Mushroom Rock
It’s easy to see how this landmark gets its name — Mushroom Rock stands boldly out against the flat sandy valley surrounding it. A favourite photo opportunity of visitors to Wadi Rum. The rounded head is perched on top of stone stem. Its odd formation is completely natural. Over centuries of wind and rain, the softer layers of sedimentary rock at the base of the structure eroded much faster than the hardened layer above. This spot also signifies something other than an amazing photo opportunity. It also provides a sheltered area where you can find respite from the desert heat. In past times this drew Bedouin herders to this rock.
Mushroom Rock is visited on the full day tour. It is one of the attractions furthest from the Wadi Rum village and the camp. It is nearby for climbers or guests who are taking a scrambling tour of Burdah Rock Bridge. The GPS Coordinates are 29.518054N, 35.493502E.
FAST FACTS:
- Natural formation of soft sedimentary layers of rock below being eroded by wind and rain faster than the harder layers on top. This is essentially the same process that creates the rock bridges.
- There is a second location further south in Wadi Rum desert known as skinny mushroom which you are able to climb on top of.
