Musa
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| | Raps:7, max ↨98ft
Red Tape:Permit required Shuttle:Optional 1 hour Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Best season: | Spring, Fall (avg for this region)
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Introduction[edit]
There are many ways to leave Petra, but following the main riverbed of the Nabataean Rose City makes perfect sense from every perspective. It also provides privileged access to one of the most beautiful wild valleys in the region, where waterfalls and lush greenery contrast sharply with the ebony-black basalt and other austere granite formations.
This is the western continuation of the Petra Siq after it leaves the Petra city area. The canyon was published in the 1980's as "Petra's Secret Canyon" by guidebook author Tony Howard.
A few rocky sections require the use of ropes for one or two short rappels. The rest demands route-finding and perseverance, as it's quite a long trek, especially if you plan to reach the desert plain of Bir Matkour and the distant Wadi Araba road . A jeep transfer is recommended! Allow a full day, starting early. Although mostly downhill, this route is for experienced hikers accustomed to rough terrain, capable of rock scrambling and rappelling.
Approach[edit]
There are various options:
1) Approach through the main Petra site.
2) Alternatively, you can access the canyon via "Petra's back door" route. In the 2000's, foreigners were able to drive past Little Petra along dirt roads and park at 30.356266816091754, 35.44083097346766. This road may now be blocked in 2026, given the growth in "Back Door" patronage and a 4WD taxi economy emerging to drive tourists along the dirt road.
3) You can approach from the west, starting at Bir Madhkhur, walking all the way up Wadi Siyyagh. This route is described by Tony Howard in his walks and treks guidebook.
Descent[edit]
Exit[edit]
You can exit up the main drainage true-right (Wadi Marwan). Or, climb ledges and return along the canyon rim back into Petra city centre.
Red tape[edit]
A day pass is required to enter the Petra site. You will likely need a Petra pass to access the canyon via the "Back Door" route too.
Beta sites[edit]
Descente-Canyon.com : Musa
Canyon.Carto.net : Wadi Es Siyyagh; Wadi Musa; Wadi As Siq
Trip reports and media[edit]
Wikiloc.com :
Google Photos : Wadi Siyyagh/Musa, 01.06.2004 by Canyonwolf
Google Photos : Siyyagh/Musa, April 7, 2007 by Canyonwolf