Everyone shuffles down the Siq to the Treasury then either turns around or keeps going to the Monastery. Meanwhile, Wadi Farasa Trail is sitting there with some of the best carved facades in Petra and you'll have them basically to yourself.

What you'll see: Garden Temple complex, Roman Soldier Tomb (with its detailed Nabataean carving that rivals the Treasury), Renaissance Tomb, and my absolute favourite — The Lion Monument fountain with an actual functioning 2,000-year-old water system still trickling into a basin. The engineering is mind-blowing when you realize this thing has been working since before Jesus was born.

Trail details: 2.5-3 hours total if you're taking your time with photo stops. Moderate difficulty — Some scrambling over smooth limestone but nothing technical. Trail starts past the Roman Theatre (about 900m from Treasury), veers left where most people go right toward the Monastery path. Look for the small brown sign that says "Wadi Farasa" — Easy to miss if you're following the crowd.

Gear notes: Proper hiking shoes are non-negotiable. The smooth rock gets dangerously slippery, especially if there's been any moisture. Bring 2+ liters of water per person — There's nowhere to refill until you're back near the main path or you reach Wadi Farasa Restaurant at the trail end (where you can grab sweet mint tea for 2 JOD).

Timing tip: Go mid-to-late afternoon. I did this around 3pm in April and passed maybe 6 other people the entire time. The warm light between 4-5pm hits these rose-red facades perfectly — Way better than the harsh overhead sun that washes out the Treasury photos. You'll actually see why they call it the "Rose City" when that golden hour light hits.