk Forest Reserve, while off the beaten path for most travelers, is close to Umm Qais where you can join locally led experiences such as foraging and beekeeping along with visits to the Greco-Roman ruins of Gadara.

If you don’t want to choose just one forest reserve on your trip to Jordan, you can pass through several on the Umm Qais to Ajloun section of the Jordan Trail.

Shaumari Wildlife Reserve

Best National Park for Wildlife

Located just a convenient drive from Amman, the 22-sq-km (8.5-sq-mile) Shaumari Wildlife Reserve is home to some of Jordan’s most threatened species, including Dorcas gazelles and Arabian oryx.

Established by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), this site serves as the country’s first wildlife protection reserve, initially aimed at breeding and reintroducing highly endangered and locally extinct species. It now boasts a rescue program and visitor center, offering local and international visitors a chance to learn about the area’s biodiversity while observing some of the region’s rarest wildlife. Nearly 200 species of flora, six species of carnivores, and many birds, such as the imperial eagle, are also present.

Don’t miss the visitor center to learn more before setting out on an exciting jeep safari with a knowledgeable local guide. Shaumari Wildlife Reserve is an excellent spot for family-friendly activities in Jordan, ensuring that all ages can enjoy their visit.

Mujib Biosphere Reserve

Best National Park for Canyoning

The Mujib Biosphere Reserve, covering 220 sq-km (85 sq-mile), is renowned for Wadi Mujib, a stunning gorge that runs through its center. This region, characterized by rugged terrain, colorful cliffs, and flowing fresh waters, has gained the nickname “Grand Canyon of Jordan,” attracting adventurous travelers and locals alike. Visitors can select from shorter self-guided trails or opt for longer hikes guided by the RSCN (participants must be 18 or older due to the challenging terrain and strong current).

Note that a trip to Wadi Mujib is best planned for the spring, summer, or early fall, as winter rains may lead to flash flooding and the site is closed during colder months.

Mujib Biosphere Reserve is also significant for its ecological diversity. Home to over 400 species of plants and 24 species of mammals, it serves as a key stopover on the migration route for more than 150 bird species between Europe and Africa.

Dana Biosphere Reserve

Best National Park for Immersive Experiences

If you’re looking for a destination that encapsulates all that makes Jordan unique—epic views, archaeological sites, hiking, history, ecology, Arab culture, and delicious cuisine—then the Dana Biosphere Reserve is your answer. Visit Dana Village, which has been occupied since around 4000 BCE, to see restored traditional stone houses and to savor a bird’s-eye view of Wadi Dana, possibly while enjoying a home-cooked Jordanian meal.

• Keep an eye out for the various reptiles and over 40 mammal species, including endangered ibex and sand cats.
• The Feynan area within the reserve provides a glimpse into one of the longest sequences of human settlement on Earth.

Explore guided tours of archaeological ruins and engage with locals to learn traditional skills, such as storytelling, goat herding, and medicinal plant identification through community-led experiences arranged by Feynan Ecolodge.

A section of the Jordan Trail runs through Dana Biosphere Reserve, hosting some of the finest hikes in Jordan, whether you’re interested in one-day adventures or multi-day treks.

Petra

Best National Park for History

Arguably Jordan’s most renowned national park, this ancient “Rose Red City” hewn from sandstone draws around one million visitors each year. The allure becomes clear upon entering the Siq trail, where cliff carvings, temples, and the remnants of Nabateans’ innovative irrigation systems breathe tales of a lost civilization.

Petra is massive. To mitigate the overwhelm upon arrival, it’s wise to plan ahead. Consider obtaining a multi-day Petra pass to explore the unexpected sites and trails.

One of the best ways to appreciate Petra is through the perspective of a local. Guided tours through Experience Jordan or Global Tribes offer a deeper connection to the history and culture of this remarkable place.

Wadi Rum Protected Area

Best National Park for Stargazing

Experience the enchanting landscapes of Wadi Rum Protected Area, where rugged rock formations and rust-colored dunes create a mesmerizing environment. While 4×4 tours are popular throughout the national park, venturing on foot allows you to transcend the crowds and appreciate the harmony between strength and stillness present in this stunning landscape.

The desert landscape is captivating, but remember that conditions can be extreme. Therefore, ensuring sufficient water and sun protection is imperative. If you’re navigating desert terrain for the first time, hiring a local guide is advisable. Rock climbers can book guided experiences with Shabab Sahra, while hikers can arrange multi-day treks across Wadi Rum through sections that connect Petra to Wadi Rum or Petra to the Red Sea on the Jordan Trail.

Wadi Rum stands out as the premier national park for stargazing in Jordan, so consider spending at least one night to fully appreciate the beauty of the night sky while enjoying a Bedouin barbecue, storytelling, and songs around the campfire.