 Get there with Google Maps |  Get there with Waze |  Get there with Moovit |
| Trail Map |  Hike it with Google Earth | Terrain View |
| Distance: 5.4km | Time: 3 hours | Difficulty: Moderate |
| Ascent: 183m |  Trailhead and Markers Gallery |
Have you ever expected one thing and found something else entirely?
This past Friday, we finally (finally!) set out to see the fleeting holmonit flowers on the Yerucham Holmonit Trail. We’d been meaning to check out this trail for years. But between the online warnings about the location (it’s in a shetach esh, an army training zone) and the long drive (an hour and a half from home), we’d simply never made it.
Then there’s the fact that holmonit, the elusive autumn sternbergia, bloom for only a very short window each year. Any time we missed that window, we felt there was no reason to go. In our imagination, the Yerucham Holmonit Trail was only worth hiking for the flowers.
So when word came that the holmonit were blooming earlier than usual, we decided to throw caution to the wind. With no advance army coordination, we made the long drive down to Yerucham. Worst case, we figured, we could always hike in the Great Crater nearby.
But as so often happens when you set out on an adventure in Israel, we were pleasantly surprised. Not only was the trail organized and welcoming, it was beautiful even without the flowers.
And although we were lucky enough to spot some of these capricious yellow blooms, we would have had a great time even if there had been no flowers to find.
Here’s how we hiked it:
Immediately Surprised
Without any advance army coordination, we weren’t completely sure we’d even be hiking that Friday morning. My husband was doubtful, but I was hopeful. If people were reporting flowers, then people had to be hiking there. Plus, Friday mornings are usually okay in a shetach esh.
And wouldn’t you know it? We pulled into the parking lot and were greeted by a ranger with a map, stationed there especially for holmonit season. He walked us through the different routes, and we strapped on our bags and set out.
We were taken with the scenery right away. I’m not sure what I’d expected, but it wasn’t this. The rocky trail was gorgeous, with stone in rich, varied colors much like the nearby Great Crater. We walked through a little valley of rock, climbing over boulders, following the trail markers, and generally having a blast. Birds swooped beneath a bright blue sky filled with puffy white clouds.
Flower Sighting
As we hiked, we scanned the canyon walls for flowers. Holmonit are big, bright and yellow, but that doesn’t make them easy to spot. Until you actually see one, it’s hard to pick them out in a world of desert rock.
We rounded a bend, eyes peeled, and out of the corner of my eye I noticed a splotch of yellow high up on a cliff. Then another, and another. We were thrilled.
So up we climbed to get a closer look. They were beautiful: big yellow petals, so out of place against the stark desert scenery.
It seemed like the perfect place to stop for coffee.
Quiet Time
We spread out our picnic blanket and had our coffee and muffins right there, perched on the edge of the cliff. After a long, hot summer, it felt wonderful to be back in the desert in the cool morning air. We watched birds swoop down to drink from a puddle on the canyon floor, left behind by the rains that had washed through just days earlier.
The view all around was spectacular, with golden desert stretching out in every direction. Even without the holmonit for company, it would have been a perfect spot for breakfast.
Hot coffee in hand, it felt heavenly to relax in such a quiet corner of nature.
Continuing the Search
When we finished, we set back out on the trail in search of more yellow blooms. Although holmonit elsewhere were only just starting to flower, here they seemed to be at the tail end of their season. We passed several clusters of dried-up flowers, their golden petals long gone.
Soon we found ourselves climbing a small white peak. Slowly, slowly, we made our way out of the canyon toward a spectacular viewpoint.
At the top, we stopped to catch our breath and drink some water. It was gorgeous up there, with a cool breeze and amazing 360-degree views. In the distance, we could see Yerucham Lake, ringed with greenery in the middle of the desert. This place really has a little bit of everything.
Just Rambling Through the Desert
As we continued on, we lost ourselves in the scenery and in quiet conversation. This is just the kind of trail where you fall into a rhythm, up and down over the rocks, following the trail markers, enjoying the geological beauty all around you.
Eventually, we realized we’d passed what was supposed to be another major blooming spot. So we backtracked and went searching.
This time, the flowers were much harder to find. But we persevered, and we found them! Off the trail, tucked away high up on the cliffs, were golden blossoms that hardly anyone would ever see.
A Good Day
We finished the 5.4-kilometer loop with a real sense of satisfaction. It had been a fabulous day of flower peeping, gorgeous desert views, and a trail that was just plain fun to hike.
We came to this trail to see the holmonit flowers. But if you miss them, this little trail near Yerucham is still well worth the drive.
Hikers’ Notes:
Here’s what you need to know to hike the Yerucham Holmonit Trail:
- This is a circular trail.
- Kid friendly for kids who like to climb. The trail is rocky, with some scrambling.
- The trail is in a shetach esh (army training zone). Friday mornings are usually open, and during holmonit season a ranger is stationed at the parking lot with maps. Check before you go.
- Holmonit bloom here earlier than at most other sites, usually late October into early November. They're protected flowers, so look but don't pick, and watch your step off the trail.
- Best from fall through spring. Beautiful even without the flowers.
- Bring plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen. There's very little shade.
- Check the trail map in the table at the top of this page to find your way.
