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.
