Selected Desert Running in Israel Tzafit and Paras A short route between two beautiful and technical nehalim in the northern Arava Type: Round Trip Distance: 16.8km Ascent: 346m Descent: 346m Fast-Trekking Duration: 3-4 h Start: Tzafit Canyon trailhead End: Tzafit Canyon trailhead GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A half-day route linking two technical wadis, featuring ladder sections and a visit to the Pools of Peres (Gevai Peres). Advantages: There is an option to shorten the route by connecting from the end of Tzafit Stream to Highway 25. Although both canyons are short, they include several beautiful ladder sections. Running in the soft sand of the canyons is tough. Disadvantages: The final 3 km running along Highway 90 are a bit of a letdown. Variation : A monumental 35 km route featuring a detour to Ein Tzafit, the top of Ma’ale Hatzera, and Nahal Mazar — you can find it here . It is recommended to cache water at the Nahal Tamar night parking area aside road 25.

Selected Desert Running in Israel Timna Circle Malhan Ascent, Mount Berekh and Mount Timna Type: Round Trip Distance: 29.3km Ascent: 970m Descent: 970m Fast-Trekking Duration: 7-8h Start: Timna park’s entrance End: Timna park’s entrance GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A route that climbs from the Timna Valley up to the Timna cliffs and loops around the park. It tackles three major ascents – Ma’aleh Malhan, Ma’aleh Barekh, and Ma’aleh Har Timna – with significant elevation gain overall. This is a demanding route that requires solid fitness and the ability to handle sustained climbs. Advantages : Mostly flowing terrain. Running above the Timna cliffs feels wild and is highly recommended. Panoramic for much of the way. Public transportation access to the main road (from there, you’ll need a hitchhike into the park). Disadvantages : No water sources. A demanding route with limited shortening options. Note : As proposed, the route does not require paying the park entrance fee. Variation : Toward the end, the route can be slightly shortened by skipping the climb up Mount Timna and returning to the car via the main internal park road. That said, it would be a shame to miss what is arguably the most beautiful “table mountain” in Israel. The variation does not significantly reduce the total distance, but it does allow for a faster exit if you are approaching sunset. See 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 ⟷21.9km ↗920m ,Round Trip Or ⟷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 XC Eilat Mountains Mount Yehoram to Beer Ora Type: One Way Distance: 28.2km Ascent: 933m Descent: 1454m Fast-Trekking Duration: 7-8h Start: Campground Mount Yehoram End: Beer Ora GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A south-to-north traverse of the Eilat Mountains across varied terrain — both technical and flowing — with significant elevation gain. A committing route. Advantages : Dramatic scenery. Technical terrain. A water point in Nahal Shkhoret (a stainless-steel tank intended for thru-hikers — no guarantee it is full). Disadvantages : Relatively committing. No access by public transportation. Variation 1 : You can shorten the route by 2 km by skipping Mount Shlomo. See route here . Variation 2 : The route can be significantly shortened into a 12 km half-day option by exiting through Shkhoret Canyon to Shkhoret night parking area. Access is possible by private vehicle or with a pre-arranged shuttle. See route here . Variation 3 : For the big kids — a monumental Eilat Mountains crossing linking Mount Tzafot to Be’er Ora. See route here .

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.

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

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 Mount Muntar and Marsaba Monastery The most beautiful monastery in the country, right in the backyard of Ma’ale Adumim Type: Round Trip Distance: 25.6km Ascent: 770m Descent: 770m Fast-Trekking Duration: 5-6 h Start: Kedar End: Kedar GPX File Israel Hiking Map Character : A route that runs almost entirely on wide jeep tracks, allowing for fast and fluid movement. Advantages: A smooth, non-technical route on jeep tracks. Disadvantages: The route starts with a gradual descent and ends with a gradual climb. Recommendation: When the monastery is open, it’s possible to refill water there. Variation: The route can also be accessed via a high-quality road that connects to Highway 1 at the turnoff to Nabi Musa and continues south, but parking in Kedar is safer.

Selected Desert Running in Israel Yeruham Crater and Mount Karbolet A Small Circle in a Big Crater Type: Round Trip Distance: 18.3km Ascent: 664m Descent: 662m Fast-Trekking Duration: 3-4h Start: Colored Sands Campground, Yeruham Crater End: Colored Sands Campground, Yeruham Crater Variation: Instead of descending into the crater around mount Karbolet (the descent is not marked as a path) it is possible to descent south toward Oron factory and run back north on the service road of the factory to the starting point Advantages: The run on the crust of mount Karbolet is excellent Disadvantages: Water is not available. The small section of running down to the crater is a bit of scrambling on unmarked path. Public transportation is not available Download GPX File

Running the Judaean Desert Tours Judaean Desert Negev Mountains Arava Seven Ascents in the Dead Sea A line of ascents via Ashal, Mishmar, Tze’elim, and Masada One Way, 31.1km Tzeelim Challenge 8 Ascents of Tzeelim Canyon Round Trip, 40.3km Jabal Hermon Spaghetti One of the Most Beautiful Runs in the Country Round Trip, 20.8km Masada to Arad A Big Line Throughout the Judaean Desert One Way 18.9km Masada and Kanaim Valley Running the Runner Path of Masada and Mount Elazar Round Trip, 28.1km The Ein Gedi Trilogy An Open Buffet of Ascents: Mount Tzruya, Mount Ein Gedi and Mount Ishai Round Trip, 20.7km Ein Bokek A 5 Stars Line Above the Fancy Hotels Round Trip, 20km Tzeelim Circle Tzfira Pond and Anava Ascent Round Trip, 25km Tzeelim and Mishmar 3 Technical Ascents, 2 Canyons, and One Desert Plateau Round Trip, 19.9km Ein Gedi To Mishmar A Flowing Line on the Desert’s Plateau One Way, 19.9km Mitzpe Shalem to Metzoke Dragot Mikvar Ascent and A Gentle Taste of the Desert Round Trip, 16km Tamarim Knives Tamarim Ascent and Two Panoramic Ridge Lines to Keren El-Hajar Round Trip, 24.7km Og and Jabel Hermon Between the Negev and the Arava: Ma’ale Akrabim and Ma’ale Tzfir Round Trip, 27.6km Muntar and Marsaba The most beautiful monastery in the country, right in the backyard of Ma’ale Adumim Round Trip, 25.6km Slot in the Chawar A wild chalkland route in the Sdom Plains Round Trip, 25.0km Shaat Knifes Bokek Ascent and free-style along the knife-edge ridges Round Trip, 25.7km Maon Ranch to Ein Gedi From the southern edge of Mount Hebron to the Dead Sea One Way, 36.1km

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 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 .