Nahal David at Ein Gedi: Current Short Route

By DeadSea.com Editorial

Last reviewed: September 2026

Nahal David at Ein Gedi is open, but the current visitor route is much shorter than the classic hike. Following exceptional floods, access is limited to a walk of about 10 minutes from the entrance to the first waterfall. Do not arrive expecting the former extended route.

Current visit at a glance

Field	Current Nahal David visit
Status	Open with a shortened route
Current endpoint	First waterfall
Walk from entrance	About 10 minutes
Why it changed	Exceptional flood damage
Booking	Advance registration required
Accessible section	Adapted path of about 0.5 km, subject to current routing
Separate site	Nahal Arugot requires its own registration

Reserve the exact site you intend to visit. A Nahal David booking does not cover Nahal Arugot, and the two entrances should not be treated as one interchangeable trail system.

What can you see on the shortened route?

The current Nahal David visit reaches the first waterfall after roughly 10 minutes of walking from the entrance. This gives visitors a short taste of Ein Gedi’s spring-fed desert landscape while damaged sections remain unavailable.

The reserve also has an adapted path of about 0.5 km with resting places and a view toward the waterfall known as the Olympic Waterfall. Temporary routing can affect which section is available on the day, so confirm accessibility needs when reserving and again at the entrance.

Do not continue beyond a barrier or follow an old map around a closed section. Floods can change steps, banks, pools, and trail connections even when the entrance itself is open.

How should you plan the visit?

Register in advance for Nahal David and select an arrival time that leaves a comfortable margin before the site’s last entry. Opening hours and last-entry rules can change by season, holiday, weather, or conservation needs, so check the current booking details instead of relying on a saved schedule.

Bring drinking water, sun protection, and footwear with grip. Even a short route combines desert heat with wet rock near the waterfall. Follow staff instructions about where entering water is permitted.

If you also want to visit Nahal Arugot, make a separate reservation and treat it as a separate outing. Do not transfer Nahal David timing, access, or route conditions to Nahal Arugot.

Who is the current route for?

The shortened route is the practical choice for visitors who want a brief nature stop rather than a long hike. It may work well in a wider day that includes Ein Gedi Nature Reserve or another nearby attraction.

It is not a substitute for the former extended routes. Hikers seeking a longer day should choose another currently open trail whose full route and difficulty they can confirm.

Weather and safety gate

Do not enter when the reserve closes because of flash-flood risk, extreme heat, or another official warning. Rain elsewhere in the drainage area can affect the canyon quickly.

Before leaving for Ein Gedi:

Confirm the current Nahal David route and reservation.
Check the day’s weather, flood warnings, and last-entry time.
Ask about the adapted route if anyone has mobility needs.
Carry water even for the short walk.
Obey every barrier and staff instruction.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the walk to the first waterfall?

The current shortened route takes about 10 minutes from the Nahal David entrance to the first waterfall.

Do I need to reserve in advance?

Yes. Advance registration is required. Reserve Nahal David specifically, since Nahal Arugot is a separate site.

Is the full Nahal David trail open?

No. The current visitor route is shortened after exceptional flood damage. Do not follow older extended-route descriptions.

Is there an accessible path?

The reserve describes an adapted section of about 0.5 km with resting places and a waterfall view. Confirm the current accessible route when booking and at the entrance.