Arad to Massada
with Al–Hashvil, guided by Avi Farjoun
Photo album: Israel Trail Hike 2024-11-20/21
The organizers of our Israel Trail hikes refer to a 2-day overnight trip as a campus, which sounds a bit strange to my American-English ears. This Judean Desert campus wasn’t even a camping trip. Our group stayed at a hotel in Arad, enjoyed comfortable beds, hot showers, and dinner and breakfast in the hotel dining room. At this point in my life, I definitely appreciate these creature comforts after a full day of hiking.
Day 1 – Arad to Kfar Hanokdim
Our group gathered at the end of Hebron Street in Arad. We stepped on to the Israel Trail as soon as we crossed the road.
We descended a tributary of Nahal Dumiya. The trail is dotted with water holes dating from both ancient and modern times. Channels dug along the slopes funnel rain waters into the cisterns.
In Nahal Dumiya we stopped at the Rahamim reservoir (מאגורת רחמים). The walls of the pool have openings to allow flood waters to enter, while keeping out rocks and debris. This reservoir fills almost every year. It is incredible that the wall has stood for so many centuries.
Nahal Dumiya offered a nice stretch of walk-and-talk hiking.
A stop at one of many water cisterns found in this region.
The highlight of the day was Nahal Rahaf. The rock formations provided some challenging descents, ascents and traverses.
Day 2 – Kfar Hanokdim to Massada
After a comfortable night’s sleep and nourishing breakfast at our hotel, we regrouped at Kfar Hanokdim to start the second day of our adventure in the Judean Desert.
We began with a brisk walk to the Birkat Tzfira campground via a red-blaze trail. This was an excellent alternative to walking along the highway as marked by the Israel Trail route designers.
We detoured briefly from the Israel Trail to reach a vista point overlooking Tzfira pool and the spectacular waterfall that comes alive during flash flooding.
The Israel Trail follows the path of Nahal Tze’elim canyon along a ridge high above.
Interesting blips on the landscape.
Another short detour. This time to a shady nook in Nahal Gorni for our lunch break.
Another vista point high above Nahal Tze’elim. I’m envious of my hiking mates who do not fear heights like I do. They get some awesome photo souvenirs.
I prefer to keep my distance from the edge of cliffs. Sitting on solid ground and chilling suits me just fine.
The challenge of the day was the steep descent into Nahal Aneva.
The final leg was a 3-kilometer push to our final stop — coffee and the bus back to our cars.
The complete set of my photos in a Flickr album: Israel Trail Hike 2024-11-20/21
