Timeline
15:25
Drive to the Saharonim spring parking area. This is the trailhead for the Nekarot Curve. Park and stretch your legs. The canyon walls begin to catch the warm, low-angle light of the late afternoon, creating deep shadows and rich textures in the rock.
15:40
Begin the hike. Go south along the blue trail from the spring. The path curves east and then back north, winding through the dramatic canyon. Walk at a leisurely pace, letting the silence of the Makhtesh Ramon settle in. The golden light intensifies, painting the sandstone in hues of orange and red.
16:15
Find a vantage point within the canyon or just at the exit. Wait here as the sun reaches its lowest point. The final moments of golden light highlight the intricate layers of the Nekarot stream bed. Watch the colors shift from bright gold to soft pink and purple as the sun sets toward the WSW.
16:40
Complete the loop. Exit the canyon and take the left onto the red dirt road that leads back to the starting point at the spring. The air cools quickly now that the sun is down. Check the route for your return transport, as there are no other facilities nearby.
Local tip
The Nekarot Curve hike is a 6 km loop. Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven. There is no food or drink available at the trailhead or in the canyon, so bring water and a snack with you. After the hike, you will need to drive to nearby Mitzpe Ramon for dinner.
Check before you go
- Check the sunset time for your specific date of visit, as it varies by season (e.g., 17:01 in January, 19:44 in July).
- There are no shops or restaurants at the Nekarot Curve trailhead. Plan to eat before or after your visit in Mitzpe Ramon town.
- The trail is unmarked in sections; follow the blue and red markers carefully.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Mitzpe Ramon (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).