There is no such thing as a climb that is too steep. There are simply people who do not allow themselves to rest, take their time, and look back at the beautiful view. This hike features a climb, beautiful views, and a minimum number of human beings rubbing shoulders with you. Yes, you read that right: There is a version of the ultra-popular Nahal Bokek trail where, during the first half, you will barely see a living soul. How is that possible? Thanks to the climb.
So after agreeing that climbs can actually be a good thing, let us start in an orderly fashion: Nahal Bokek, which you may also know as "Ein Bokek," is one of the most popular trails in the Dead Sea area in particular and in the Judean Desert in general. The reasons for this are good: It is a very short out-and-back trail, less than a kilometer in each direction, with water that makes the arid desert pleasant. What could be better than that?
Therefore, on weekends and holidays, this trail is packed with families, laughter, and plenty of splashing. For that exact reason, it is worth discovering that there is also a slightly challenging circular version suitable for families with children who like to hike.
Prepare for looks of admiration
About two years ago, the Nature and Parks Authority inaugurated an organized entrance foyer to Nahal Bokek, complete with plenty of shade, benches facing the Dead Sea, and a service center with a small shop. After you arrive, settle in, and buy an ice pop like everyone else, leave the crowds who turn left toward the short trail, and turn right (north) onto a red-marked trail. Yes, all eyes will be glued to you: Who are these strange people giving up a light trail in favor of climbing a mountain? The answer: People who want a little peace and quiet. In other words, you.
A few dozen meters up the trail, you will reach Metzad Bokek, a fortified structure established during the Byzantine period (most likely in the sixth century CE). The fort was researched in the late 1960s by archaeologist Mordechai Gichon, and coins from various periods were found inside it and in its surroundings, as well as a workshop for manufacturing cosmetic and medical products. Yes, even many centuries ago, people were wild about Dead Sea products.
Take a deep breath - it begins
After a peek inside the fort (entrance is currently not possible), fill your lungs with fresh oxygen and start climbing west along the red trail. It is going to be steep, but short. As you climb, the view behind you opens up more and more, and the Dead Sea reveals itself in its full glory. Yes, even despite all the mistreatment inflicted upon it by humans.
Another 200 to 300 meters, and right at the moment when you are about to give up on the climb, you will reach a trail junction and a relatively flat path. At this point, leave the red trail and turn left (south) onto a black-marked trail. In a few minutes, this trail will lead you to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the Dead Sea and the hotels of the Ein Bokek complex. This is precisely the time to take your time, because good hikes tend to end faster than expected.
Parents are scared - kids are thrilled
And since after every treacherous climb comes an equally treacherous descent, very soon you will begin walking down a steep slope that will immediately bring you to the water-abundant Nahal Bokek. At the end of the slope, keep a close eye on the children, especially on the section with metal rungs inserted into the rock. This part might scare parents, but thrill children. That is what makes it great, honestly. At the bottom of the descent, the large waterfall of Nahal Bokek awaits you, along with the masses of hikers you met at the entrance foyer. The difference is that you descend here as victors, as brave hikers. You have earned the good water flowing here from every direction fair and square.
This is the place for another rest, opposite the waterfall, which is about three meters high. It is interesting to note that Nahal Bokek, which is about 15 kilometers long, passes here through a beautiful canyon area and flows year-round. In the not-so-distant past, it was polluted, but today clean water is channeled into it, joining its natural springs.
Try saying 'Tristram's starling'
From here, simply follow the black trail west. It is recommended to walk directly inside the shallow water, which at no point along the route exceeds a depth of 20 centimeters. The path will offer you wonderful scenes of water, desert, photogenic tamarisk trees, and perhaps ibexes and rock hyraxes that might agree to show themselves. Didn't see any ibexes? At least raise your eyes to the sky following the sound of the Tristram's starlings, noisy songbirds. Off the record, it is easier to spot Tristram's starlings here than to say their name out loud in Hebrew without getting tongue-tied.
The path from the waterfall to the trail's end point winds for only about 800 meters, so do not forget, once again, to take your time. As we already said: Good hikes end too quickly.
Let's hike
Trail length: About 3 km (circular).
Difficulty level: Moderate (families with children who like to hike. Not suitable for toddlers and small children).
Waze: Nahal Bokek Parking Lot.
Fee? No. Parking and entry are free.
Note: Do not hike in the area when there is a risk of flash floods.
Recommendation: To avoid heavy crowds in the stream, it is recommended to arrive on weekdays or on Friday. On Saturday, arrive early in the morning.
One more thing: Before or after the hike, it is recommended to skip over to nearby Metzad Zohar, which can be reached with any vehicle. A wonderful desert corner that is fun to explore at leisure.