Northern Israel in the spring is a hiker’s paradise, overflowing with animals, wildflowers, and snow-melt springs and waterfalls. Well-marked trails maintained by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) criss-cross nature reserves and national parks. The mountains—try Mount Meron—offer relatively gentle climbs to beautiful outlooks, many with views of neighboring countries. Head out to Montfort for the isolated ruins of a Crusader castle; “Danger of collapse,” say signs, a threat that will be all too real if you don’t remember to bring water. For the truly hardcore, a trail of epic proportions called Shvil Isra’il spans the country from north to south. Intricate maps and numerous trail guides with internet updates attempt to make the trip seem manageable. At the Dead Sea, escape the tourist traps by heading for the hills: Mitzokei Dragot has some serious hikes that will leave typical Dead Sea floaters in the dust. For a more relaxing escape, the nature reserve in Ein Gedi has freshwater pools fed by waterfalls and surrounded by lush green vegetation. The powdery white rock of Mount Sodom hides a few short hikes that are great for an afternoon. Ein Avdat has some of the driest, emptiest desert in Israel. The nearby crater and cliffs of Mitzpe Ramon have some of the most accessible and breathtaking climbs in the country, with a wide range of difficulties. But when it comes to rock, Petra can’t be beat. The tourist-choked entrance quickly gives way to miles of serene canyons and sculpted pink stone.
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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