Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is returning to routine—at least partially: After months of intensive restoration work following the unusual flood in May, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority announced that two additional trails in Nahal David have been reopened to the public.
The reopened trails are intended for experienced hikers only: The trail from Tel Goren to Ein Gedi Spring and Dodim Cave – a linear route involving climbing and descending with iron rungs, with a walking time of about 2.5–3 hours.
The Tsafit Trail (the dry canyon) – a challenging hike lasting 4–5 hours, exposed to the sun and including climbing sections.
Until now, only the short trail up to the first waterfall had been open, but the section leading to David Waterfall will remain closed until restoration is complete. The authority emphasizes that visitors must register in advance on the website and check the flood forecast before arrival.
Eden Uliel, Director of the Arava District in the Nature and Parks Authority, said: “Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is among the most beloved in Israel – last year, about 318,000 people visited. I thank the teams for their painstaking work and remind visitors that these are challenging trails requiring proper preparation and adherence to safety rules.”
The May flood was unusual in its intensity, with over 30 millimeters of rain in just ten minutes – an event that occurs once every 100 to 200 years. It caused geomorphological changes, flooding, and severe damage to the reserve’s infrastructure, including trails and bridges that were completely destroyed.