Wadi Rum is a beautiful and unique desert landscape with many different hiking trails and paths to explore. However, it is important to remember that Wadi Rum is also a delicate ecosystem that is home to many species of plants and animals that are adapted to the harsh desert environment. To protect the fragile desert environment and to ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy the beauty of Wadi Rum for generations to come, it is important to stick to designated trails and paths when hiking or exploring the desert.

One of the main reasons to stick to designated trails is to protect the plant life in Wadi Rum. Many of the plants in the desert have very shallow roots and are easily damaged by foot traffic. By staying on designated trails, visitors can help prevent damage to these delicate plants, which are an important part of the desert ecosystem.

Sticking to designated trails is also important for preserving the cultural heritage of Wadi Rum. The desert is home to many ancient archaeological sites, including petroglyphs, inscriptions, and ruins of old settlements. By staying on designated trails, visitors can help protect these important cultural resources from damage and destruction.

Finally, sticking to designated trails is also important for visitor safety. The desert landscape can be unpredictable and dangerous, with steep cliffs, loose rocks, and hidden hazards. By staying on designated trails, visitors can reduce their risk of getting lost, injured, or stranded in the desert.

Overall, visitors to Wadi Rum are encouraged to enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of this desert landscape, but to do so responsibly by sticking to designated trails and respecting the fragile ecosystem and cultural heritage of the region.