Burdah Bridge Hike Wadi Rum – Our New Year Desert Adventure

Burdah Bridge Hike in Wadi Rum: Our 2026 New Year Adventure.

Just like every New Year’s Eve, we decided to welcome the new year in the heart of the desert — Wadi Rum.

This time, we were a group of eight friends. Everyone knew each other, except one guy we met for the first time through a Facebook group, who joined us without hesitation.

Two cars, good company, and the open desert road — the adventure started right away.

New Year’s Eve in Wadi Rum:

As always, we stayed at Rakan’s camp, a place we keep coming back to thanks to his warm hospitality, clean tents, and a beautiful location with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

We arrived around 7:00 PM and enjoyed a delicious zarb dinner, cooked underground in the traditional Bedouin way. Later, we danced to live oud music played by a Bedouin singer — one of those moments that makes Wadi Rum feel truly special.

The night ended around a bonfire inside a semi-cave, drinking Bedouin tea prepared by Rakan, sharing stories, and enjoying the silence of the desert before heading to sleep.

Complete Wadi Rum Travel Guide
Discover where to stay, jeep tours, hiking options, desert camps, and practical tips in our full guide to Wadi Rum.

Day 1 – Climbing at Mzeilga Cliff

On the first day of the new year, we had breakfast at the camp and then headed to Mzeilga Cliff for a full day of sport climbing. Perfect weather, solid rock, and a great way to warm up for the hike we had planned next.

If you’re planning to explore northern Jordan, don’t miss our Ajloun travel guide, covering the castle, forests, and hiking areas.

Day 2 – Burdah Bridge Hike

On our second day, we decided to hike to one of Wadi Rum’s most iconic landmarks: Burdah Rock Bridge.

We drove with our 4x4 car (they only type of car possible) through the desert for about 25 minutes to reach the start of the trail.
After parking, we prepared light backpacks, checked our gear, and started the hike.
Here is the exact location where we parked: Burdah bridge car spot.

Burdah Bridge Hike Overview:

• Time up: ~2 hours

• Time down: ~1 hour

• Total hike time: ~4.5 hours

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Route: Out and back (same way)
  
  

Overall, the hike is quite easy, with only three short sections where you need to pay attention to your steps and handholds.

The Three Exposed Sections:

1. First obstacle:
   
   Shortly after the start, a short but steep rock section. It looks intimidating but is not dangerous and has good holds.

2. Second obstacle:
   
   A narrow, exposed ledge. This section is supported by slings attached to the rock, making it feel secure.

3. Third obstacle (hardest part):
   
   Just before reaching the bridge. This part is exposed, but there are plenty of footholds and handholds, and a fixed rope attached to a solid bolt helps both going up and coming down.

Petra Travel Guide – Everything You Need to Know
Many travelers visit Petra before or after Wadi Rum. Our Petra guide covers tickets, hiking routes, best viewpoints, and travel tips.

On Top of Burdah Bridge

Reaching the top was absolutely worth it. Burdah Bridge stands about 35 meters above the ground, and being on it feels unreal. We spent around one hour on top — walking across the bridge, chilling, taking photos, and enjoying the views over the vast desert below.

One of the most surprising moments was meeting a German family with a baby who had arrived before us — proof that, with caution and the right conditions, this hike is doable even for families.

The descent followed the same route and took us about one hour.

Trail Marking & Navigation:

The trail is marked by:

• Arrows carved into the rock

• Small stone piles stacked along the route

As long as you stay attentive, navigation is straightforward.

Weather, Water & Gear

• Weather: Sunny but windy

• Clothing: Light jacket recommended

• Water: ~1 liter per person

• Food: Small snacks are enough

We carried a 20-meter rope and two carabiners, which we used on the final exposed section both on the way up and down. This is optional, but it added an important margin of safety.

Our Recommendations & Safety Tips (Read This!)

This hike is not technical, but it should never be underestimated.

Who Can Do This Hike Without a Guide?

If you are experienced in outdoor activities, especially hikes with:

• narrow ledges

• cliffs

• exposed sections

and you feel comfortable with heights, you should be fine doing this hike independently — with caution.

When You Should Take a Guide

If you are an amateur hiker or have little experience with exposed terrain, we strongly recommend hiring a local guide.

Footwear Is Essential

Good hiking shoes with strong grip are non-negotiable. Sandstone can be slippery, especially on exposed sections.

Rope & Safety Gear

If you are familiar with rope access, harnesses, and belay devices, we strongly advise using them on the last exposed section, both going up and down.

Important Safety Warning

There have been incidents in the past where tourists fell near the final exposed part and injured themselves. Be careful and don’t underestimate this hike.

Extreme Caution on the Bridge

The bridge is narrow, and strong gusts of wind are common.
A fall would mean dropping 35 meters straight to the ground, which would be lethal. Move slowly and never take risks for photos.

Basic Desert Safety Rule

Always inform your camp:

• where you are going

• your expected return time

This is essential desert safety.

Is Burdah Bridge Hike Worth It?

Absolutely. The Burdah Bridge hike in Wadi Rum is a perfect mix of adventure, accessibility, and breathtaking scenery. It doesn’t require technical climbing skills, but it does require focus, respect for exposure, and good judgment.

If you’re already in Wadi Rum and want something more adventurous than a jeep tour, this hike should be high on your list.

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