A guidebook to long routes and trail running in the Judean, Negev, and Arava deserts Fifty Most Beautiful Trails in the Israeli Desert A guidebook to long routes and trail running in the Judean, Negev, and Arava deserts by Eliya Zemmour, supported by Komoot Let's Go

Frequently Asked Questions for the guide “Fifty Most Beautiful Routes in Israeli Desert” with expert tips and recommendations for long-distance routes in the Judean Desert, the Arava, and the Negev. Frequently Asked Questions 50 Most Beautiful Desert Routes in Israel This page gathers frequently asked questions about “50 Most Beautiful Desert Routes in Israel” – a guide to long-distance routes and trail running in the Judean Desert, the Negev Highlands, and the Arava region in southern Israel. Here you will find information about navigation, water planning, equipment, logistics, and safety in desert terrain. What is “50 Most Beautiful Desert Routes in Israel”? It is an open guide to long-distance desert routes in southern Israel: the Judean Desert, the Negev Highlands, and the Arava. The routes are based on many years of experience from a wide group of field professionals and trail runners who tested, reviewed, and recommended long routes across Israel’s desert regions. The guide focuses on: Long and continuous movement A logical and aesthetic line in the terrain Connecting landscapes and regions (not a single point of interest) Who is this guide for? Trail runners with prior navigation experience and previous desert routes Experienced hikers with navigation skills Individuals capable of full 6+ hour movement days at a fast pace Independent movement with minimal gear This guide is not intended for beginners without prior desert experience. It is not designed for family hikes. Are the routes suitable only for trail running or also for hiking? Both. The routes are suitable for trail running and for fast hiking (fast trekking), depending on fitness level. When should a route start? The routes require starting at dawn or early in the morning in order to maximize available daylight. Movement after dark becomes significantly slower and may be impossible in technical terrain. Are the routes marked? Some routes follow officially marked trails, while others follow clear but unofficial paths. All routes have been field-tested and include a GPX file for navigation. Please note that desert terrain changes seasonally, and trails may shift after flash floods. Studying the route before departure is essential. What does each route page include? Each route includes: Distance (km) Total elevation gain (meters) Estimated fast hiking time (see time management section) Terrain description Advantages and disadvantages Start and exit points with Waze navigation for private vehicle access Route variations – some can be taken spontaneously during the route, others require advance planning Downloadable GPX file How long does a route take? Most routes range between 4–8 hours of movement, depending on pace. Typical distances are 20–40 km. The “fast hiking time” shown on the website and on Komoot is a rough estimate. In reality, each person moves at a different pace, and technical desert terrain requires more time. Please note: The estimated time does not include preparation time, breaks, photography stops, or navigation errors. The estimate assumes continuous fast hiking, which is rarely realistic. Routes that include sand, canyons, steep ascents, and varied terrain will require additional time. It is recommended to add a 20–30% safety margin to all time estimates. Keep in mind: the main desert running season is winter, when days are short and daylight is limited. Time management principle: start early, move with a sense of urgency, and finish early. How much water is required? In most cases, 1–3 liters of water should be carried, depending on season and pace. As a rule of thumb: Longer routes, hot days, and low-elevation areas require more water. Shorter routes, cold days, and higher elevations require less. Some routes allow pre-placement (water caching). Do not rely on natural water sources. What equipment is required? Planning to carry a 10 kg backpack? Forget it. The routes presented here require minimal water and essential gear only, in a lightweight style. Each route requires adapting gear according to route length and weather conditions, but in principle, these routes are meant to be completed in a light and fast style. Otherwise: Running becomes unrealistic Completion time doubles Risk increases (especially when reaching darkness) Overall experience deteriorates Suggested equipment list: 5–10 liter running vest Water (0.5–3 liters depending on season, route, and individual) Lightweight windbreaker jacket Navigation and communication device (mobile phone) Trail running shoes (road shoes are problematic in desert terrain) Sunglasses Sun hat Energy bars or gels Headlamp Painkillers In winter – down jacket, neck gaiter, and gloves (especially in case of darkness). In the Negev Highlands, a winter hat may also be necessary. Lightweight trekking poles A few squares of toilet paper Satellite emergency device recommended (Garmin InReach) Is complicated logistics required? No. Most routes are circular or connected to a road or settlement. Linear routes may require a short vehicle shuttle or public transportation access. Hitchhiking can be considered when access to a main road exists. Routes that require 4x4 vehicle access to the start or finish were excluded. When is the recommended season for desert routes? Generally, October to April. Summer is not suitable for long desert routes. Even during winter, weather forecasts must be checked, and routes through riverbeds (wadis) should be avoided when there is a risk of flash floods. The Judean Desert and Arava are typically more suitable during winter, while the Negev Highlands are often better during transitional seasons (autumn and spring). Are all starting and exit points accessible by private car? Yes. Which maps should be used for navigation and route study? Maps: https://www.komoot.com/ https://mapeak.com/ The website uses Komoot and Mapeak for route display. Komoot is easier to use when downloading the mobile app or using it on a PC. It is recommended to combine route planning with: Amud Anan (amudanan.co.il ) Israel Hiking Map (israelhiking.osm.org.il ) Although cellular coverage in Israel is generally good, many desert areas have no reception. It is strongly recommended to: Study the route in advance Download offline maps in Komoot or another navigation app Download the GPX file to your phone Studying the route and downloading navigation files in advance will reduce navigation errors and daylight loss. Most routes follow marked trails (except specific sections clearly noted otherwise). Trails in Israel are generally well-marked. Amud Anan provides detailed trail markings and color codes. Where can weather forecasts and additional information be found? Weather forecast: www.meteoblue.com Wind forecast: www.windy.com Rain radar: Flowx Emergency numbers: https://www.b144.co.il/EmergencyNo.aspx Amud Anan map: https://amudanan.co.il/ Flash flood warnings: Israel Meteorological Service (ims.gov.il ) Who are the authors of 50 Most Beautiful Desert Routes in Israel? The guide was written and edited by Eliya Zemmour – a mountain athlete and trail runner who has spent years planning and completing long desert routes – in collaboration with Prof. Sharon Shnitman, Head of the Physical Activity and Health Program at the University of Haifa. In addition, experienced field professionals and trail runners tested the routes, proposed variations, and provided professional feedback. Each route was field-tested before publication. What safety precautions should be taken before starting a long desert route? Cellular reception and communication Most desert areas have no cellular reception, especially in canyons and remote terrain. Do not rely on online navigation only. Download offline maps and GPX files before departure. Study the route and possible exit points in advance. Inform a trusted person about your planned route and expected return time. Emergency numbers in Israel: Police: 100 Ambulance (MDA): 101 Fire Department: 102 General emergency number: 112 Phone battery management Your phone is both a navigation and communication device – manage it carefully: Fully charge before departure Use airplane mode when reception is not required Reduce screen brightness Close background applications Avoid navigating with the screen constantly on Battery loss in technical terrain near darkness is a real risk. Satellite device (Garmin InReach or similar) For long and remote routes, carrying a satellite device is recommended: Allows sending SOS from any location Allows messaging without cellular coverage Adds a significant safety layer Not mandatory – but strongly recommended for deep desert routes. Flash flood risk Flash floods are a major desert hazard. Even if there is no visible rain, rainfall in distant areas can cause flooding in the canyon you are in. Do not enter riverbeds during flood warnings. Check official meteorological warnings before departure. Narrow canyons are especially vulnerable. If in doubt – do not enter. Time and daylight management Start early. Add a 20–30% safety margin to time estimates. Carry a headlamp even if planning to finish in daylight. Avoid reaching technical sections near darkness. Informing someone It is recommended to inform a trusted person with: Planned route Start and finish locations Expected return time If caught after dark If caught by darkness, it is preferable to continue carefully toward the exit using a headlamp. Emergency jacket and pants may be useful, especially in the Negev Highlands. Caffeine tablets and painkillers are recommended to carry. In case of ankle sprain or other incidents, they may make a significant difference. Disclaimer This is a basic guide to desert trail running routes that outlines routes in general terms only. Users must be autonomous in the field and understand what desert movement requires (desert travel is a unique niche with specific demands). If you do not know how to assess weather conditions relative to your abilities – you should not be there. If you lack the knowledge and experience to navigate independently in remote and technical terrain – this website was not written for you. Users must understand terrain limitations, weather risks, and their own physical limits under load. If this has not been clear until now – this website removes itself from any responsibility whatsoever. Do your homework before starting any route and take full responsibility for your actions. If you believe the routes are within your capability – go explore. Go to the desert.

Selected Desert Running in Israel Mamashit and Mount Tzayad Through the remains of a Nabataean city and the Yeruham Crater Escarpments Nature Reserve Type: Round Trip Distance: 32.2km Ascent: 550m Descent: 550m Fast-Trekking Duration: 6-7 h Start: Colored Sands parking area End: Colored Sands parking area GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A route featuring a fast and flowing section along Nahal Mamshit to Mamshit National Park, followed by an unmarked and wild return segment, partially panoramic, through the Makhtesh HaGadol Ridge Reserve. Advantages: The section from Mount Tzayad, along the northern rim of Yeruham Crater, to the end of the route is wild and unmarked. Disadvantages: No access by public transportation. Interest Point: Water refill available at Mamshit National Park.

Eliya Zemmour Map

Selected Desert Running in Israel Ramon Crater Traverse 1/3 Ramon Crater Circle Type: One Way Distance: 36.6km Ascent: 660m Descent: 1160m Fast-Trekking Duration: 8-9h Start: Mount Ramon Parking (accessible with private car) End : Ammonites Wall Parking (accessible with private car) GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A section of the Ramon Crater Rim Trail that crosses the eastern part of the crater. This is a beautiful, continuous desert line starting at Mount Ramon, continuing along Ma'ale Arud and passing Mount Ido and Zekif Ramon. Most of the route follows a flowing, non-technical singletrack, partly panoramic, crossing several ridges and moving along an exposed ridge line above the crater. A long and committing route with no shortcut options. Advantages : A flowing route with no technical sections. Despite its length, most of the route trends gradually downhill. Parts of the route are panoramic, with wild desert scenery. In an emergency, from Mif'ar Pitam night camp it is possible to head east and connect to the blue jeep trail of Nahal Nekarot — a fast exit line with a chance of encountering passing 4x4 vehicles. Disadvantages : No water sources. No public transport access. A long route with no shortcuts or escape options. No easy way to cache water. Pro Tip : Choose a cool day for this route, preferably with cloud cover. Variation : A 24 km circular route that runs along a beautiful section of the Ramon Crater Rim Trail and includes Zekif Ramon and Shen Ramon can be found here .

Selected Desert Running in Israel Barak, Vardit and Kippa Two wild canyons and a viewpoint overlooking the Ashosh Valley deep in the Arava Type: Round Trip Distance: 30.3km Ascent: 660m Descent: 660m Fast-Trekking Duration: 6-7 h Start: Barak Canyon trailhead End: Barak Canyon trailhead GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A route deep in the Central Arava, passing through two canyons with technical terrain and a light, open section toward Har Kipa. Advantages: A visit to two of the most beautiful canyons in the Arava. A route with several variations. Disadvantages: Reaching the Barak Canyon trailhead by private car is slightly challenging. Note: The run along the Hidud cliffs and the ascent onto them is on an unmarked trail. Variation 1: The route can be shortened by 10 km if you skip the run to Mount Kippa. See route here . Variation 2: The route shown here follows the green trail without entering the pools in Barak Stream. You can choose to enter them via the blue trail, but note that if the pools are full of water, swimming is unavoidable.

Selected Desert Running in Israel Ramon Spaghetti Marathon An Attraction Buffet Challenge in the Heart of Ramon Crater Type: Round Trip Distance: 42.3km Ascent: 1110m Descent: 1110m Fast-Trekking Duration: 9-11h Start: Gvanim Parking End : Gvanim Parking GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A non-technical yet demanding marathon weaving through the heart of Ramon Crater in three interconnected loops, linking Har Katum, Har Marpek, Har Saharonim, Nekarot Horseshoe, Givat Harut, the Ammonite Wall, Shen Ramon, and Har Gvanim — with continuous desert ascents throughout. A varied and engaging challenge in a dramatic crater setting. Advantages : A major challenge in rugged yet relatively safe terrain. Multiple exit or shortening options are available. The route is accessible for water caches at several points. Disadvantages : No public transportation access. The Har Katum section is unmarked. Pro Tip 1 : Travel light. The route connects twice with Gvanim Campground, allowing your vehicle to serve as a self-supported refreshment point. An additional cache can be placed near Highway 40, creating another aid station after descending from Har Gvanim. Pro Tip 2: Aim to stand on the summit of Har Katum at sunrise. Point of Interest : A dip at Gav Yalek — for those finishing before sunset. Variation : A shortened 33 km version can be found here . The variation skips Givat Harut but maintains approximately 1,000 m of cumulative ascent and preserves the refreshment points.

Selected Desert Running in Israel Jabal Hermon Spaghetti One of the Most Beautiful Runs in the Country Type: Round Trip Distance: 20.8km Ascent: 630m Descent: 630m Fast-Trekking Duration: 3-4h Start: Nahal Og Parking End: Nahal Og Parking GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A flowing route over chalk hills and powdery terrain, mostly unmarked yet very clear on the ground. And highly panoramic. Advantages: Accessible by public transportation to the start point; smooth, flowing singletrack with a “powdery” feel and very photogenic. Disadvantages: No water sources. Pro Tip : Especially recommended near sunset. Variation : A short version on the route can be found here .

Selected Desert Running in Israel XC Ramon - Sapir Connecting Deserts: from Negev Mountains to Arava Type: One Way Distance: 36km Ascent: 690m Descent: 1170m Fast-Trekking Duration: 8-9m Start: Gvanim Campground, Ramon Crater End: Sapir GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A high-volume route linking the Great Crater (Makhtesh HaGadol) to the Central Arava via two connected Israel National Trail sections. The course is diverse and structured around three main segments: a knife-edge panoramic traverse along Karbolet Haririm, a slow and sandy stretch through Nahal Nekarot and Nahal Tzevira, and a final open and flowing run across Ramat Sapir. A linear route requiring a long vehicle shuttle — but absolutely worth it. Advantages : One of the most beautiful desert routes, incorporating two sections of the Israel National Trail. Near Gav Hulit campsite there is a water reservoir available for thru-hikers. Disadvantages : In an emergency, it may be possible to hitchhike from Gav Hulit campsite, which connects to a popular 4x4 route on weekends — but this cannot be relied upon, and overall the route is fairly committing. Long vehicle shuttle required. Progress can be slow in the sandy Nahal Nekarot section. No public transportation access. Recommendation : Be’erot campsite is an excellent base point for routes in the eastern Ramon Crater. Variation : A shortened 23 km circular version focusing on Karbolet Haririm can be found here . The return leg descends from the ridge and connects with the excellent “Spice Route” trail — a wide and flowing plateau section that eventually links back to Ein Saharonim. The Spice Route segment is unmarked but clear. Highly recommended.

Selected Desert Running in Israel - Mount Ramon to Mount Arif Arif Marathon As far from civilization as it gets — and long enough to strip things back Type: Round Trip Distance: 42.9km Ascent: 940m Descent: 940m Fast-Trekking Duration: 9-10h Start: Har Ramon Night Camp End: Har Ramon Night Camp GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A high-volume circular and relatively technical route linking Har Ramon and Har Arif. The course is built around four main segments: from Har Ramon to Be’erot Oded — a flowing downhill jeep track; from Be’erot Oded to Har Arif — a technical trail; from Har Arif Campground to Ma’ale Lutz — a steady climbing jeep track; and from Ma’ale Lutz to the connection with Mitzpe Arud — a technical trail. Advantages : A wild and remote running line, accessible only during limited suitable conditions throughout the year. Disadvantages : No water sources. Technical terrain for running. No public transportation access. Attention : It is highly recommended to cache water the day before at Har Arif Campground; otherwise, carrying sufficient water will significantly burden the run. Recommended to sleep overnight in Mitzpe Ramon and begin at sunrise. Do not attempt on hot days. Pro Tip 1 : Aim to be on Har Ramon at sunrise. Pro Tip 2 : The route can be turned into a bike–hike combo: ride 5 km to the black trail junction toward Ma’ale Lutz, cache the bike, and continue on foot for the circular section. See variation here . The running segment remains 32 km.

Selected Desert Running in Israel Mount Karbolet and Tzin The Big Crater and a Taste of Tzin Desert Type: One Way Distance: 36.4km Ascent: 1030m Descent: 850m Fast-Trekking Duration: 9-10 h Start: Colored Sands Campground, Yeruham Crater End: Midreshet Ben Gurion GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A long line linking two consecutive Israel National Trail sections: the first a knife-edge, panoramic traverse along the eastern rim of the Yeruham Crater (one of the most beautiful segments of the Israel Trail), and the second dipping into the Zin Desert with a long, flat, open stretch finishing at Midreshet Ben-Gurion. Advantages : Outstanding running along the eastern rim of the crater. A diverse and highly wild desert traverse. Disadvantages : A committing route. No water sources. No public transportation access. Vehicle shuttling required. No convenient water cache point (though with effort, water can be cached the day before at Nahal Madar campsite). Pro Tip : Gav Ofarim on the descent into the Zin Desert sits halfway through the route — perfectly timed for a dip. Pro Tip 2 : Especially recommended on a day with active easterly winds. Variation : A shortened 18 km circular version with 660 m of ascent focusing on Har Karbolet can be found here . The variation descends after Har Karbolet into the crater interior via the Pipeline Line (unmarked and moderately steep) and returns to the starting point via Nahal Havion.

Running the Arava Routes Judaean Desert Negev Mountains Arava Yotvata to Shaharut Zugan Ascent and Visiting the Coolest Village in the Arava Round Trip, 21.7km Ayt Mountain and Kasui Dunes ?Is this route in Morocco or Israel Round Trip, 32.4km Barak and Vardit Canyons Two wild canyons and a viewpoint overlooking the Ashosh Valley deep in the Arava Round Trip, 30.3km Sapir A triangular route from Sapir with views over Tzevira Stream and a visit to Mount Gavim Round Trip, 23.5km Tzafit and Paras A short route between two beautiful and technical nehalim in the northern Arava Round Trip, 15.7km Akrabim Crown Four Ascents of Ramat Akrabim: Ali, Akrabim, Gov and Tzafir Round Trip, 29.5km Mount Yehoram to Beer Ora Long and Technical Between Eilat’s Mountains One Way, 28.2km Mount Tzfahot and Gishron Cliffs Ascents, Dry Riverbeds, Canyons, Cliffs and Asphalts – This Route Give It All Round Trip, 21.9km Timna Sightseeing Visiting Timna Park’s Attractions Round Trip, 25.4km Timna Circle Malhan Ascent, Mount Berekh and Mount Timna Round Trip, 29.3km Timna Valley Marathon A monumental loop through the Timna Valley, from Yotvata to Be’er Ora One Way, 42.4km Bat Sheva and Mount Shlomo Running the Alp of Eilat Round Trip, 19.8km Shani, the Red Canyon and Rehem Between red cliffs and the two main wadis of the Eilat Mountains Round Trip, 24.7km Yahel Loop around Mount Ya’alon on the mountain-bike singletracks of Kibbutz Yahal Round Trip, 24.6km Mount Yotveta and Mount Argaman Ma’ale Tzalea, linked to the Israel National Trail Round Trip, 30.1km