About
Khazali Canyon, also known as Khazali Siq, is a narrow slot canyon within the Wadi Rum Protected Area in southern Jordan. It lies among the sandstone landscape that defines this part of the country, and it makes a distinctive stop for visitors who want to see more of the desert than its open dunes and broad valleys.
What to expect
The canyon is tight and winding, with towering walls rising on either side. Its rock faces carry ancient inscriptions in the Nabataean and Thamudic scripts, which give the walk an added sense of age as you move through the stone. Looking closely at the walls is part of the experience.
Exploring the canyon fully means more than walking along the floor. Climbing and scrambling are needed to reach its hidden chambers, so the visit suits people who are comfortable on uneven rock. Those who prefer level ground may enjoy the lower sections and the views from the entrance.
Planning your visit
- Khazali Canyon is located within the Wadi Rum Protected Area, so it is best combined with a wider exploration of the reserve.
- Wear sturdy footwear and bring water, since the terrain involves climbing and the desert setting is dry.
- Allow time to look at the inscriptions, which reward a slow pace.
Khazali Canyon offers a quieter, more intimate encounter with the rock of Wadi Rum, set against the wider desert landscape that surrounds it.