City of Rock: The 6th-century ruins of Petra rival the pyramids of Egypt. Photo: Jordan Campbell
In February 2011, young Egyptians gathered en masse at Tahrir Square in Cairo demanding regime change. Their voices were transmitted across social media and satellite television, sparking unprecedented civil unrest throughout the Arab world. Serendipitously, I was invited to Jordan that same month. The trip would give me a front row opportunity to understand the social and political events sweeping the region and—more akin to my Colorado lifestyle—a chance to unearth outdoor adventures.
Surprisingly, I felt safe in Jordan. “We are a Kingdom and we love our King,” explained Hatem Muhsen, a Jordanian sales manager for an opulent, new Kempenski Hotel overlooking the Red Sea. While Jordan’s neighboring countries—Egypt, Yemen, Libya and Syria—continue to feel the pains of revolution, Hatam’s declaration is reassuring. Jordan is a modern Muslim country, hallmarked by economic prosperity and religious tolerance. Dr. Haifa Abughazaleh, Jordan’s Minister of Tourism proudly describes her country as “peaceful and secure”—a touchstone of Arab progress and geopolitical stability. After 10 days here, I agree.
It is still an adventurous time in the Arab world, but the Kingdom of Jordan remains a calm epicenter in the heart of the Middle East. It’s also a remarkable blend of world-class outdoor adventure and important historical destinations. My favorite? The fiery Wadi Rum desert, where you sweat as you plunge-step up a colossal dune of scorched red sand for a 360-degree view of Biblical desert.
If you decide to go to Jordan—and you should—here is my must-see list, from the casual eco-tourist to the saltiest outdoor adventurer.
Amman
For Westerners visiting the Middle East for the first time, Jordan’s capital city, Amman, will shatter North American perceptions of the region straight away. In new Amman, there are five-star hotels, shopping malls—even Starbucks coffee. But drop into the core downtown areas and Sheesha pipe smoke and Arabian coffee season the air. Hit the old city center market or the Alhussaini Mosque and you might feel like you’re in Bagdad or Mecca.
East Desert
From Amman, blast into the country’s parched eastern desert and check out Qasr Harraneh and Qasr Azraq—two incredibly well-preserved castles among several others that pepper the arid landscape from Damascus to Jericho. Further east, just 150 miles from Iraq, is the Al Azraq Wetlands Natural Reserve, an unlikely waterfowl oasis surrounded by seemingly endless desert.
Wadi Mujib & Dana
The Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve, just west of the saline-infused Dead Sea, boasts canyoneering that rivals the slots in Utah. Further south, the Dana Biosphere Reserve is home to the Feynan Eco Lodge, a base camp for serious hikers and an icon of desert sustainability. Feynan operates completely off the power-grid and the lodge is staffed with local Bedouins, modern-day nomads of the Arabian Desert.
Petra
Since its appointment as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985, and through Hollywood films, Petra has arguably achieved global icon status. The eight-mile trek the back way into the park meanders along airy sandstone cliffs where you arrive at Petra’s grand and ornately carved sandstone facades created by 6th century Nabateans. Petra lives up to the hype.
Red Sea
It’s easy to confuse the Red Sea with the Dead Sea—but don’t. Floating in the Dead Sea’s mineral enriched but lifeless saltwater (recommended for its health benefits) feels like you’re bathing in salad dressing. The Red Sea, on the other hand, is accessed by Jordan’s southern port city and resort of Aquaba, a hub for scuba diving and snorkeling in fish-teeming coral reefs.
Wadi Rum
While mountain biking is not popular on the soft, red sand dunes where Lawrence of Arabia was filmed—camel treks are. But the best-kept secret is the Wadi’s towering sandstone walls, some 800-meters high off the desert floor, with tantalizing first-ascent possibilities for bold free climbers. Finish any Wadi adventure in an authentic Bedouin Camp and stargaze under the dark Arabian night. This is why you came here.
For detailed information about adventure travel in Jordan, head to visitjordan.com.
Jordan Campbell is a Colorado-based writer and Marmot Ambassador Athlete.
