Mount Tzfahot hiking offers a stunning view of the Gulf of Eilat and four (!) Surrounding countries, right at the southern end of the Eilat mountains range, not far from the southern hotel complex in Eilat.
The circular hiking trail on Mount Tzfahot offers a not-so-difficult day hike with spectacular views and is recommended for those looking for a natural attraction while vacationing in the southern city of Eilat. The route detailed below is circular, so it does not require complex logistics of getting there and back.
On the other hand, it is important to be properly prepared for a trip in the sun because the route is not shaded at all.
The height of Mount Tzfahot is 278 meters. It borders the city of Eilat to the south and has a view of the cities of Eilat, Aqaba, Taba, and even the coral island on the shores of Taba. Four countries – Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia are visible from the top.
The Hebrew name of the mountain was given to it because of the slate rock that makes up parts of it. The rock can be seen mostly near the summit and while descending from the mountain. The rock, defined as a metamorphic rock, is formed in a process in which enormous pressures are exerted on it that causes it to change its molecular structure. This is how the rock is formed, built of thin leaves, in layers.
The Israel National Trail also passes through the mountain. The trail itself starts from the Eilat Field School and after about an hour of easy walk reaches the top of the mountain, as part of section 44 of the INT.
The Circular Trail at Mount Tzfahot
Starting point: The “Hotels Square” in Eilat / Almog Beach, Eilat.
Endpoint: Eilat Field School.
Length of the route: about 4 km.
Difficulty level: Medium (climbing to the top of a mountain is not easy at all).
Trail marker: blue going uphill, green going downhill.
Topographic Map: Trail Marking Map No. 20, “Eilat Mountains” (not necessary). (Learn more about topographic maps)
Route Description
The route officially starts in “the hotels square” which is just behind the Club Inn Hotel. Near the hotel, there is a dirt parking lot where you can park the car, but we recommend moving a little towards the Eilat Field School – where we will finish the route – and parking closer to there. Another option is the large dirt parking lot near the Isrotel Red Sea Hotel.
And now, once we parked the car, we can start hiking.
From the hotel’s square, continue with the road west and pass the Club Inn Hotel, and continue along the road until it changes to a jeep road marked with a blue trail marker. We will ascend the blue trail for a kilometer and a half upMount Tzfahot until we reach the wonderful lookout.
And believe us – as tiring as the climb is, all of it will be forgotten as soon as you reach the summit, with a breathtaking view from which you can see four different countries: Israel in the north, Jordan in the east, Egypt in the south, and on a good day, Saudi Arabia. We will look down on the whole Gulf of Eilat, rest a bit, and when we want to return, we will do so with the continuation of the blue trail.
From here we will descend for about two kilometers, during which the trail marker changes to green. We will continue with it to the Eilat Field School – the endpoint of the route.
Descending from the mountain, we will see to the north impressive views of the new neighborhoods of Eilat: high-rises growing among the dark granite hills. Impressive contrast of straight white rectangles compared to the rough lumps of dark rock. At some points, the trail is covered with crumbling soil and fine gravel and you should walk carefully, not to slip.
And a Few Other Things
This is one of the most beautiful spots from which you can see the sunrise over the Gulf of Eilat, so it is worth waking up early and making the trip in the early morning.
Equipment required: comfortable walking shoes, about 3 liters of water per person.