Bikepacking Israel
From antiquities to religious sites, from stunning singles to food spots, wineries and springs. You can find all of these and more on the route and in the order they appear from Kazarin.
Points of interest along the route

Zukim: Sandwich 90
A quick stop that leaves riders happy: fresh bread, generous toppings, and juices that restore color to your legs. Grab a sandwich for the road and fill up on water—return to the trail energized.

Zukim: Willow beer
Local beer flavors born from the desert—the place is worth a stop: it's also a great spot to meet other riders and exchange tips about what to do next. You leave with a smile, sometimes with a six-pack in your carrier.

Moa's pillbox
A time jump to the world of the Nabataeans: ancient cisterns and ruins that tell of caravans and trade. It's right on the road—a few minutes of climbing to the fort and your mind fills with imagination. A beautiful picture and to remember that the desert is also an open-air museum

Short ruin
A small fortress hill with a wide view and stone remains that have lasted thousands of years. The climb is short and the reward is great—a light breeze, silence, and a view that clears your head. It's an opportunity to stop, have a bite to eat, and listen to the desert without noise. A simple moment that adds a lot to the journey.

Ramon Crater
First view of the Ramon Crater from the Arava to the west. The changing landscape, the colors, the channels, the hidden corners. Everything is waiting for you to discover. A perfect spot for a black coffee

Nahal Nekrat Single
A maddening desert single that runs between the edges of the stream channels: single lines that invite rhythm, and clean action without drama, and all around the feeling that the crater surrounds from all directions

The colorful wall in the Ardon Stream
Natural color stripes on a rock—red, purple, and gray—as if someone painted with a giant paintbrush. Two minutes from the trail and you are in front of a perfect backdrop for today's photo. Even those who have already seen countless views will stop here. It's short, impressive, and leaves you wanting more.

Khan Barot
A neat island of quiet in the middle of the desert: shade, tables, a place to spread out equipment and get organized. Great for a relaxed lunch break or to set expectations for the next section. If you stay overnight—the sky here is full of stars on a level you won't forget.

Crater Colors National Park
Dunes and sands in a variety of colors that feel like nature's palette. Sometimes you can also find pools of water at the bottom of the rocks and vegetation that feels unrelated to the desert.

Mitzpe Ramon
A summit town with a relaxed atmosphere and amenities for everything a rider needs—food, water, basic equipment, and places to sit for a moment. The main street is friendly, the people are pleasant, and there is always someone to give directions or a recommendation. An ideal stop for breakfast/lunch, refueling, and adjusting expectations for what's to come. You can easily stay here a little longer than you planned—in a good way.
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Mitzpe Ramon: The Barrel Pub
A small place with a huge heart—good beers (including local ones), snacks that are fun to have with your glass, and music that lifts you up without being loud. You enter for a minute and find yourself staying for another round of conversation with locals and other riders. A warm atmosphere of “everyone knows everyone,”

Mitzpe Ramon: Lesha Bakery
The smell of fresh bread draws you in—chloas, loaves of bread, sweet and delicious pastries. Perfect for breakfast before heading out or filling a bag of snacks for the road. The service is cordial, the atmosphere is homey, and a small cafe on the side rounds out the corner. You leave full and satisfied.

Mitzpe Ramon: The Hanging Balcony
A “wow” lookout point for the Ramon Crater—you almost feel like you’re in the air. Stop, look far away, and realize how great this silence is. Two or three photos, a sip of water, and a deep breath that refreshes your head. Easy, accessible, and really worth it.

Single around Ramon and the Negev Mountains
Fun trails that add flow to the journey: flowing sections, open views, and little surprises along the way. An experience that leaves you wanting more.

Avdat National Park
An impressive Nabatean city on the Spice Route—arches, ancient churches, and wide viewpoints. A short tour of the site puts things into perspective and tells a story of desert trade. There are marked, comfortable trails, and it is recommended to bring a hat and water. You will leave with beautiful photos and the feeling of “we touched history.”

Aroma Avdat
Familiar coffee, fresh sandwiches, restrooms, and phone charging. Perfect place to get organized quickly and continue efficiently. If the group is hungry—a quick order and everyone is organized. Saves time and provides pleasant fuel for the rest of the day's riding.

Ein Maarif Observatory
A quiet and easy-to-stop lookout, with a wide horizon and a desert landscape that opens up like a map. The light here is most beautiful in the morning and at dusk, and photography comes out almost by itself.

Hawarim Observatory
A quiet and relaxing viewpoint, with a wide horizon that instantly calms your mind. Stop, sip water, and look at the waves of rock and the channels that spread out below. If there is a light breeze—it works magic here. It is worth a few minutes of sitting quietly and taking a beautiful souvenir photo.

Rock engravings
A small leap into the world of ancient signs on the rock—figures, animals, and stories carved by hand hundreds of years ago. A short walk, a curious look, and a picture without touching of course. A moment that connects nature, people, and time. Returning to the trail with another layer of interest in the journey.

Single Gravel Pits
A flowing trail with fun sections that feel “just right.” There are places to pick up the pace and places to let the bike do the work for you. You end up wanting more.

Sde Boker
A desert heart with a great stop for riders: water, food, shade, and a relaxed kibbutznik atmosphere. You can wander around a bit among the lawns and buildings, feel the slow pace of the place and take a deep breath. A good spot to regroup before continuing your ride.

Sde Boker: The Canaanites
Simple and delicious cuisine that serves generous plates and good coffee. Perfect for a slightly longer stop—to slow down, recharge your batteries, and talk for a moment about what's next. The service is cordial, the food is comforting, and you leave with a smile and a clean plate.

View of the Great Crater
A short stop with a view that effortlessly says “wow.” The rock layers and colors tell a story that doesn’t need explaining—just look. A perfect place for a coffee from the gas stove and a group photo you’ll want to frame.

Gaf Shualim and Nahal Shualim
A wide channel that becomes increasingly narrow and sometimes even a small backwater in the right season, and at the end a fast and maddening flight towards Yeruham.

Yolks in the Shualim River
In the fall months (usually around November) the stream is covered in an exciting yellow bloom. It happens all at once and for a short time—whoever catches it, wins. Stop, take pictures, and fill up on good color for the road.

Lake Yeruham
A true oasis: water, shade and cycling trails all around.

Yeruham: Baking Love in the Desert
A local bakery with a wonderful smell of fresh bread and pastries that make you smile even before you take a bite. Coffee on the side, a bag for the road—and the next hour seems completely different. A small stop that boosts morale in a big way.

Yeruham: Daves Restaurant
אוכל טעים בגישה פשוטה ונדיבה—בדיוק מה שרוכבים צריכים. מנות משביעות, שירות זריז, ויש תמיד אופציה “לקחת לדרך”. יוצאים שבעים ומרוצים, מוכנים לקטע הבא.

Dimona
A pleasant desert city for a quick urban stop: food, groceries, cafes, and basic supplies if needed. Good people, fair prices, and everything is accessible. An efficient stop that sets you up to continue on your route with a clear head.

Dimona: Phaedra and Madera
A cozy restaurant with delicious, accessible food—a great place to stop for fuel in the middle of a day of riding. Generous portions, warm service, and there's always something to suit everyone. Sit in the air conditioning for a moment, recharge your batteries, and continue relaxed and full.

Nahal Mamshit
A beautiful gorge with a classic desert atmosphere, near the remains of a Nabatean city (for those who want to delve deeper into history as well). A short ride in the stream is enough to feel the peace and the changing colors of the rock. A great spot for a relaxing stop in the middle of the day.

Arad
A high city with a good spirit and services for every need of riders: food, water, cafes and grocery stores. The streets are relatively quiet and pleasant to walk around for a few minutes before returning to the terrain. A short stop that restores order and energy.

Arad: Muse Restaurant
A long-standing establishment with a fun atmosphere and food that makes you happy. A varied menu, large portions, and quick service—just what you need when you arrive hungry. You leave with a smile and a feeling of “so much fun we stopped by.”

Single Arad – Neve Zohar
A trail with excellent flow and open views towards the Dead Sea. The lines invite a pace, and there are short stopping points to breathe and look into the distance.

Kfar HaNokdim
A well-maintained desert inn that feels like an island of peace: shade, hot tea, a shower if needed, and smiling people. Perfect for a well-organized stopover or a comfortable overnight stay in the middle of the journey. You leave organized and relaxed.

Itamar Elia Observatory
A quiet observation with a wide horizon and a feeling of “larger than life.” Two minutes to close your eyes, take a deep breath, and understand why you love the desert. Take pictures, smile, and continue.
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From Masada
A powerful encounter between nature and history: a mighty cliff, great stories, and a moment of contemplation. Even if you just stop for a moment at the bottom—the atmosphere does its thing. A place that reminds you of how deeply this trail is connected to time.

Bokek Stream Lookout
A short stop with a view of a beautiful channel that leads to the Dead Sea. Beautiful photos especially in the soft hours of the day. We wash our eyes and continue with an open mind.

Ms. Moore
A surprising and quiet corner in the desert, and sometimes clear water in the right season. A short walk brings you to a moment of true refreshment. A pleasant rest before the wheels start working again.

From Zohar – Back of Zohar Dam
Remains of an ancient city next to a small dam that creates a seasonal reservoir. A pleasant combination of history and nature on the route. A smart stop for a snack, water and at least one picture.

Dead Sea Works Observatory
A rare perspective on the salt factories and colorful pools. We stop to look up, understand the scale, and photograph the blue-turquoise stripes. Back on the trail with an interesting story to share in the evening.
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Peretzim River
Nahal Peretzim is one of the easiest and most pleasant places to bike in the Dead Sea region: a narrow gorge with white limestone walls, a hard riding surface most of the year, and a desert silence that immediately envelops you.

The flour system
Leave your bike in a safe spot in Nahal Peretzim, walk to the entrance, and immediately enter a cool, quiet, and insanely photogenic tunnel.

Floppy eye
A small, quiet water corner that provides a moment of refreshment in the middle of the desert dryness. Sit in the shade, wet your hat, nibble on something good and let your eyes rest on the greenery around you. If you're looking for a gentle, calm moment—this is the place. Perfect for gathering strength before another section of riding.
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Neot HaKikar
A small town with a big heart: a grocery store, a simple and good coffee, and always someone nice to say, “Where are you going next?” A pleasant stop to fill up on water, buy snacks, and chat with the locals. You leave here with a smile, a sense of community, and full batteries.

A groove in the marble
A short and impressive trail that runs through a narrow, white limestone canyon—you feel like you’re entering a natural film set. It’s a trail that brings a big “wow” with it.

Idan Observatory
An easy-to-access vantage point with a wide horizon that connects sea, desert, and green farmland. A ten-minute stop is enough for a coffee, a few photos, and a deep breath to clear your head. Just get there, just enjoy—and it's especially worth it in the morning or before sunset.

Ein Hatzva Complex
A convenient southern center for riders: restrooms, cold water, coffee and snacks, and sometimes a local stall/restaurant is open. This is a great place to get organized—to stretch your muscles, organize your gear, and figure out where you're going next. If you need something small for the route—you'll usually find a solution here.

Zofar Reservoir
A large pool of water in the heart of the desert landscape, with a silence that continues far away. Sitting on the edge, letting the wind play with the helmet, and looking at the sky that opens up. A pleasant stop for a photo, a snack, and a little “no rush”—a simple moment that brings life back to the body and mind.
Consulting, training and coaching
We have gathered for you the tour guides, those who know the Golan trails best and the local residents who help transport bicycles so that they can help you tailor the dream trip that is right for you. They are all residents of the North. Try them and you will not be disappointed.
Guidance, accompaniment, support and help along the way
Gil Mualem

A veteran cyclist and tour guide of the kind who makes cycling a rare experience.
Help with picking up equipment, closing a vacation from start to finish, including accommodation and tailoring a route according to the group's abilities.
Bouncing bikes along the Crossland trails
Tomer Kober

A veteran cyclist who helps with jumps and rescues. A jump in the entire Galilee area will cost 300 shekels, and if you want to get from the Galilee to the Golan or vice versa, the price is 500 shekels. Up to 4 riders and the price is per jump per vehicle, not per rider.
Bicycle shops on the route

Trek - Ein Hamifratz
A very professional store with a personal character and a homely feel. Highly recommended store

Sausar Cycles - Kfar Kama
Selling accessories, repairs and treatments in the magical village of Kfar Kama. An experience just to come in and say hello.

Bicycle Meeting - Beit Hillel
Highly recommended shop! Personal, extremely professional and in the heart of the Galilee. The shop is about a kilometer away from the track.

Imperial - Afikim
04-6754070
A few kilometers from the track, in the Kinneret area. A quality shop that provides solutions and repairs and even equipment for purchase. A highly recommended shop

Rosen & Mintz - Nahariya Branch
04-9920956
A personal store in the heart of Nahariya, next to the track

Alon HaGalil Area Center
About a kilometer from the trail, a unique shop in the heart of the forest

The Bicycle Road - Kfar Tavor
A professional mountain and road bike shop that includes a fine repair workshop.

Bicycles in the Golan - Katzrin
Excellent shop that performs repairs and offers a lot of equipment for purchase

Leanibike - Epic
Extremely personal service, providing almost immediate response and high-quality, professional solutions

Rest - Yehonatan's Residence
Contact person: Reut
052-8451491
Price per couple: 450 NIS
Is there space for a bicycle in the room?

Sarah Shamir - Kfar Szold
Price per couple: 500 NIS + 100 NIS for an additional person
Six beds + space for bike storage

At Dan's - Katzrin
Price per couple: 380 NIS or 450 NIS for the entire Shabbat
Sabbath keepers

At the edge of the landscape - Kfar Szold
Rachel
052-4470187
Price per couple: 400 NIS
Is there a safe place to store bicycles?

Hostel 1062 - Elrom
lilac
Price per couple: 450 NIS
Is there a safe place to store bicycles?

Orly
Price per couple: -400 NIS - 700 NIS per couple midweek, depending on the available room
A unique ecological farm

Elron - Aniam Village
Ronit
Price per couple: 500 NIS for midweek
Nearby grocery store, unique artists' village, cafe and restaurant, easy access to Meyin Ait and Ait Waterfall

Shevat Achim - Tabash Village
Irish
For a couple: Studio 600 NIS per night
Caravan 650NIS per night
10% discount for track riders
A unique complex in the settlement of Tabash in the Lower Galilee

Beyond the Rainbow - Rainbow
Nirit
Price per couple: 500 NIS - 700 NIS depending on the season
Sabbath keepers

Travelers Hotel - Gesher Haziv
04-6883040
Safe bicycle storage
Special discount for cyclists
Coupon code: crosslander25

Travelers Hotel - Dafna
04-6883040
Safe bicycle storage
Special discount for cyclists
Coupon code: crosslander25

Travelers Hotel - Malkia
04-6883040
Safe bicycle storage
Special discount for cyclists
Coupon code: crosslander25

Travelers Hotel - Sde Nehemiah
04-6883040
Safe bicycle storage
Special discount for cyclists
Coupon code: crosslander25

At Shai's - Degania
Shai has an apartment next to the house and he allows for a symbolic amount of 200 NIS per couple, a fully equipped apartment including space for bicycles in the apartment.

Kibbutz Ortal B&Bs
קיבוץ אורטל סידר לנו את חדרי האורבן וסטודיו פלוס בימים א -ד (לא כולל חגים ואוגוסט) ב500שח לזוג! עם הכנסת קוד קופון: bikepacking

Carasso Rural Accommodation - Moshav Sarona
Accommodation for 500 NIS per night for a couple including weekends. 80 NIS for an additional person in the room. A tidy place to store bicycles and a perfect rural atmosphere.


Cross Desert
Odyssey
Scenic Authentic Spiritual Breathtaking Cultural Historic Adventurous Majestic Vibrant Sacred Lush Diverse

A desert odyssey in the heart of Israel
A cycling trip that combines everything that is good about the Israeli desert: shady streambeds, towering cliffs, acacia trees that provide shade and respite, open skies to the brim, and encounters with residents and travelers. The route begins in the Arava, climbs to Mitzpe Ramon, continues along the edge of the Great Crater to Yeruham and Arad, glides to Masada and the Dead Sea, and from there on a flowing and fun route back south.
This is an invitation to embark on a true adventure: a pace dictated by the trail in hidden areas of Israel, deep silence that clears your mind, and encounters with people, nature, and culture.

Along the way, you will encounter the remains of the Nabataean perfume routes, ancient cisterns, springs, and the remains of Roman fortresses.
The craters that are unique to Israel are embedded with unusual geological observations and phenomena, and their high rims offer sweeping views to the horizon. In the Arava you will find inviting settlements; in Mitzpe Ramon, a desert town on the edge of the crater with windows to an unparalleled view.
In Yeruham, a touch of culture and community, and in Arad, a cool mountain breeze before the big descent. Also on the route is Masada, a World Heritage Site that connects desert natural values with episodes that shaped local history.

Zofar - the starting point
We chose to start and finish at Zofer because it is simply the most convenient for riders: available and safe parking inside the moshav, an adjacent grocery store for a last coffee and water refill, and a flat opening/closing section that allows you to warm up comfortably and lower your heart rate at the end.
Additionally, the nearby bus stop connects to the entire country—it's easy to get there by public transportation and easy to get back.

It's a journey that deepens the connection to a place through the small details: a black coffee at a small roadside cafe, a good local beer or an early morning bakery; a conversation with an agricultural worker in the Arava; a night at a khan serving homemade hummus or a guitar by the fire.
The trails are varied—sometimes flowing, sometimes moderately technical—and the desert landscape changes textures and hues throughout the day. There’s a constant sense of discovery here: every saddle reveals a new valley, every wadi opens a gate, and every sunrise paints the cliffs anew.

when:
From November to April, the desert is at its peak: the air is clear, the light is soft, the saddles, spurs, and valleys are still green, the ridges are full, and the colors are sharper after rains.
This is the time when silence envelops, the stars shine, and the ride between history, nature, landscape, and people feels especially natural.
It is recommended to follow weather forecasts and flood warnings, choose pleasant accommodation in small towns or traditional inns, and thus have an accessible, safe, and enjoyable journey with minimal equipment.


Work is being done on the trail all the time, don't forget to download the updated GPX file before you set off on your "journey"!



Files and Numbers
We try to make sure the route is maintained and updated every few months, but the route changes all the time without us even noticing. Fences are erected, paths are diverted, and vegetation grows, so keep in mind that the route will never be sterile, but that's part of the adventure and in the end, you always reach your destination.

Recommended accommodation points on the route
With the help of the residents of the Golan and Galilee, we have compiled recommended accommodation spots for you, at fair prices and with a tidy place for storage.
The bike and you'll also get a smile on the way
And by the way, don't worry, all the accommodation points are located on the route file!!





