By DeadSea.com Editorial
Last reviewed: September 2026
This is a 5 km point-to-point hike from the Metzad Zohar area through Nahal Yizrah and Nahal Rom to the hotel road near Ein Bokek. Allow about 3 to 4 hours. Arrange a vehicle shuttle before starting, because the route finishes in a different place from the trailhead.
Route at a glance
| Field | Yizrah and Rom route |
|---|---|
| Format | Point to point |
| Distance | About 5 km |
| Time | About 3 to 4 hours |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Trail | Black-marked route from the Metzad Zohar area |
| Finish | Hotel road beside the bridge over Nahal Rom |
| Transport | Vehicle shuttle required |
| Main hazards | Heat, flash floods, boulders, fixed aids, road and parking logistics |
Other outings around Metzad Zohar use the Nahal Zohar name. The measurements and directions on this page apply only to the point-to-point Yizrah and Rom route.
Where does the route start?
From Route 90 north of Zohar Junction, turn west onto the blue-marked dirt road toward Metzad Zohar. The documented start is near the junction of the blue road and the black hiking trail, roughly 2 km from Route 90.
A low-clearance vehicle may need to stop earlier near the pumping station if the dirt road is rough. Do not continue simply because a higher vehicle went farther. Park only where it is safe and legal, then begin on the current black-marked route.
Where does it finish?
The black trail exits near the hotel road beside the bridge over Nahal Rom, where shade structures mark the finish area. Confirm the pickup position before the group starts walking, and check any current parking restrictions at the finish.
Do not plan a roadside pickup on Route 90. If the finish vehicle cannot be left safely and legally near the hotel road, choose another route.
What is the hike like?
The route passes through the Metzad Zohar landscape and continues through Nahal Yizrah and Nahal Rom. Expect uneven desert ground, boulder passages, and fitted aids. The medium rating assumes hikers who can manage those obstacles and navigate marked junctions.
Use the black trail marking and a current map. Do not switch to a nearby circular route or a shorter Nahal Zohar outing unless the whole plan, including the finish vehicle, is changed.
The archive video above shows scenery near Metzad Zohar, not the complete route. It cannot be used as navigation.
Who should choose this hike?
Choose this route if the group wants a half-day desert hike, can manage boulders and fitted aids, and can place vehicles at both ends. It is a poor choice for a late start, uncertain transport, extreme heat, flood risk, or anyone expecting to return to the starting vehicle on foot automatically.
For a broader route comparison, use the Dead Sea hiking guide.
Heat and flash-flood gate
Do not hike when extreme heat or flash flooding is possible. Rain in the drainage area can create dangerous flow even when the route itself begins under clear sky.
Before departure:
- Check current trail, road, and weather notices.
- Confirm the start and finish on a current map.
- Place the finish vehicle before starting the hike.
- Carry water, food, sun protection, and suitable footwear.
- Leave enough daylight for delays at boulders or junctions.
Turn back if signs, markings, vehicle access, or conditions do not match the plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is this Nahal Zohar route circular?
No. The Yizrah and Rom route is point to point. Arrange transport between the Metzad Zohar start area and the Nahal Rom finish near the hotels.
How long is the hike?
It is about 5 km and usually takes 3 to 4 hours. Those figures apply to this exact point-to-point route.
Where exactly does it end?
The route exits by the hotel road beside the bridge over Nahal Rom, near the shade structures.
Can an ordinary car reach the start?
The approach uses a blue-marked dirt road. Lower-clearance vehicles may need to park earlier near the pumping station, while suitable vehicles may continue closer to the blue and black junction. Decide from current road conditions.
Does the video show the whole route?
No. It is archive footage from near Metzad Zohar and does not document the full Yizrah and Rom itinerary.