One of the world’s great runs is Masada’s Snake Path, where you’ll run from the lowest place on earth, gaining 400 meters to the summit where you’ll enjoy views of the Dead Sea, the Judean desert, and the Jordanian mountains. Masada is a historic site in Israel, where Jewish rebels held up against Roman legions. King Herod’s fortress has been remarkably preserved. It is a particular treat to reach the summit and watch the sunrise. The run is about 2 km, involving 1,148 feet of elevation gain and employing 700 steps. You can walk/run back down, or take the cable car. Be prepared for the heat — this is the desert!
For a running contrast, enjoy a gentle trail run at the nearby Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, a lush desert oasis where fresh spring waters bring greenery and wildlife to the stark desert terrain. There are nine hiking trails. The most ‘runnable’ is the Wadi David loop, where you’ll run along the dry river bed (Wadi) to David’s waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in at this gorgeous spot. For a longer run, continue from David’s Fall onto more difficult trails towards Shulamit’s Spring, Dodim’s Cave, and finally, the Ein Gedi Spring. The footing is a bit tougher here and this involves some climbing. There are water pools along the way for a refreshing dip! A color-coded map with trail information can be obtained at the ticket office. Only accessible during opening hours.
Add-On: Just a few km south, you can run at the lowest point on earth on a paved multi-use path along the Dead Sea, between Ein Bokek & Neve Zohar.
One of the world’s great runs is Masada’s Snake Path, where you’ll run from the lowest place on earth, gaining 400 meters to the summit where you’ll enjoy views of the Dead Sea, the Judean desert, and the Jordanian mountains. Masada is a historic site in Israel, where Jewish rebels held up against Roman legions. King Herod’s fortress has been remarkably preserved. It is a particular treat to reach the summit and watch the sunrise. The run is about 2 km, involving 1,148 feet of elevation gain and employing 700 steps. You can walk/run back down, or take the cable car. Be prepared for the heat — this is the desert!
For a running contrast, enjoy a gentle trail run at the nearby Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, a lush desert oasis where fresh spring waters bring greenery and wildlife to the stark desert terrain. There are nine hiking trails. The most ‘runnable’ is the Wadi David loop, where you’ll run along the dry river bed (Wadi) to David’s waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in at this gorgeous spot. For a longer run, continue from David’s Fall onto more difficult trails towards Shulamit’s Spring, Dodim’s Cave, and finally, the Ein Gedi Spring. The footing is a bit tougher here and this involves some climbing. There are water pools along the way for a refreshing dip! A color-coded map with trail information can be obtained at the ticket office. Only accessible during opening hours.
Add-On: Just a few km south, you can run at the lowest point on earth on a paved multi-use path along the Dead Sea, between Ein Bokek & Neve Zohar.
Israel's second largest city is a lively, multicultural dynamo. The signature running in Tel Aviv is the promenade along the Mediterranean. Nice runs along the Yarkon River, some cool neighborhoods, Boulevard Rothschild, and Herzliya.
The best places to run in Jerusalem include our 'runseeing' tour, the Promenade (Tayelet), rail trail (Rekevet), The Forest, Sacher Park, and the Ben Shemen Forest. We don't recommend running in the Old City.
This northern Israel port city with its hilly setting overlooking the Mediterranean has some gorgeous running. Highlights are the seaside path, the Bahá'í Gardens area, the famed 1,000 Steps, Mt. Carmel National Park, and Ein Hashofet Forest.
Nice waterfront running paths in these northern Israel spots near the Lebanon border. From Nahariya, the path goes for 3 km south to Shavei Zion. From Acre, the path goes for 3 km north. Also, do a quick jaunt around the Acre Old City!
Some good running around the Sea of Galilee. A 'runseeing' tour of Tiberias Old City, including the Yigal Alon Promenade, a few km of nice running along the Jordan River, and a good section of the Israel National Trail above the sea.
Some hilly, scenic running in Safed, the highest city in Israel. The recommended run is up to and around the Citadel, which has great views of the out to the Galilee. Also some good trail running in Limonim Forest.
Run at the lowest point on earth! Just south of Masada, a pedestrian/cycle path runs for 9 km along the Dead Sea between Ein Bobek and Neve Zohar. Great views of the water and surrounding mountains. Get a post-run treatment at the famed Zohar Hot Springs!
Southern Israeli port and resort town on the Red Sea near Jordan, popular with visitors. Our 6.4 km route features the beach promenade and marina, mostly off-road. Timna Park, 20 km north, has spectacular desert trail running.
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For a running contrast, enjoy a gentle trail run at the nearby Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, a lush desert oasis where fresh spring waters bring greenery and wildlife to the stark desert terrain. There are nine hiking trails. The most ‘runnable’ is the Wadi David loop, where you’ll run along the dry river bed (Wadi) to David’s waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in at this gorgeous spot. For a longer run, continue from David’s Fall onto more difficult trails towards Shulamit’s Spring, Dodim’s Cave, and finally, the Ein Gedi Spring. The footing is a bit tougher here and this involves some climbing. There are water pools along the way for a refreshing dip! A color-coded map with trail information can be obtained at the ticket office. Only accessible during opening hours.
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