Under the Cold Canyon: Exploring Little Petra's Quiet Labyrinth
A quieter canyon of Nabatean streets and a climbable ridge—Petra’s intimate, contemplative cousin.
A low ribbon of sky threads between cliffs that have been patient for two millennia. You step into it and the world shifts—the sun slices the sandstone into bands of ochre and coral, the air cools, and the noise of Wadi Musa fades until all that remains is the soft scrape of sandals on packed sand and the occasional call of a shepherd. This is Siq al-Barid—Little Petra—a smaller, quieter cousin to the world-famous Treasury, yet no less eloquent. It’s the kind of place that rewards slow attention: carved facades peek from alcoves, Nabatean niches hold shadowed secrets, and a narrow trail snakes upward to a ridge with a vantage that folds the greater Petra landscape into a single breath.
Trail Wisdom
Go early or late for best light
Visit around sunrise or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture warm, directional light on the sandstone facades.
Wear grippy shoes
The siq is easy, but the optional ridge trail has loose rock and carved steps—trail shoes with good traction help.
Carry water and snacks
Bring at least 1–2 liters of water and a small snack—the site has limited services and the climb burns calories.
Respect local customs
Ask before photographing people in tents or private spaces and support local vendors if you can.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •The small Nabatean triclinium with painted plaster fragments tucked in a side cave
- •A ridge viewpoint just above the siq that looks back toward the Petra massif at golden hour
Wildlife
Rock hyrax (small, rabbit-like mammals)
Conservation Note
Preserve fragile sandstone by staying on marked paths, avoid touching painted or plastered surfaces, and support local conservation through responsible tourism choices.
Siq al-Barid likely served as a suburb and caravan rest stop for Petra during the Nabatean era, with domestic rock-cut rooms and a modest colonnaded street.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflower displays at lower elevations, Mild hiking weather, Pleasant photography light
Challenges: Occasional wind, Variable temperatures between day and night
Spring offers some of the most comfortable temperatures and good light for the canyon’s colors, though windy days can kick up dust.
summer
Best for: Early-morning hikes, Combining with longer Petra visits, Clear, long days
Challenges: High midday heat, Fewer shade options on the ridge
Summer brings high temps—start at dawn and avoid the midday sun; mornings are usually pleasant and less crowded.
fall
Best for: Crisp air for views, Comfortable daytime temps, Great golden-hour color
Challenges: Cooler nights, Shortening daylight hours
Autumn is arguably the ideal season—balanced temperatures and rich afternoon colors make for excellent hiking and photos.
winter
Best for: Lonely trails, Cool-weather hiking, Different atmospheric light
Challenges: Cold mornings and evenings, Occasional rain
Winter is quieter and cool—bring warm layers; the canyon lives up to its name with chilly pockets of air after sundown.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sturdy trail shoesEssential
Provide traction on sandy paths and loose rock on the ridge.
Sun hat and sunscreenEssential
Protects you during exposed sections and mid-day sun.
1–2 liters water reservoirEssential
Keeps hydration steady during walking and optional climbs.
Light windproof layer
Useful for cool mornings or breezy ridge-top conditions.
Common Questions
How long does it take to see Little Petra?
A casual walk through the main siq takes 20–30 minutes; including the optional ridge climb and time for exploration, plan 1–2 hours.
Is Little Petra included with Petra tickets?
Ticketing and package inclusion vary; many day tours from Wadi Musa include Little Petra as a separate stop—confirm with your tour operator or purchase local entry on arrival.
Can I hire a guide onsite?
Yes. Local guides and Bedouin guides are often available near the entrance to offer historical context and lead you to hidden viewpoints.
Is Little Petra suitable for children?
Yes—children can enjoy the short walk through the siq; supervise them on the ridge climb where footing is uneven.
Are there facilities at Little Petra?
Facilities are limited—expect basic stalls and, occasionally, portable toilets near the entrance; plan ahead for water and snacks.
What should I wear?
Light, breathable layers in summer with sun protection; warmer layers in winter. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for the ridge.
What to Pack
Sturdy trail shoes for uneven rock; 1–2 liters of water to stay hydrated on the climb; sun protection (hat, sunscreen) for exposed sections; lightweight layer for cool mornings or evening chill.
Did You Know
Siq al-Barid translates to "Cold Canyon" in Arabic, a name that reflects the shaded, cooler microclimate of the narrow gorge compared with the surrounding desert.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Stay in Wadi Musa for easy transfers; 2) Bring cash for small purchases and tips; 3) Start before 9am in summer to avoid heat; 4) Ask permission before photographing people.
Local Flavor
The area around Little Petra retains a strong Bedouin presence—locals sell handwoven rugs, offer mint tea, and share stories. Try mansaf or a simple mezze in Wadi Musa to round out your visit and support local eateries.
Logistics Snapshot
Access: 10–15 min taxi from Wadi Musa. Time: 30–120 minutes. Difficulty: Moderate with optional climb. Facilities: Limited. Tickets: Often part of day tours—confirm with your operator.
Sustainability Note
Stick to established paths, avoid touching rock art, minimize single-use plastics, and consider hiring local guides or buying local goods to support the community.