Israel Trail Archives - ***Asterisks

A Quick Hug to Jerusalem

2 January 2026

The route of this Israel Trail segment bears little resemblance to the "Sataf" segment which I hiked many years ago. Thus, I was eager to complete a hike I missed last year. Moreover, hiking buddy Tia raved about the beauty of this route. So, on a clear but chilly winter day, I joined an other Al-HaShvil hiking group, and saw it for myself.

Sde Boker “Camp-Us”

30 December 2025

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.

Judean Desert “Camp-Us” Part 2

1 December 2025

Two days in the glorious Judean Desert. Crisp and clear panoramic landscapes. The Dead Sea's stunning shades of turquoise and blue. Wide open expanses. And best of all -- disconnected from civilization (truly, there was no phone service). A perfect escape on the Israel Trail.

Season 5, Episode 1

4 November 2025

Five months have elapsed since our group last hiked the Israel Trail together. It was great seeing each other again and catching up on personal news. Fortunately, it was mostly a walk-and-talk kind of route. Unfortunately, the rains have not yet come, and the landscape is barren and brown. Still, it was a wonderful day of escape on the Israel Trail.

Season 4 Finale

10 June 2025

We hiked this segment of the Israel Trail. from south to north. The number ascents and descents would have been the same in the other direction. But for the sake of storytelling, it offered a better chronology. As he led us on the trail, our guide Avi took us from the biblical David and Goliath to modern day Israel.

Hidden Gems

11 May 2025

It's early May and heat waves are now rolling in, adding to the challenge of hiking the Israel Trail. Fortunately, this segment was mostly downhill, and not particularly difficult. Surprisingly, the highlights of the hike were in the places where our guide led us off the currently designated route of the Israel Trail.

Zikaron BaShvil (Memory on the Trail)

25 April 2025

Our hiking group, like the other groups which are now in their fourth season with Al Hashvil, bears the name of a tree. We are the Brosh (cypress) group. In many Mediterranean cultures the cypress represents the tree of life. With its towering, evergreen stature, it symbolizes the uplifting of the human spirit and everlasting life. Indeed, that was the theme of this hike in the hills of Jerusalem.

Green Fields

21 February 2025

This segment of the Israel Trail in the northwest Negev is an easy, walk-and-talk kind of hike. The trail is mostly along agricultural dirt roads. Some might call it boring. But it was all I needed for a brief escape from the distressing and discouraging current events here in Israel. Fortunately, the weather was cool and the sun stayed behind clouds all day. Best of all, the timing was ideal for the visual splendor of verdant fields and winter wildflowers.

Mount Karbolet “Camp-Us”

3 February 2025

The Karbolet is considered one of the most difficult segments of the Israel National Trail. I would never have attempted this 2-day hike on my own - not even at a younger age. Thanks to our superb guide Avi and hiking-mates who literally had my back, I was able to complete a bucket-list adventure.

Judean Desert “Camp-Us”

25 November 2024

Two glorious days on the Israel Trail in the Judean Desert, from Arad to Massada. An overnight trip ("campus" in the lingo of the organizers) but not a camping trip (we stayed in a comfortable hotel). Amazing and challenging desert landscapes. Wonderful comraderie.