Search this site

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 Yotvata to Shaharut Zugan Ascent and Visiting the Coolest Village in the Arava Type: Round Trip Distance: 21.7km Ascent: 680m Descent: 680 m Fast-Trekking Duration: 5-6h Start: South to Kibbutz Yotvata, castle ruins End: South to Kibbutz Yotvata, castle ruins GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A route with three main sections — a flowing, open approach to the top of Ma’ale Zug; a panoramic line along the edge of the Shaharut cliffs; and a technical, slower return via Nahal Shaharut. A committing route. Variation 1: The route can shorten by deposit a car in Shaharut but the drive back to the starting point is relatively long. Variation 2 : For those with a bigger appetite, a 30 km route is available here . Advantages: The line is mostly flowing and non-technical. Water is available in Shaharut (knock on one of the doors). Public transportation is available. Disadvantages: No convenient way to exit the route.

Selected Desert Running in Israel Shaat Knifes and Mount Parsa Bokek Ascent, Ya’ir, and free-style along the knife-edge ridges Type: Round Trip Distance: 30.1km Ascent: 850m Descent: 850m Fast-Trekking Duration: 7-8 h Start: Ein Bokek End: Ein Bokek GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : An ascent to the Ein Bokek viewpoint, followed by a route on soft singletrack terrain, mostly unmarked but clear and flowing. Variation: It’s possible to cut about 10 km from the route by skipping Mount Parsa – see route here. Advantages: An unmarked route that’s excellent for running. Accessible by public transport. Disadvantages: None.

Selected Desert Running in Israel Nahal Shualim and Hatira Massif A long point-to-point route from Yeruham to Midreshet Ben-Gurion via Daruch Stream Type : One Way Distance : 38.0km Ascent : 660m Descent : 660m Fast-Trekking Duration : 7-8h Start : Yeruham Stronghold End : Midreshet Ben Gurion GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A volume route, partially unmarked but very clear, running between two central Negev towns. Non-technical overall, except for the Horseshoe (Parsat Daruch) section, which includes a stunning panoramic segment above the Yeruham Crater and the impressive Nahal Daruch. Advantages : Running along the western rim of the crater is excellent — an unmarked but beautiful section. Public transport access to both Yeruham and Midreshet Ben-Gurion. Disadvantages : A committing route. No water sources. Variation : It’s possible to shorten the route by about 10 km by finishing at Merhav Am (public transport available) – see route here.

Selected Desert Running in Israel Tzeelim and Mishmar 3 Technical Ascents, 2 Canyons, and One Desert Plateau Type: Round Trip Distance: 19.9km Ascent: 880m Descent: 880m Fast-Trekking Time: 4-5h Start: Campground Nahal Tzeelim (accessible with private car) End: Campground Nahal Tzeelim (accessible with private car) GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A loop route starting at Tze’elim Campground, crossing Nahal Mishmar, with a balanced mix of technical ascents and the open plateau of the Judean Desert. Advantages: The Mishmar ascents South and North are very nice Disadvantages: Water is not available. Not accessible with public transportation Variation: The route can be shorten substantially by exiting through Nahal Mishmar and connecting road 90. From there it is possible to hitchhike, deposit a car in advance or run back to the starting point. See short variation here .

Selected Desert Running in Israel Masada to Arad A Big Line Throughout the Judaean Desert Type: One-Way Distance: 18.9km Ascent: 1040m Descent: 180m Fast-Trekking Duration: 5-6h Start: Masada Hostel / East Parking End: Moav View Point, Arad GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : Route on the Judean Desert plateau – a non-technical route with a moderate, sustained ascent. Variation 1: The route can be shorten slightly by starting at Masada west parking and bypass Elazar ascent. Variation 2: The opposite direction of the route is easier. Advantages: Accessible with public transportation to the trailhead. Disadvantage: Water is not available. It is unlikely to hitchhike back to the starting point. One therefore need to deposit a car or take a taxi back. Recommendation: Han Badulina in Ein Gedi is a great base to stay for a few days

Selected Desert Running in Israel 7 Ascents in the Dead Sea A line of ascents via Ashal, Mishmar, Tze’elim, and Masada Type: One way Distance: 31.1km Ascent: 1820m Descent: 1740m Fast Trekking Duration: 7-8h Start: Nahal Mishmar Night Camp End: Masada East GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A technical route composed of a collection of steep ascents through the canyons of Mishmar, Tze’elim, and Masada. A major challenge — not for hot days. Advantages: A challenging route, but structured with several exit points. It finishes at Masada, making it relatively easy to hitch a ride back to Nahal Mishmar. The emphasis is on climbing. There are exit options via Nahal Mishmar and Nahal Tze’elim if you wish to shorten the route. You can also skip Ma’ale Elazar if the engine runs out. Disadvantages: No water sources. Pro Tip : On days with strong northern winds, the route feels easier with a tailwind at your back.

Eliya Zemmour Authors "After a decade of planning, field testing, and linking lines between ridges and canyons, a team of trail runners and field experts created an open guide to 50 routes in the Judean Desert, the Negev, and the Arava — for trail runners and experienced hikers. Eliya Zemmour, the project initiator, shares the process and the result." from SHVOONG Eliya Zemmour Trail runner, mountain climber, paragliding pilot and head of Desert Guide program in Haifa University eliya.zemmour@gmail.com Sharon Sznitman Professor of Public Health and Head of the Physical Activity and Exercise (MPH) Program at the University of Haifa sznitman@research.haifa.ac.il

Selected Desert Running in Israel Nahal Og, Sugar Trail and Jabal Hermon Spaghetti between ridges and powder Type: Round Trip Distance: 27.6km Ascent: 890m Descent: 890m Fast-Trekking Duration: 7-8h Start: Nahal Og Parking End: Nahal Og Parking GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character: A big but non-committing route with multiple shortening options. The route has three main sections: a flowing, powdery leg along the Sugar Trail; a slower return leg through Nahal Og, including movement along the canyon rim and sandy terrain; and a panoramic loop on Jabal Haramon, featuring a smooth, photogenic line. Advantages: Easy to run and very flowy aside Nahal Og section Disadvantage: No water points. Recommendation: Cache water at the Nabi Musa bridge. Variation: The route can be shortened in many places thanks to the smooth, non-technical terrain. One can avoid Jabal Hermon section - see variation here .

Selected Desert Running in Israel Timna Sightseeing Visiting Timna Park’s Attractions Type: Round Trip Distance: 25.4km Ascent: 540m Descent: 540m Fast-Trekking Duration: 5-6h Start: Timna Park entrance gate End: Timna Park entrance gate GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A route inside Timna Park, partly flowing along mountain-bike singletracks and partly slightly technical with wadi terrain. A non-committing line. In a relatively safe environment with a coffee stop midway. Advantages: An excellent route for getting to know desert running in a safe environment, without technical sections (except for Mount Timna). You can stop for water and coffee at Timna Lake. There are countless spots to camp. Public transportation reaches the main road (from there, hitchhiking to the park is required). Disadvantages: The park might contain many visitors which may not feel wild as a desert should feel. Variation: This route can be shortened or extended in many ways — the park is dense with trails. Below is a softer 15 km version that includes the lake (with a café stop) and Mount Timna. You can find the route here .

A guidebook to long routes and trail running in the Judean, Negev, and Arava deserts​ 50 Most Beautiful Trails in the Israeli Desert Guide to Long Routes and Trail Running in the Judean, Negev and Arava Deserts Judea Negev Arava XC Eilat Mountains ⟷28.2km ↗933m ,One Way או ⟷42km ↗1700m ,One Way Mount Ayt and Kasui Dune ⟷32.4km ↗550m ,Round Trip Yotvata to Shaharut ⟷21.7km ↗680m ,Round Trip Barak and Vardit ⟷30.3km ↗660m ,Round Trip או ⟷20.3km ↗430m ,Round Trip Mount Tzfahot and Gishron Cliffs ⟷26.2km ↗1010m ,Round Trip או ⟷13.2km ↗800m ,One Way Timna Sightseeing ⟷25.4km ↗540m ,Round Trip Or ⟷15.6km ↗390m ,Round Trip Timna Circle ⟷29.3km ↗970m ,Round Trip Or ⟷27.5km ↗800m ,Round Trip Timna Valley Marathon ⟷42.4km ↗1120m ,One Way Or ⟷30.9km ↗880m ,One Way Mount Yotveta and Mount Argaman ⟷30.1km ↗810m ,Round Trip Or ⟷28.2km ↗750m ,Round Trip Yahel ⟷24.6km ↗340m ,Round Trip Or ⟷18.9km ↗270m ,Round Trip Bat Sheva and Mount Shlomo ⟷20.2km ↗720m ,Round Trip Or ⟷15.9km ↗580m ,Round Trip Tzafit and Paras ⟷16.8km ↗346m ,Round trip Or ⟷34.6km ↗930m ,Round Trip The Red Canyon and Rehem ⟷24.7km ↗980m ,Round Trip או ⟷13km ↗710m ,One Way Sapir ⟷24.8km ↗800m ,Round Trip

Selected Desert Running in Israel Mount Ardon to Mitzpe Ramon Mahmal Ascent and a Long Panoramic Line Above Ramon Crater Type: One Way Distance: 34.2km Ascent: 880m Descent: 470m Fast-Trekking Duration: 7-8h Start: Be'erot Campground (Accessible with a private car) End: Mitzpe Ramon by the gas station GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A high-volume route climbing from the depths of Ramon Crater to Mitzpe Ramon. The course includes two major ascents — Ma’ale Ardon and Ma’ale Makhmal — followed by a flowing panoramic line, partly on bike singletracks and partly on jeep roads, all the way to Mitzpe Ramon. Advantages : Aside from Ma’ale Ardon, the route is flowing and runnable with no technical sections. Predominantly panoramic throughout. Disadvantages : No water sources. Hitchhiking back to Be’erot Campground is difficult, requiring vehicle shuttling. No public transportation access. Variation : The route can be made easier by running it in the opposite direction (less cumulative ascent). Point of Interest : Be’erot Campground is an excellent base point for routes in the eastern Ramon Crater.