Khazali Canyon | Wadi Rum

Khazali Canyon is a deep, narrow fissure in the Jebel Khazali mountain within the Wadi Rum Protected Area. It is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the desert, containing a high concentration of ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions.

Visual Characteristics

The canyon is a narrow siq (gorge) carved into red sandstone, extending approximately 100 meters into the mountain massif. The interior is characterized by high, vertical walls that block direct sunlight, creating a cool microclimate. The floor is flat and sandy at the entrance, transitioning into smooth rock basins and small water pools deeper inside. The rock faces are covered in carvings ranging from several inches to over a foot in height.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located approximately 15km south of the Wadi Rum Visitor Center. It is not accessible by standard vehicles; access requires a 4x4 desert vehicle or a camel trek. Most guided desert tours include the canyon as a primary stop. Visitors typically disembark at a designated sandy clearing 50 meters from the canyon mouth and enter on foot.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The canyon was formed by tectonic activity followed by millennia of flash-flood erosion. Historically, it served as a vital water catchment area and a shaded refuge for Nabataean, Thamudic, and Islamic travelers. The inscriptions date back as far as the 8th century BC (Thamudic) through the Nabataean period and into the early Islamic era.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary activity is a walking tour of the first 50 meters of the canyon to view the petroglyphs, which depict humans, camels, ibex, and stylized footprints. Kufic and Nabataean scripts are clearly visible on the lower wall sections. Advanced visitors can engage in "scrambling" over rock pools to reach the deeper sections, though these areas are often wet and slippery.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There is no modern infrastructure at the site. No restrooms, visitor centers, or paved paths exist within the canyon. A few local Bedouin vendors often set up temporary stalls near the entrance selling tea and handmade crafts. Cellular signal (4G) is weak to non-existent due to the surrounding rock massifs.

Best Time to Visit

Midday (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM) is the optimal time for interior photography, as vertical light penetrates the narrow gorge to illuminate the carvings. The canyon remains significantly cooler than the open desert, making it a viable stop even during summer peak hours. The winter months are comfortable, but the site should be avoided during or immediately after rain due to the risk of flash floods.

Facts & Legends

Local Bedouin tradition holds that the canyon’s water pools never completely dry up, even in the harshest summers, making it a legendary survival site for desert nomads. A notable archaeological detail is the presence of several "fertility" carvings depicting birth scenes, suggesting the site may have held ritual significance for ancient tribes.

Nearby Landmarks

Lawrence's Spring – 6.5km Northwest

Red Sand Dunes – 4.0km North

Small Arch – 3.0km South

Rum Village – 11.0km North

Jebel Rum – 10.0km Northwest