This hike leads you along the stream beds of Wadi Ma’in
(Ma’in Canyon). See the waypoint below for the starting
point. The water which originates from the Hamamat Ma’in
(Ma’in Hot Springs) gets progressively warmer and warmer as
your journey progresses from the Dead Sea to a hidden waterfall
deep within the canyon (-238 meters below sea level). The waterfall
does have hooks at the top to tie a rope to in order to help ascend
the waterfall if you so choose (not required to get to cache). At
the top of the water fall is a beautiful pool that is a wonderful
shade of milky blue (tinted that color from the therapeutic
minerals). We have enjoyed climbing up, swimming in the blue pool
and then jumping from the waterfall into the pool below. Due to
changes in water levels with the rainy and dry seasons, always be
sure to check the depth before jumping and the distance needed to
clear rocks at the base. Use common sense!
Important Notes:
- Most of this hike is through the stream, at times waist high, so
you will get wet.
- Bring plenty of water (3+ liters). This is not a simple hike (I'm
out shape and did it well so don't be discouraged but I was beat
tired when we were done).
-GPS reception is available but can be in and out because of the
high canyon walls.
While in this area of Jordan be sure to drop by the Amman Beach
and the actual Ma’in Hot Springs themselves...
The Amman Beach (see waypoint below) is a pleasant Dead Sea day
beach. There is a 5 JOD entrance fee (approx. 7 USD). Take a float
and coat yourself in the black mud that can be dug out from the
banks at the water’s edge. There are facilities on site
including bathrooms, showers, kid’s playground, restaurant
facilities and hubbly bubbly.
The Ma’in Hot Springs are located 58 km south of Amman,
and 120m below sea level. The springs are famous for the medicinal
purposes and have helped many who suffer from skin diseases; blood
circulation problems; muscles, joints and back aches and pains.
There are plenty of natural therapy clinics in the vicinity
providing services to visitors. Don’t miss this site that has
been enjoyed since Roman times.
Close by the Ma’in Hot Springs is the palace at Makawer
(machaerus), originally a villa of Herod the Great. According to
tradition, it was at this palace that Salome danced and John the
Baptist was beheaded (Matt. 14:1-12).
The cache has been moved recently to a drier location. It is a
lock and lock container with a logbook, pencil and pencil
sharpner.
