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 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 Mount Ramon and Mount Ido A Wild Circle on a Moon-Like Terrain Type: Round Trip Distance: 19.6km Ascent: 501m Descent: 501m Fast-Trekking Duration: 4-5h Start: Parking area east to mount Ramon (accessible with private car) End: Parking area east to mount Ramon GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A flowing, non-technical route in the eastern Ramon Crater with modest cumulative ascent and predominantly panoramic terrain. Advantages : Smooth and runnable with no technical sections. Largely panoramic throughout. An easy shortening option is available. Disadvantages : No water sources. No public transportation access. Point of Interest : Recommended to visit Nana Winery in the area after the run. Variation : If needed, the route can be shortened to 13 km by skipping the ascent to Har Ido. See shortened route here .

Selected Desert Running in Israel Akrabim Crown Challenge Four Ascents of Ramat Akrabim: Mazleot, Akrabim, Gov and Tzafir Type: Round Trip Distance: 29.5km Ascent: 1040m Descent: 1040m Fast-Trekking Duration: 7-8h Start: Akrabim Night Camp End: Akrabim Night Camp GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A vertical-kilometer challenge linking the four ascents of Ramat Akrabim from east to west: Ma’aleh Ali, Ma’aleh Akrabim, Ma’aleh Gov and Ma’aleh Tzafir. A steep, technical route on sustained gradients with multiple ladder sections. The route is not fully committing and allows mid-route access to a vehicle. Advantages : Four impressive ascents in one big day. A route with a strong emphasis on climbing. Disadvantages : The ascents are not built for running. Pro Tip : Go very light. Cache food and water at the vehicle starting point. You can also stash water at the Mitzpeh HaMakhtesh parking area (top of Ma’aleh Akrabim), which is accessible by car. Variation 1: The route is designed to allow a possible finish after climbing Ma’aleh Ali and descending via Ma’aleh Akrabim. This variation is 22 km with 650 m of ascent. See here . Variation 2: A shortened alternative focusing on a technical climb up Ma’aleh Akrabim and a flowing descent via Ma’aleh Tzafir. Total 18 km with 570 m of ascent. See here .

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 Mount Ramon and Lotz Lotz Ascent and Lotz Holes Type: Round Trip Distance: 27.5 km Ascent: 480m Descent: 480m Fast-Trekking Duration: 5-6h Start: Borot Lotz (accessible by private car) End : Borot Lotz GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A diverse route in the western Ramon Crater featuring a panoramic segment at Mitzpe Arud, a wild line tagging the top of Ma’ale Lutz, and a connection to a wide jeep track that climbs into a circular loop around Borot Lutz. Advantages : Partly panoramic. The Borot Lutz area features seasonal wildflower blooms. Disadvantages : No water sources. No public transportation access. Point of Interest : Recommended to visit Nana Winery in the area after the run. Variation : The route can be shortened by approximately 3 km by skipping the red trail loop near Borot Lutz.

Selected Desert Running in Israel - Mount Karkom - Hispas Mount Karkom to Mount Hispas Route 8 via Be’er Karkom — with no mention of the Burning Bush Type: Loop Distance: 28.6km Ascent: 560m Descent: 560m Fast-Trekking Duration: 6-7h Start: Har Karkom Night Camp End: Har Karkom Night Camp Advantages: A very wild and remote running line, accessible only during limited times of the year. Disadvantages: No water sources. Technical running terrain. No access by public transportation Note: The route must be planned when Road 10 is open to the public or after obtaining military authorization. Download GPX File

Running the Israeli Desert Tips Type: (‘One Way’ – the ending point is not the starting point, or ‘Round Trip’ – the ending point is also the starting point) Distance: (running distance in km) Ascent: (gaining vertical in meters) Descent: (descending vertical in meters) Time: (estimated required time in hours without breaks) Start: (name of the starting point of the run) End: (name of the ending point of the run) Variation: (possible way for shortening or extending the tour) Advantages: (why this tour is awesome) Disadvantages: (what can be fucked-up about it) Download GPX File: (navigation file if used another navigation tool than Strava) Map: (Interactive map of the run - better used with Komoot app or desktop.)It is strongly recommended to use also amudanan.co.il) How to read this guidebook? This guidebook is using Komoot to describe the run. It is recommended to browse the map on Komoot website or use Komoot App. komoot.com Although Israel has a good cellular coverage – some areas in the desert are not connected. Keep that in mind for navigation purposes and potential emergency. It is recommended to download the route offline – it will reduce battery consumption and will help where cellular is not available. All routes on this website (unless explicitly noted differently) are on a marked trail. Mostly well marked. All marked trails in Israel are on www.amudanan.co.il . It is extremely recommended to download Amud Anan app and use it as a complimentary tool for planning and navigating. Map and Navigation The estimated times on this guide do not factor preparing your gear at the parking, stops for eating, taking pictures, navigation issues etc. Moreover, the time estimated assumes continuous running when it’s rarely the case in reality. Especially on technical lines. Allow at least 20%-30% extra time. The running season in the desert is mostly wintertime when the days are short (plan to finish the run before 16:00). Therefore, the way to execute these runs is to start early, move with a sense of urgency and finish early. Time Management This is a basic guidebook for desert running routes. It describes the principles of the route only in bullet points. The underlined assumption is that users are autonomous and experienced trail runners that can plan and execute adventures on their own. That is especially true for navigating in the desert where the terrain can be technical and remote. At any rate - this website does not take any responsibility of any kind. Go do your own homework and take ownership for your actions. Disclaimer Weather Forecast: www.meteoblue.com Wind Forecast: www.windy.com (I like ECMWF model) Emergency numbers in Israel: https://www.b144.co.il/EmergencyNo.aspx Trail Navigation: https://amudanan.co.il/ Rain Radar App: Home - Flowx Flood warnings: אזהרות | Israel Meteorological Service (ims.gov.il) Weather Forecast and Other Sources Do you plan to mule 10kg of gear and water for the route? Forget it. The tours here require a minimalistic supply of water and the very essential lightweight-category gear. For each route you need to pack slightly different but as a principle - go 'light&fast'. Otherwise you can’t really run, the required amount of time becomes unfeasible and you will compromise your safely on the delicate runs. kit suggestion: - Running Jacket (wind breaker) - Water (0.5L to 2.5L) depends on the season and route - Mobile - Energy bars and gels - Headlamp - Sun glasses - Sun Hate - Painkiller pills - In the winter: down Jacket, gloves and headband (especially in case you might run into the night) Gear Mind the season and region: The Israeli desert is essentially allowing running year-route (yeah - try night running in the summer). That said – every season does have different characteristics that one need to understand and take under consideration. Moreover, the desert differentiates between the Negev Mountains area which is higher, cooler and tend to rain vs. the Judaean and the Arava areas which are lower, warmer and rarely rain. Summer (Jun to October): Extremely hot and running is generally too brutal. The only exception is night running on a non-technical terrain, ideally in full moon Spring (March-May) and autumn (Nov-Dec): Usually these are good seasons in Israel for desert running. It rarely rains, temperatures are relatively warm but possible for running and the days are long enough for doing long lines. Winter (January-February): Weather is generally less stable and some days could be rainy with flooding risk. Although relatively short days, the temperatures for running are comfortable. Note that the nights in the desert, especially in the Negev Mountains, can be below freezing (It’s not unusual to start early morning with a down jacket). Seasons and Conditions ריצת שטח במדבר – כל העקרונות שכדאי לדעת More to Read