Burdah Rock Bridge

Burdah: Wadi Rum’s most dramatic arch

There are dozens of rock arches scattered across the Wadi Rum Protected Area, but Burdah stands apart. Rising approximately 35 metres above the wadi floor on the eastern flank of Jebel Burdah, it is ranked the second-highest natural rock bridge in the world — surpassed only by the Rainbow Bridge in Utah. Unlike many geological curiosities that require imagination to appreciate, Burdah is immediately, viscerally impressive: a soaring sandstone span against a sky that turns deep amber at sunset, with the red desert floor far below.

It was carved over millennia by wind and differential erosion working through a zone of weakness in the Nubian sandstone. The result is an arch roughly 35 metres wide and 35 metres tall, visible from the jeep track below and a genuine landmark in a landscape already full of them.

Most visitors encounter Burdah as a stop on a full-day jeep tour of Wadi Rum. Guides drive to the base of Jebel Burdah, then lead the scramble up. This is not a walk: the approach involves boulders, loose gravel, and sections where hands are needed. Fit travellers with hiking experience will find it straightforward. Those with a fear of heights or limited mobility should discuss expectations with their guide before committing.

The scramble: what to expect

From the jeep drop-off, allow 25 to 35 minutes to reach the arch. The trail gains roughly 100 metres of elevation over about 600 metres of horizontal distance, weaving through fractured sandstone and around boulders smoothed by millennia of desert wind.

Lower section: A clear path winds up from the wadi, passable in ordinary hiking shoes (closed-toe, with grip). The orange-red sandstone is firm underfoot but peppered with loose stones — move deliberately.

Mid-section: The angle steepens and some basic scrambling begins, using hands for balance on the larger boulders. Your Bedouin guide will indicate the easiest line.

The final step: The last 3 metres onto the top of the arch are the crux. There is a near-vertical rock face with good handholds and footholds, but exposure to a significant drop on one side. Many guides carry a short rope for this section — some visitors use it for confidence, some do not. The alternative is simply to stop here: from just below the arch, the view upward through the span is spectacular and well worth the climb on its own.

On top: Those who make it across the arch surface (about 1.5 metres wide) are rewarded with a 360-degree panorama over Wadi Rum — red dunes, black basalt intrusions, the hazy outline of Saudi Arabia to the east. Photographs taken here are among the most dramatic in any Wadi Rum portfolio.

Honest risk assessment: The main danger is complacency on the descent, not the ascent. Take your time coming down. Sandstone can be slippery in morning dew.

Getting to Burdah Bridge

Burdah is inside the Wadi Rum Protected Area and not accessible without a licensed guide and jeep. It is typically included in full-day or half-day jeep tours that depart from Wadi Rum Village. The drive from the village to the base of Jebel Burdah takes approximately 30–40 minutes over open desert.

Most 9-hour or full-day jeep packages include Burdah alongside Lawrence’s Spring, Khazali Canyon, the sand dunes, and other landmarks.

Wadi Rum: 9-hour jeep tour with camel, sandboarding and lunch Wadi Rum: choose 2 to 9-hour jeep tour with guide and meal options

If you are staying overnight in a Bedouin camp, ask your camp host to include Burdah in the morning itinerary — guides can often arrange this without extra cost.

Photography at Burdah

The arch itself is the primary subject, but the best images often come from below rather than above. Shoot from the wadi floor looking up through the arch framing the sky — ideally in the hour before sunset when the sandstone glows copper-red. From the top, wide-angle shots looking south capture the full scale of the Rum valley.

Morning light strikes the arch from the east, making the approach section better lit in the first hours of the day. Midday light is harsh and flat. Sunset from the arch top, if timing allows, is extraordinary.

Visiting Burdah alongside other Wadi Rum highlights

Burdah fits naturally into a longer Wadi Rum day. Logical combinations include:

• Lawrence’s Spring (30 min from the village, easy ascent) — warm up here before Burdah
• Khazali Canyon — narrow siq with Nabataean and Thamudic inscriptions, 10 minutes from Burdah by jeep
• The red sand dunes — accessible and photogenic, popular for sandboarding
• Um Fruth Rock Bridge — a smaller, lower arch that can be climbed without scrambling

For overnight visitors, pairing Burdah with a sunset camel ride and Bedouin camp dinner makes for a complete southern Jordan experience. See the Wadi Rum guide for the full picture on logistics, camps, and planning.

Practical notes

Footwear: Hiking shoes or trail runners with grip are strongly recommended. Do not attempt the scramble in sandals or flip-flops.

Water: Carry at least 1.5 litres per person regardless of the season. The scramble generates heat even in cool weather.

Rope: Your guide may or may not carry one. If the final step is a concern, ask before setting off — guides can arrange a safety rope for the crux.

Season: October to April is ideal. June to August is punishing — the sandstone holds heat, and midday temperatures regularly exceed 40°C. The scramble in August is not recommended for most visitors.

Jordan Pass: The Protected Area entry fee (5 JOD per person at the Visitor Centre) is the only formal cost. Jeep tours are priced separately; a full-day private jeep costs around 60–80 JOD depending on the itinerary.

For planning context — timing, transport from Aqaba and Petra, and camp booking — see the Wadi Rum guide and the south Jordan itinerary.

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FAQ

Can you visit Burdah Bridge without a guide?

No. Independent access to the arch is not permitted. The Wadi Rum Protected Area requires all visitors to enter through the official Visitor Centre at Rum Village, and access to outlying formations like Burdah requires a licensed guide and registered jeep. This is partly for conservation and partly for safety — the desert is large and disorienting without local knowledge.

Is Burdah Rock Bridge safe for children?

It depends on the age and confidence of the child. The lower trail is suitable for older children (10+) who are comfortable on rough terrain. The scramble section and the final exposed step are not appropriate for young children or those who are nervous on heights. Discuss with your guide before setting out — some guides will accompany adults to the top while one stays below with children.

How does Burdah compare to Um Fruth Rock Bridge?

Um Fruth is smaller (roughly 15 m high), much lower to the ground, and easily accessible without any scrambling — most visitors walk up and across it without difficulty. Burdah is taller, more dramatic, requires a real scramble, and offers far superior views. If you have fitness and time, Burdah is the more rewarding experience. Um Fruth is a better choice for families with young children or those who prefer not to scramble.

What time of day is best to visit Burdah?

Early morning (starting the jeep from the village at 07:00–08:00) gives the best light for photography from the wadi floor and avoids the worst of the heat. Afternoon visits are possible but uncomfortable in warm months. Sunset is visually spectacular if you can time arrival at the arch for the last 30 minutes before dark — but descending in failing light is hazardous, so factor in time carefully.

Is the scramble dangerous?

Not in a technical sense for fit adults in appropriate footwear. The rock is solid, and the exposure is limited to the final few metres. The main risks are twisted ankles on loose stone during the descent and overheating in summer. A reasonable level of fitness and confidence on uneven ground is the honest requirement.