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Masada and the Kanaim Valley The Runner Trail and Mount Elazar ⟷28.1km ↗1002m The Ein Gedi Trilogy Open Buffet Acsents: Mount Tzruya, Mount Ein Gedi and Mount Yishai ⟷20.7km ↗2030m Circle the crater of Yeruham An elegant and large panoramic line around a breathtaking natural phenomenon ⟷40.2km ↗1536m Mount Ayt Ma'aleh Ketura, Ma'aleh Yitro and one eagle in the middle ⟷39.6km ↗780m Bat Sheva, Mount Solomon and Rodad Visit the Alp of Eilat ⟷19.8km ↗720m Ramon Crater for Sapir Cross-desert run: from the Negev desert to the Arava ⟷36km ↗905m Jabel Hermon Spaghetti One of the most beautiful runs in the country Timna Sightseeing Visiting the attractions of Timna Park ⟷25.4km ↗540m Mount Ayt Ma'aleh Ketura, Ma'aleh Yitro and one eagle in the middle ⟷39.6km ↗780m Mount Ramon to Mount Arif Farthest from civilization and long enough to distill ⟷42.9km ↗940m Timna Circle Ma'ale Malhan, Mount Berech and Mount Timna ⟷29.3km ↗1151m Tze'elim Challenge Eight Degrees of Tze'elim Canyon ⟷40.3km ↗1860m Sapir Triangle from Sapir with a view of Nahal Tsabira and a visit to Mount Gavim ⟷23.5km ↗400m Ein Gedi to Nahal Mishmar A line flowing on the Judean Desert stage and a visit to Ein Hever ⟷19.9km ↗874m Timna Sightseeing Visiting the attractions of Timna Park ⟷25.4km ↗540m From Masada to Arad Long line across the Judean Desert ⟷18.9km ↗1329m Akrabim Crown Challenge Four Ascents of Ramat Akrabim: Ali, Akrabim, Gov and Tzafir ⟷29.5km ↗1040m Nahal Og, the Sugar Trail and Jabel Hermon Spaghetti between knives and powder ⟷27.6km ↗890m Mount Arif to Mount Karkom The most remote and wild there is ⟷34.5km ↗850m Mount Muntar and Marsaba Monastery The most beautiful monastery in the country in the backyard of Ma'ale Adumim ⟷25.6km ↗770m Mount Ardon to Mitzpe Ramon Mahmal Ascent and a long panoramic line over the Ramon Crater ⟷32.3km ↗997m Barak, Vardit and a Kippa Two crazy canyons and a view of the Ashush Valley deep in the Arava ⟷30.3km ↗660m Avnat to Qumran Short and sweet over the Dead Sea ⟷13.7km ↗310m Yotvata to Shaharut Ma'ale Zogan and a visit to the most cool village in the Arava ⟷21.7km ↗766m Seven Ascents in the Dead Sea Ascension Line via Asael, Mishmar, Tze'elim and Masada ⟷31.1km ↗1820m

Selected Desert Running in Israel Small Crater - Half Loop Ashmedai Gate, Ali Ascent and Nahal Matzleot Type: Round Trip Distance: 23.3km Ascent: 770m Descent: 770m Fast-Trekking Duration: 4-5 m Start: Machtesh View Point Parking End: Machtesh View Point Parking GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A diverse route featuring two technical ascents — Ma’ale Eli and Ma’ale Nahal Mitzlaot — followed by a fast and open line crossing the Small Crater and connecting to the Mitzlaot ridge axis. Advantages : Includes a beautiful section of the Israel National Trail with impressive views over the Small Crater. Disadvantages : A committing route. No public transportation access. Pro Tip : A dip at Gev Yamin at the end of the route.

Selected Desert Running in Israel Tzeelim Circle Loop around the Great Canyon of the Judean Desert, via Tzafira Pool and Ma’ale Anava Type: Round Trip Distance: 25km Ascent: 970m Descent: 970m Time: 6-7h Start: Campground Nahal Tzeelim (accessible with private car) End: Campground Nahal Tzeelim GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A panoramic loop around Tze’elim Canyon, mostly on flowing terrain. Advantages: When Tzpira pond is full one can dip (mid-route). Non-technical and flowing route. Disadvantages: Water is not available. Not accessible with public transportation. Variation 1: The route can be exited by descending Namer Ascent into Tzeelim dry riverbed and continue east toward the starting point. See variation here . Variation 2: One can deposit a car or hitchhike from Tzeelim upper nightcamp (exactly mid-road). There is not much traffic on that road during weekdays so don't count on hitchhiking.

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 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 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 Shani, the Red Canyon and Rehem Through red cliffs and Eilat's 2 major Nehalim Type: Round Trip Distance: 24.7km Ascent: 980m Descent: 980m Fast-Trekking Duration: 6-7h Start: Amram Parking End: Amram Parking GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A varied route in the heart of the Eilat Mountains with an outbound leg through Nahal Shani — a sandy, climbing, and slow section — a visit to the Red Canyon — a technical ladder section — and a return leg along a flowing, descending mountain bike singletrack. Although it may not appear long, it should not be underestimated. A committing route. Advantages : The sandy uphill run in Nahal Shani is tough, but the flowing descent through Rechem makes it worthwhile. Disadvantages: No water sources. On weekends, the Red Canyon can be crowded with visitors. Consider : The day before, you can cache water at the Red Canyon parking area. Variation : In case of necessity or emergency, you can exit the route after the Red Canyon to Road 12 and call a taxi. See route here.

Selected Desert Running in Israel Ein Gedi To Mishmar Tzruya Ascent and a Flowing Line on the Desert’s Plateau Type: One Way Distance: 18.8km Ascent: 720m Descent: 690m Fast-Trekking Duration: 4-5h Start: Khan Ein Gedi End: Campground Nahal Mishmar (accessible with private car) GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A varied route featuring the climb up Ma’ale Tzruya and the narrow Tzruya ridge, an open line across the desert plateau, and a descent into Nahal Mishmar. It passes through Gavei Hever and Ein Mishmar. Variation 1: The run can be extended by exiting Campground Nahal Mishmar to road 90 and continuing running on the road north to the starting point (+7km). Variation 2 : The route can be turned into a tough 34 km loop by ascending via the southern Ma’ale Mishmar back to Mount Tzruya. See the variation here . Advantages: In the season its possible to dip the pond in Nahal Hever. Besides Tzroya Acents and Mishmar North ascent, the route is not technical. There is a public transportation to Ein Gedi. Disadvantages: Water is not available. Substantial descent. Interest Point: Khan Badulina in Ein Gedi is a great place to stay if based a few days in the region.

Selected Desert Running in Israel Mount Tzfahot and Gishron Cliffs Ascents, Dry Riverbeds, Canyons, Cliffs and Asphalts – This Route Give It All Type: Round Trip Distance: 26.2km Ascent: 1010m Descent: 1010m Fast-Trekking Duration: 5-6h Start: Field School, Eilat End: Field School, Eilat GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A circular route featuring a significant, sustained and technical ascent through Nahal and the cliffs of Gishron, with a fast, descending jeep-track return leg. Advantages : Impressive terrain along the Egyptian border. Technical route. Accessible by public transportation. Water can be cached at Nahal Shlomo night parking area. Disadvantages : No water sources along the route. Point of Interest : Post-run chill at Mosh’s Beach. Variation : The route can be shortened to 13 km by arranging a shuttle or hitching from Road 12 (Nahal Shlomo night parking area). See route here .

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

Run the Israeli Desert Masada and Kanaim Valley The Runner Trail of Masada and Mount Elazar Type: Round Trip Distance: 28.1km Ascent: 890m Descent: 890m Fast Trekking Duration: 7-8h Start: Masada Hostel, East Parking End: Masada Hostel, East Parking GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A route that begins with a moderate climb along the Runner’s Trail, followed by a circular loop around the Kana’im Valley, mostly non-technical. The route finishes with a descent via Ma’ale Elazar. Parts of the route are unmarked, but the trails are clear. The return leg is a gentle, excellent downhill on a bike singletrack that’s great for running. Advantages : Accessible by public transportation. Disadvantages : No water point. Significant cumulative descent. Note : From the junction with Road 3199 until the trail that climbs Mount Elazar, the route is unmarked. There is a bike singletrack that runs along this section. Variation : A shorter 25 km version starts at Masada West and reduces the climbing load — see route here .

Running the Negev Mountains Tours Negev Mountains Ramon Crater to Sapir Cross Deserts Running: from Negev Mountains to Arave One Way, 36km Akrabim Between the Negev and the Arava: Ma’ale Akrabim and Ma’ale Tzfir Round Trip, 18.3km Mount Ardon to Mitzpe Ramon Mahmal Ascent and a Long Panoramic Line Above Ramon Crater One Way, 32.3km Yeruham Crater to Midreshet Ben Gurion The Big Crater and a Taste of Tzin Desert One Way, 34.2km Hod Akev and Mount Tzror A Tour at the Heart of Tzinim Cliffs Round Trip, 21.8km Yeruham Crater Circle A Big Panoramic Circle around a Breathtaking Phenomenon Round Trip, 40.2km Tzafit and Paras A short route between two beautiful and technical nehalim in the northern Arava Round Trip, 15.7km Crater to Crater No Other Place in the World with Such Craters and There is Only One Run Connecting Them One Way, 19.5km Ein Yorkeam and Tzafir Nahal Hatira, Ma'ale Yamin, Gev Yamin Round Trip, 19.7km Mamashit and Mount Tzayad Through the remains of a Nabataean city and the Yeruham Crater Escarpments Nature Reserve Round Trip, 32.2km Nahal Shualim and Hatira Massif A long point-to-point route from Yeruham to Midreshet Ben-Gurion via Daruch Stream Round Trip, 38.0km Half loop around the Small Crater Ashmedai Gate, Ali Ascent and Nahal Matzleot Round Trip, 22.1km Mount Katom and Shen Ramon From the Table Mountain of Ramon Crater to Mitzpe Ramon One Way, 26.1km Mount Ramon and Mount Ido A Wild Circle on a Moon-Like Terrain Round Trip, 19.6km Mount Ramon and Lotz Lotz Ascent and Lotz Holes Round Trip, 26.7km Mount Arif to Mount Karkom Super Wild and Remote One Way, 34.5km Mount Ramon to Mount Arif As far from civilization as it gets — and long enough to strip things back Round Trip, 42.9km Judaean Desert Arava