Jordan
Wadi Rum
Welcome to Jordan! Wadi Rum is a dramatic desert valley of deep-red sand and towering rock cliffs, often nicknamed the "Valley of the Moon."
Why is it famous?
Its blood-red sand and rocky cliffs look so much like Mars that filmmakers use it to shoot movies set on the red planet.
The desert's tall sandstone mountains rise dramatically straight out of the flat valley floor.
How did it form?
Wind and rain slowly wore away softer rock over millions of years, leaving behind towering sandstone and granite cliffs.
Iron oxide (the same mineral that makes rust) coats the sand and rock, giving the whole valley its deep red-orange color.
Amazing facts
Wadi Rum has been used as a filming location for movies like The Martian, Star Wars, and Dune.
The protected desert area covers about 74,000 hectares (183,000 acres).
Quick facts
- Wadi Rum has been used as a filming location for movies like The Martian, Star Wars, and Dune.
- The protected desert area covers about 74,000 hectares (183,000 acres).
- Natural rock arches, carved by wind over millions of years, are scattered throughout the valley.
- Ancient rock carvings and inscriptions left by travelers thousands of years ago can still be found on some cliff walls.