This segment, approximately 40 km long, begins in the city of Arad and ends at the foot of Masada.
This is the first part of a two-day trail, which descends from the city of Arad at 700 m above sea level, toward the lowest place on earth, 400 m below sea level. The trail crosses the few mountain passes over which the descent from the steep cliffs can be spanned.
The trail begins in the hotel quarter of Arad and descends via the eco tourist ranches facing the desert scenery, above the channel of upper Wadi Rahaf, as far as Kana’im Valley. From Kana’im Valley the trail ascends northward toward Gorni Lookout, with its spectacular view of the northern Judean Desert and the major wadis that cross it. From Mount Kana’im, the trail once again descends between cliffs toward Wadi Kana’im. The descents are long and steep – ride accordingly! A long, moderate climb brings you out of Wadi Kanai’m, and at the end, Masada will appear before you to the east.
