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

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 .

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 7 Ascents in the Dead Sea ⟷31.1km ↗1820m ,One Way Masada and Kanaim Valley ⟷28.1km ↗890m ,Round Trip Or ⟷25km ↗660m ,Round Trip Tzeelim Challenge ⟷40.3km ↗1860m ,Round Trip The Ein Gedi Trilogy ⟷21.5km ↗1370m, Round Trip Ein Bokek ⟷20km ↗660m ,Round Trip Or ⟷12.8km ↗500m ,Round Trip Mikvar and Tor Shoulder ⟷21.3km ↗960m ,One Way Or ⟷18.3km ↗830m ,One Way Tzeelim Circle ⟷25km ↗970m ,Round Trip Or ⟷15.6km ↗680m ,Round Trip Nahal Og, Sugar Trail and Jabal Hermon ⟷27.6km ↗890m, Round Trip או ⟷16.5km ↗430m, Round Trip Masada to Arad ⟷18.9km ↗1040m ,One Way Jabal Hermon Spaghetti ⟷20.8km ↗630m ,Round Trip Or ⟷14.8km ↗530m ,Round Trip Tamarim Knives ⟷24.6km ↗1060m ,Round Trip Or ⟷22.2km ↗880m ,Round Trip Ein Gedi To Mishmar ⟷18.8km ↗720m ,One Way Or ⟷34.4km ↗1190m ,One Way Mount Muntar and Marsaba Monastery ⟷25.6km ↗770m ,Round Trip Slot in the Chawar ⟷25km ↗230m ,Round Trip או ⟷12.7km ↗10m ,One Way Shaat Knifes and Mount Parsa ⟷25.8km ↗830m ,Round Trip Or ⟷16.5km ↗630m ,Round Trip Tzeelim and Mishmar ⟷19.9km ↗880m ,Round Trip Or ⟷11.4km ↗540m ,One Way XC Judean Desert ⟷36.1km ↗350m, One Way

Selected Desert Running in Israel - Mount Arif to Mount Karkom Mount Arif to Mount Karkom Super Wild and Remote Type: One Way Distance: 34.5km Ascent: 850m Descent: 910m Fast-Trekking Duration: 7-8h Start: Har Arif Night Camp End: Har Karkom Night Camp GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A unique and diverse route. The first segment climbs Har Arif, then continues south on complex, rolling terrain. After Be’er Karkom Campground, the route ascends into a panoramic knife-edge section leading to Har Karkom, which opens into a broad plateau. A committing route. Advantages : A highly wild and remote running line, accessible only during limited periods of the year. Disadvantages : No water sources. Access requires a long off-road drive (via Bikat Hasun to the campground and from Har Karkom campground to Highway 10). No public transportation access. Pro Tip : Instead of vehicle shuttling, you can cache a pair of bicycles at Har Karkom Campground and ride back to your car along the jeep track running west of the route. Variation : If needed, the route can be shortened by 4 km by skipping the Har Karkom plateau (from the end of the black trail, descend directly to Har Karkom Campground). See route here . Note: The route must be coordinated when Highway 10 is open to the public or after obtaining military approval.

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 .

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 Akrabim Crown ⟷29.5km ↗1040m ,Round Trip Or ⟷18.3km ↗570m ,Round Trip Yeruham Crater Circle ⟷40.3km ↗1190m ,Round Trip Or ⟷28.5km ↗1020m ,One Way Mount Ardon to Mitzpe Ramon ⟷34.2km ↗880m ,One Way Ramon Spaghetti Marathon ⟷42.3km ↗1110m ,Round trip Or ⟷33.1km ↗1000m ,Round Trip Hod Akev and Mount Tzror ⟷21.8km ↗560m ,Round trip Or ⟷34.6km ↗800m ,Round Trip Crater to Crater ⟷19.5km ↗640m ,One Way Or ⟷37.7km ↗1250m ,One Way XC Ramon - Sapir ⟷36km ↗690m ,One Way Or ⟷23km ↗450m ,Round Trip Mount Karbolet and Tzin ⟷36.4km ↗1030m ,One Way Or ⟷18km ↗660m ,Round Trip Nahal Shualim and Hatira Massif ⟷38.3km ↗610m ,One Way Or ⟷27.8km ↗450m ,One Way Mount Ramon and Mount Ido ⟷19.6km ↗500m ,Round Trip Or ⟷13.6km ↗390m ,Round trip Mamashit and Mount Tzayad ⟷32.2km ↗550m ,Round Trip Ein Yorkeam and Tzafir ⟷19.7km ↗470m ,Round Trip Or ⟷12.7km ↗330m ,Round Trip Small Crater - Half Loop ⟷23.3km ↗770m ,Round Trip Mount Ramon and Lotz ⟷27.5km ↗480m ,Round Trip Mount Arif to Mount Karkom ⟷34.5km ↗850m ,One Way Or ⟷30km ↗780m ,One way Arif Marathon ⟷42.9km ↗940m ,Round Trip

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 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.

Selected Desert Running in Israel Ein Bokek A 5 Stars Line Above the Fancy Hotels Type: Round Trip Distance: 20km Ascent: 630m Descent: 630m Fast Trekking Duration: 4-5h Start: Bokek Ruins, Ein Bokek End: Bokek Ruins, Ein Bokek GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A diverse route that samples climbs, viewpoints, a wadi section, an open desert plateau, and even a promenade stretch along the Dead Sea shoreline. The route is also suitable for a half-day outing. Advantages : Accessible by public transportation. Numerous shortening options. Varied terrain. Disadvantages : No water point. The final 3 km are on the asphalt of the Ein Bokek promenade. Significant cumulative descent. Variation : The route can be shortened by exiting to Road 31 near Ma’ale Zedon and from there hitching a ride, arranging a shuttle, or taking public transportation back to Ein Bokek — see variation here . Point of Interest : Hummus Eliyahu in Ein Bokek.

Selected Desert Running in Israel Tamarim Knives Tamarim Ascent and Two Panoramic Ridge Lines to Keren El-Hajar Type: Round Trip Distance: 24.7km Ascent: 1050m Descent: 1050 m Fast-Trekking Duration: 6-7 Start: Nahal Tmarim parking End: Nahal Tmarim parking GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A route in the “outrageously photogenic” category, progressing along unmarked knife-edge ridges around Nahal Tamarim, with a turnaround point at Keren El-Hajar. A panoramic route that is non-technical. Highly recommended. Advantages : A stunning ridge run along desert knife-edges. Easy to shorten the route if needed. Disadvantages : The route is unmarked and requires basic navigation. Navigation is straightforward along the southern ridge, but the return via the northern ridge requires attention. No water sources. Pro Tip : In February, after the rains, the terrain is covered in green. Variation : The route can be simplified by returning via the blue trail after tagging Keren El-Hajar. The distance remains similar, but the terrain is significantly easier. See the shortened version here .

Selected Desert Running in Israel The Ein Gedi Trilogy Ascents buffet: Mount Tzruya, Mount Ein Gedi, and Mount Yishai Type: Round Trip Distance: 21.5km Ascent: 1370m Descent: 1370m Fast Trekking Duration: 6-7h Start: Khan Ein gedi End: Khan Ein gedi GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A technical and panoramic route that climbs three ascents around Ein Gedi: Ma’ale Tzruya, Ma’ale Bnei HaMoshavim, and Ma’ale Har Yishai. A non-committing route with several exit options. Advantages : Excellent technical vertical training. Option to dip in Nahal Arugot or Nahal David. Public transportation access to Ein Gedi. Disadvantages : No water point (there is water at the entrance to Nahal David and Arugot, but it requires leaving the route). Significant cumulative descent. Point of Interest : Khan Badolina is a great base if staying in the area for several days. Variations : The route can be shortened by exiting after each ascent: via Nahal Arugot, the Chalcolithic Temple, or Nahal David.

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 .