If you are a riser, summer is probably the season for you. Here in the desert, but in practice throughout the country, the best hours when you can travel without feeling like you're in the oven on a grill are very limited. The night trips have become popular in light of the hot summer, not only in terms of safety, that has fallen upon us this year.

Another and highly recommended genre is of course the sunrise trips, an excellent opportunity to enjoy the most pleasant and beautiful hours that our country has to offer in this difficult season, and when there is no real option to fly, we must think of creative solutions. Walking in the desert in the summer sounds like a bit of a strange idea, but precisely here, thanks to the altitude and the distance from the sea, it is the most pleasant because the humidity is minimal. Take some ideas for sunrise trips that pile on the sun and the summer, trips for which you'll even need to pack a sweater. 

Har Katum - the twin of Khod Eqab

Between a people's area and a morning field rises a mountain which some call Har Katum and some Har Katu'a, in the bottom line both names do it a favor and accurately describe its impressive physical form. The upper part of the mountain (538 meters above sea level) seems to have been cut with the blade of a large knife, which gave it its name and turned it into an impressive observation point that offers a 360-degree view of the surroundings of Hatira Ridge, Halukim Ridge and Ramat Abdat, on good days you can also see from here the Jordan.  

The route is suitable for traveling families and people who like to walk (it can be extended and also visit gravel pits) suitable for adults and children of course, assuming that everyone has the strength to climb about 100 meters high. It should be taken into account that on Saturdays the settlement's Mehraf is closed to entry, so if you arrive on Shabbat you must go down the purple trail markings that exits the road (Route 204) south of the Mehraf. Access with private is convenient, but note that it is a dirt road. 

Nahal Hvarim (credit: Anat Harmoni, Flash 90)
Nahal Hvarim (credit: Anat Harmoni, Flash 90)

Upper Havarim stream

Usually you arrive at Nahal Havarim on nights of a full moon, for the classic route that starts at the Havarim pit and ends at the Serpentine parking lot. The upper part of the stream, which starts more or less in the vicinity of the Ramat Baryud intersection, is less traveled but very impressive. In the light of twilight and sunrise, the marl rocks look just as beautiful as on a moonlit night, their moderation in this part of the stream allows fun play for children and adults alike, and the chance of seeing animals such as foxes or hyenas is relatively high during these hours. Don't worry, here, everyone is afraid of us, the most stressful predator in nature. The route is suitable for traveling families and can be extended or shortened easily and without getting involved in complex navigations. 

View of the crater from Mount Avnon (credit: MEITAL SHARABI)
View of the crater from Mount Avnon (credit: MEITAL SHARABI)
Mount Avnon - crater observation 

Those who wish to get to the sunrise view and forego walking, can simply register at Wise - Mount Avnon. This observation deck is one of the most impressive in the Negev and overlooks the geological wonder that is the Great Crater (or by its other name, the Yeruham Crater). And if you are already here, after drinking good coffee in front of the sun rising over the mountains of Jordan, drive a little further to Ein Yorkam, one of the most beautiful and pleasant springs in the Negev. During these hours you will also probably be there alone, or with someone who read the article. 

The author is Ofer Levy, guide, Instagram, phone - 052-2492688