Flash flood danger
Do not enter the canyon when rain is forecast in the area or upstream, even under clear skies. Check the forecast on the morning of the trip.
A dry canyon near Masada whose drops grow longer and end in tall overhanging ones, for experienced teams in the cool season.
Information as of 10 Jan 2025
At a glance
- Trail length
- 7 km
- Total descent
- 345 m
- Tallest waterfall
- 70 m
- Number of waterfalls
- 5
- Rope needed
- 150 m
- Shuttle
- Not needed
- Circular route:
- Yes
- Flash flood risk:
- High
- Reserve:
- No
Field reports
How much water there was and how it went, from people who were here. Every report is reviewed before it is published.
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Meeting point (parking)
Masada west campsite
The meeting point is the parking spot. You continue on foot from here.
Coordinates: 31.31733, 35.34869
About
Nahal Ben Yair runs down north of Masada to the Dead Sea. It is a dry canyon whose drops keep getting longer: a short opening drop on a slab, then a long, mostly slab drop, and then tall drops that are mostly overhanging.
The tallest drop can be split with a stop at a tree halfway, but it is better done in one go, with the ropes laid out in advance so they pull easily. After the last drop you descend scree to the south, passing a cave that is worth a look.
The canyon is bolted throughout, but it is not maintained by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, so the bolts cannot be trusted. Every team must check the stations and carry leave-behind gear.
Access notes
There are several options. From Masada's western parking, walk north on the Israel National Trail to the first incision of the stream, drop into the bed and rappel, then return to the car on the Runner's Path. You can also park at the eastern lot and climb the Runner's Path and then the Israel Trail to the head of the canyon, or ride the cable car up and walk down the paved path. A car shuttle is possible, but the drive between the two sides is very long.
Parking
Two options: Masada's western parking, where you start on the Israel Trail, or the eastern parking, where you climb the Runner's Path or take the cable car. The cable car only starts running in the morning, not at dawn.
Difficulty and suitability
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Hiking distance
- 7 km
- Water activity
- No
- Route type
- Dry
Descent profile
Scroll sideways for details
Waterfalls(5)
| # | Name | Height | Obstacle | Profile | Landing | Anchor | Bolts and stations | Rope | From previous | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | Height: – | Downclimb | – | – | – | – | – | 100 m | |
| ||||||||||
| 2 | אBypass on the right | Height: 7 m | Waterfall / rappel | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| ||||||||||
| 3 | ב | Height: 9 mOther source: 9 m (rybakian.com, 2019)Other source: 10 m (bashetach.co.il, 2025) | Waterfall / rappel | Slab | – | Bolts | – | 30 m | – | |
| ||||||||||
| 4 | ג | Height: 26 mOther source: 24 m (rybakian.com, 2019)Other source: 30 m (bashetach.co.il, 2025) | Waterfall / rappel | Slab | – | Bolts | – | 70 m | – | |
| ||||||||||
| 5 | Updated 10 Jan 2025 | Height: 70 mOther source: 47 m (rybakian.com, 2019) | Waterfall / rappel | Overhang | – | Bolts | 2 stations | 150 m | – | |
| ||||||||||
| 6 | Updated 10 Jan 2025 | Height: 55 mOther source: 55 m (rybakian.com, 2019) | Waterfall / rappel | Overhang | – | Bolts | – | 120 m | – | |
| ||||||||||
When to go
- JanuaryBest
- FebruaryBest
- MarchBest
- AprilBest
- MayBest
- June
- July
- August
- September
- OctoberBest
- NovemberBest
- DecemberBest
- Best
Shade: שעות צל: בעיקר בשעות הבוקר המוקדמות.
Water: מים: להצטייד בכמות מים מספקת.
Seasons
Points on the map
- ParkingPrimaryאופציה 1 - חנייה בחניון המערבי
31.31733, 35.34869
- Parkingאופציה 2 - חנייה בחניון המזרחי
31.31252, 35.36485
Safety
High flash flood risk: check the forecast for the area and upstream before setting out, and do not enter if rain is possible. The bolts are not maintained and must not be trusted without inspection. Take special care on the scree and the technical passages. Shade is scarce, mostly in the early morning.
Weather constraints
שעות צל: בעיקר בשעות הבוקר המוקדמות. מים: להצטייד בכמות מים מספקת.
Recommendations
For teams experienced with long, overhanging rappels and with checking stations. The season is winter, autumn and spring. Start early while there is shade, and carry enough water for the whole day. A view from Masada is an easy add-on.
Equipment
Two long ropes, at least as long as the tallest drop needs, and leave-behind gear (slings and rings) for the stations. A helmet, harness and descender for each rappeller, and plenty of water.
Data sources
The information on this page was collected from these sources.
- bashetach.co.ilbashetach.co.il, License: all rights reserved (blog content)
- openstreetmap.org© OpenStreetMap contributors, License: ODbL 1.0
- rybakian.comIan Rybak, rybakian.com. dateConfidence: low (bulk resave stamp 2019-11-20; real information date unknown, not later than that), License: unknown; personal site, no licence stated
- Based on the Hebrew guidebook "Judean Desert Canyons" by Ronen Kalimi (2023)
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