Timna Park
near Elifaz, Southern District (Israel)
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Trail photos
Itinerary description
For someone used to hiking mostly in Central Europe, hiking in Israel in general, and especially in Timna Park, is a very special experience. Almost like walking on an alien planet...
Waypoints
Rock Formation
The typical Rock Formation in thr Park: The upper half is sea sediment of limestone and clay (turned stone), the lower half is older sandstone.
Salomon's columns
This a natural rock formation created by erosion, but you can walk up some stairs and reach an acient Egyptian temple or shrine. However, because of hundreds of tourists carried there by buses and queueing at the stairs in line, I chose not to go there.
Fort
There is no sign indicating who build this little fortress and why - was it the ancient Egyptians or the IDF?
Wild Goats
These Wild Goats appeared from nowhere and seemed not afraid of humans at all. I did not approach them but stayed on the hiking trail and watched them. They noticed me, but continued eating from the few dry bushes. To see such wild animals, you do have to walk far away from the roads used by buses and cars. In the more remote and quiet spots you will feel the magic of the desert.
Wadi
These dried riverbeds are good to move ahead, as they have fewer rocks in them than the surrounding aread. Supposedly water can come surprisingly and devastating, so one should never put up a tent or otherwise choose to spend the night in such a place.
Tree and Cave
Trees grow mostly where there is a source of underground water nearby. Erosion has created numerous cave within the rock formations.
Trail
Another part of the trail though dry riverbed. In Timna Park, one should always stay on official hiking trails which are indicated by numerous colored markings, as seen on this photo - both to protect wildlife and to avoid getting into some really dangerous places, of which there are a few.
Canyon
The (officially marked!) trail goes through many places like this one, where some improvised climbing is required to move on.
Block
In several places, the way through the canyon was blocked like this. It took some climbing actions (and torn pants) to get over all such obstacles on this trail...
Orange Canyon
Not to be confused with the so-called red canyon, which is in a totally different place, this passage shows an amazing formation of brown and orange-colored rock. Not knowing its official name, I call it the orange canyon :-)
Rock Creature
This rock formation looks like a huge ancient monster turned to stone. When arriving there, after walking through the hot desert for several hours, you may get the impression of this creature slowly turning its giant head towards you...
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