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
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.