Israel Unveils New Hiking Trails at Timna Park - A Desert Gem Awaits Indian Travellers

October 2025: As Israel welcomes the High Holidays and the start of the hiking season, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) and Timna Park have announced the inauguration of newly marked hiking trails, adding fresh energy to one of the country’s most breathtaking natural reserves.

Located in the southern Arava near Eilat, Timna Park is often called Israel’s “desert crown jewel”, a surreal landscape of copper-hued cliffs, rare rock formations, ancient mines, and remarkable archaeological discoveries. Among its most celebrated treasures is the Purple Cloth, a rare textile dating back to the era of King David and King Solomon, offering a tangible link to the region’s biblical past. The newly completed trail project, developed in collaboration with SPNI and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, introduces circular routes for families and adventure trails for seasoned trekkers, including the 24-km “Around Timna” trail, which encircles the park’s most iconic viewpoints. “The story of Timna Park, as told through discoveries like the Purple Cloth, connects nature with Israel’s deep heritage,” said Sagi Raz, CEO of Timna Park. “With these new trails, we invite everyone, from soldiers to students to visiting travellers, to experience the magic of the Arava Desert and rediscover the beauty of our land.”

A Hiker’s Paradise Reimagined A new trail map now highlights all marked paths, their corresponding difficulty levels, and key points of interest. Itzik Ben-Dov, Trail Marking Coordinator at SPNI, explained that the project’s goal was to create a more flexible and eco-sensitive trail system, offering short scenic loops, long-distance routes, and improved connectivity between existing trails, all while minimizing vehicle use and environmental impact. “Every decision was made with conservation in mind,” Ben-Dov shared. “Visitors can now enjoy the perfect balance between accessibility and preservation, whether they’re here for a casual family outing or a challenging desert hike.”

Beyond Hiking: A Haven for Cyclists and Nature Lovers Timna Park is also a cycling hotspot, featuring nearly 70 km of dedicated biking trails developed in collaboration with the Eilot Economic Company, Israel Ministry of Tourism, and the Jewish National Fund. Local guide Ron Bernstein (“Ranger Ron”) shared that several new circular trails now begin at Copper Lake, winding past natural icons like the ‘Sphinx’ and Solomon’s Pillars. Two new ascent routes lead up to Mount Timna, while other additions include the ‘Mushroom and a Half’ and Nahal Mangan circuits, each weaving together Timna’s unique geology, history, and desert serenity.

We wanted to connect every corner of the park with continuous, circular experiences,” Bernstein noted. “Now, visitors can explore Timna’s vast landscapes, from ancient copper mines to panoramic peaks, without retracing their steps.”

Nature, Heritage, and Sustainability in Harmony For decades, the Israel Trails Committee, led by SPNI, has been dedicated to making Israel’s natural beauty accessible through well-marked and safe routes. Shavit Saar Weksler, Director of the Committee, described Timna’s renewed trail system as part of a national effort to create sustainable, family-friendly hiking experiences. “Trail marking isn’t just navigation, it’s our way of connecting people to the landscape,” Weksler said. “Our goal is for every visitor, whether from Israel or abroad, to find trails that match their interests and discover the country’s incredible natural and cultural richness.”

Echoing the sentiment, Golan Reeder, Director of the Southern Arava Region at the Nature and Parks Authority, added that the year-long planning process prioritized both visitor safety and ecosystem protection. “Unused trails were removed, circular paths were added, and every route was designed to tell a story, geological, archaeological, or historical, while preserving the fragile desert ecosystem,” he said.

For Indian Travellers With the growing number of Indian travellers exploring Israel beyond the holy and historic, Timna Park offers a rare opportunity to combine adventure, nature, and culture in one destination. Whether it’s a family-friendly desert walk, a cycling expedition, or a photography-filled day trip from Eilat, the park’s new trails promise an unforgettable glimpse into Israel’s ancient desert soul.