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.

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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.