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| Distance: 3.5km | Time: 3 hours | Difficulty: moderate |
| Ascent: 264m |
After years of hiking in Israel, I’ve learned that it’s worthwhile to revisit old favorite trails.
Nature is in constant flux, and that means that trails change from time to time. Take the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, for example. Any card-carrying Israeli has been to this reserve at least a handful of times. I know I have.
But things have been different at Ein Gedi since 2023, when a deadly rockslide forced officials to close the classic Nahal David waterfall trail. Flood damage in the years since has kept much of the reserve closed too.
We haven’t been back to Ein Gedi since that time. But this past Friday, I began dreaming of a beautiful spot in the reserve: Dodim Cave.
The last time we’d hiked to Dodim Cave, we had accessed this hidden waterfall via the Nahal David trail. Back then, we’d left the main path and climbed up in the heat towards the lesser traveled Dodim Cave and Ein Gedi spring.
While some of the Nahal David trail had reopened, entrance to Dodim Cave from that path was still blocked (September 2026). So we turned to the map and scouted out another approach towards this magnificent oasis.
And I’m so happy we did. This past Friday’s trip was a much needed mini adventure. The scenery was magnificent, the water was cool, and we had the waterfall cave all to ourselves.
Here’s how we hiked it:
Into the Judean Desert
We had decided to leave early and get there early – our favorite strategy to avoid crowds during hot weather. So we pulled up to the gate on the road towards Nahal Arugot at just before 8 AM, before it had even opened.
A few minutes later, a parks authority jeep showed up and opened the gate. We parked our car by the trailhead, but were immediately advised by the ranger there that we had to head over to the Nahal Arugot entrance first and pay the entrance fee before beginning (despite the fact that we are Matmon members and were not required to pay).
No matter. We drove over and swiped our card, then returned to the trailhead ready to begin a long, hot ascent.
So Was it Long and Hot?
The parks authority website had cautioned that this hike was for experienced hikers only. They said that the 2 kilometer hike up would take at least 3 hours (!)
So we were prepared for pain.
But looking at the projected ascent, we couldn’t understand what would be so difficult about this hike to Dodim Cave. Sure, it was hot out, but the ascent through the desert above the Dead Sea seemed relatively mild and straightforward.
And it was. We climbed comfortably along the trail for less than twenty minutes until we reached Ein Gedi spring.
The Spring
The really nice part about Ein Gedi spring is the shade. It’s a delightful little patch of greenery amid an otherwise dry and open area.
The pool there is shallow, but pretty, and at this point we got to enjoy our first glimpse of the freshwater oasis that is Ein Gedi. And as the ranger advised us, this is the only place that you are officially allowed to picnic on the way.
But we had bigger plans in mind: we wanted to reach the cool rushing waters at Dodim Cave ASAP. So we continued on past the spring and continued up towards our destination.
Dodim Cave
After a bit more hiking, we began to hear water rushing by below. We walked along the ridge, enjoying views of the Dead Sea and a peek at the canyon down below.
And then we reached the first waterfall.
It’s always shocking to see cool, fresh water rushing through the desert. There it appeared, as if out of nowhere, streaming over the white cliffs of Ein Gedi. We past the first fall, and climbed down a few metal rungs, continuing towards several deep pools. There, we stopped for a refreshing dip before the grand reveal.
At this point, I almost couldn’t remember what the Dodim Cave looked like last time we were there. I had beautiful pictures of the place. Would it be the same? Would it be dark and shady and full of plants and cool water and feel like a hidden pirate’s cove?
The Grand Reveal
We climbed down one last set of metal rungs. And there it was – Dodim Cave in all its glory.
A cool waterfall rushed down with tremendous force into a shallow pool below. Moss and greenery grew thick on grey rock. A hidden cave sat just beyond the waterfall, filled with clear pools and shade and a gentle mist that made the entire place look magical.
We had found our desert oasis. And we were the only ones there.
We enjoyed a massive adrenaline rush of white water pounding on our bodies in the waterfall, then climbed up to explore the cave deep within. And once we were officially soaking wet, we sat on a little dry patch next to the fall and took out our thermos of coffee.
Sitting there on a blanket, taking in the crazy beautiful scenery all around, I felt truly content. Just over an hour from home, this unbelievable place is always waiting here.
And all we had to do to find it is to take the path less traveled.
Hikers’ Notes:
Here’s what you need to know to hike this new path to Dodim Cave:
- The reserve is open from 8 AM to 4 PM in the wintertime and 8 PM to 5 PM in the summer. Hours change on weekends and holidays. Check the National Parks site for more info.
- Bring plenty of water and good shoes to hike this trail! The Parks Authority has gotten a bit bossy at Ein Gedi in recent years. When you pay the entrance fee, they will likely suggest that you bring 3 liters of water per person, which is definitely unnecessary for this short trail.
- No dogs allowed.
- This trail could be suitable for children who like to hike. There is an uphill, so make sure they are prepared!
- This trail could be suitable for children who like to hike. There is an uphill, so make sure they are prepared!
- Best suited to early morning, or cooler days.
- From small parking area before Nahal Arugot, follow black trail markers and signs towards Ein Gedi spring and then to Dodim cave. You will receive a map at the entrance and the park ranger can show you the route.
