Nahal Darga

Nahal Darga is the longest stream in the Judean Desert, and in its canyon section near Metzukei Dragot it forms one of the best-known wet routes in Israel: a long string of small drops, passages through a narrow canyon, and pools that stay full after the winter floods.

The drops are descended with the help of a rope, and many of the pools are crossed by swimming. It is a long, hard day that needs good fitness, swimming ability and control on rope descents. In the busy season movement through the canyon is slow and the day gets longer.

The canyon is in an Israel Nature and Parks Authority reserve with binding rules: advance registration, a briefing by the ranger at the start, limited entry hours, and no entry when there is flash flood risk or extreme heat. Lower Nahal Darga is documented separately in the catalog.

ההגעה על כביש 90 בין ק"מ 258 ל-259, עד למחסום הצבאי מצוקי דרגות. משם פונים מערבה לכביש המטפס דרך שמורת טבע מצוק העתקים, כ-7 ק"מ עד לתחנת המידע בכניסה למסלול.

Drive Route 90 to the Metzukei Dragot army checkpoint and turn west onto the road that climbs through the Metzuk HaAtakim reserve to the information station at the trailhead. Entry starts early in the morning, and the last entry is earlier in winter. Before setting out, check on the registration site that the canyon has not been closed for floods or heat.

Parking by the information station at the trailhead. Nearby is a free overnight campsite, a few minutes' walk from the start, by advance booking only.

No entry when there is flash flood risk or extreme heat, and no staying in the canyon after dark. Swimming is a must; after floods the water is very cold and hypothermia is a risk. The water in the pools is standing and may be stale. Closed shoes, emergency gear and the ranger's briefing are mandatory, and flotation gear is not allowed. Cell coverage is partial, and there are emergency points in the canyon: keep track of the segment number so you can report your position in an emergency. Poachers' ammunition remains have been found: do not touch suspicious objects.

עונה מומלצת: אביב (מרץ-מאי). אסור להיכנס בזמן התרעות שיטפון. בקיץ (יולי-אוגוסט) חם מדי. בחורף בריכות עמוקות יותר ויש סיכון לשיטפונות.

For groups of fit adults who swim well, not for beginners. The best season is spring: summer is too hot, and in winter the pools are deeper and the flood risk is high. Start with the first entry slot in the morning.

A short rope for lowering bags and protecting the descents, closed shoes with good grip, dry bags for anything that must stay dry, clothing suited to cold water, emergency gear and water for the whole day.