Hod Akev to Machtesh Ramon
with Al–Hashvil, guided by Avi Farjoun
Photos: Israel Trail Hike 2025-12-24/25
Recent rains and flash-floods combined with ideal hiking weather gave us two challenging and glorious days on the Israel Trail in the Negev. We climbed peaks, descended canyons, and crossed vast desert landscapes. Many “wow!” moments of awe and amazement — moments my photos can only hint at. Photos captured and shared by my hiking mates help tell the story.
Day 1 – Hod Akev to Upper Ein Avdat (Avdat)
The biggest challenge of the hike (for me, at least) was the climb up Hod Akev.
Halfway up, I had to pause for a few minutes to lower my pulse. Fellow hikers were quick to come to my aid, waiting with me until I resumed climbing. After adjusting my pace, I was fine for the two days of hiking. (I even returned home without any sore muscles!)
The Israel Trail goes up and over the top of Hod Akev. Most went straight. I joined the group that took the lesser climb around, on the path to the left.
Occasionally we had other opportunities to chose a prefered path.
Dropping down into Nahal Akev. I immediately recognized the canyon, having visited here several times on jeeping excursions when our kids were young.
Ein Akev gets its water from both groundwater springs and rainfall/flooding, but the main source is a spring.
The main Akev pool (in foreground) fed primarily by groundwater springs.
Rain that falls over a large catchment area infiltrates the rock and slowly emerges at the spring.
Despite my familiarity with Ein Akev, it was amazing to see the aftermath of the rains and floods. This large pond is just an example. We were incredibly lucky to witness this phenomenon.
The Israel Trail continues south along Nahal Akev, to the Upper Ein Akev. The year-round flow of water from the springs is responsible for the lush growth of reeds that dominate the landscape along this portion of the trail.
At our final stop in Nahal Akev, we were visited by a small herd of ibex. Incredibly remarkable how close they came to us. It is the water and the vegetation that attracts them, of course.
The tree in the image appears to be dead or dying. Our guide Avi – who regularly comes through here – noted signs of new growth on the tree, thanks to the abundance of rain this year.
Day 2 – Nahal Hava to Metzad Machmal (Machtesh Ramon)
Well-rested and refreshed after an overnight stay in a hotel in Mitzpeh Ramon, our second day began with a steep and technical descent into Nahal Hava.
At the bottom, the Israel Trail turns to the right (east). But we turned left for a short detour to visit Gev Hava (Hava pool).
The canyon walls were reminiscent of those in Petra.
Once again, we witnessed the aftermath of abundant rain and flooding.
According to our guide Avi, the pool was several times larger than its typical length and depth.
After seeing photos on the internet of this site, I was able to truly appreciate the magnitude of the flooding that swept through this canyon.
A bit more technical hiking in Nahal Hava.
The Israel Trial heads out of Nahal Hava and up into a gully that has no name.
This portion of the hike called for “bouldering”, as I like to call it. Fortunately, I have the knee mobility required to cope with this challenge.
The combined challenge of boulders and ponds.
This “waterfall”, pool, and rock perforation have no name. A photo-opportunity not to be missed!
Heading up through the fissure.
Near the top, stopping for a moment to view the awesome formations.
Emerging to a view of Nahal Hava and the Zin valley beyond. .
Now, on to regular hiking for several kilometers through the desert. Our escort jeep met us several times to provide water, tea and coffee.
The final vista of the day — overlooking Machtesh Ramon from Metzad Mahmal, the ruins of a stronghold on the northern cliff of the machtesh.
The last leg of our trek — a descent into Machesh Ramon.
A bonus at the end of the day. On the 4×4 vehicle that brought us back to our cars we drove past the area designated as the Ramon Colors Route.
Although it is too early for blossoms and wildflowers, the desert is showing its first signs of awakening.
Complete photo album: Israel Trail Hike 2025-12-24/25
