Entrance to Barrah Canyon, Wadi Rum, Jordan.

© Igor Dymov/Shutterstock

Barrah Canyon

Wadi Rum


One of the most visited of numerous canyons that riddle Wadi Rum, this 5km-long corridor of rock through the mountains offers opportunities for hiking, camel trekking, climbing or simply napping in the shade and absorbing the special atmosphere of Wadi Rum’s hidden heartland.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Wadi Rum attractions

1. Anfaishiyya Inscriptions

2.16 MILES

The Anfaishiyya inscriptions are scratched into the smooth surface of a huge, vertical rock face.

2. Kharazeh Canyon

2.81 MILES

Kharazeh Canyon, one of the mighty incisions in Jebel Umm Al Ishrin, is a popular hiking destination. Guides and agencies offer a day hike (around seven…

3. Al Hasany Dunes

2.92 MILES

While there are dunes in several places around Wadi Rum, the most striking are the red sands that bank up against Jebel Umm Ulaydiyya. If you are on a 4WD…

4. Lawrence’s House

3.01 MILES

There is little left of this building, erected on the Nabataean ruins of a water cistern. Nonetheless, legend has it that Lawrence stayed here during the…

5. Thamudic & Kufic Rock Art

3.22 MILES

Adorning the west-facing vertical rock face of Jebel Umm Al Ishrin, this wonderful set of petroglyphs is worth the detour on a 4WD excursion. While the…

6. Sunset Viewing Point

3.39 MILES

One of several spots on the 4WD tour route from which to enjoy the spectacular colours of sunset across the sands of Wadi Rum, here at the dunes close to…

7. Jebel Umm Al Ishrin

3.44 MILES

The deeply crevassed ‘Mother of Twenty’, a 20-domed mountain forming the east flank of Wadi Rum, is connected to the Seven Pillars of Wisdom formation…

8. Rakhabat Canyon

3.55 MILES

Close to Rum village, the labyrinthine siqs of Rakhabat Canyon give access to the heart of Jebel Umm Al Ishrin.