Masada by the Snake Path

From the eastern visitor centre of Masada National Park (מצדה) take the track across the bed of Nahal Masada to the foot of the Snake Path, which zigzags up the east face, much of it on steps with a handrail, to the gate on the rim. On top, walk north past the storerooms and bathhouse to the Northern Palace, stepped down the cliff, then along the west side past the synagogue and the Byzantine Gate above the Roman siege ramp, and south past the great cisterns to the Southern Fortress. Come back through the middle of the plateau and go down the way you came.

It is 5.7 km round with 348 m of ascent; allow about 2½ hours. The grade is Hard: a steep, sustained climb on an earth path and steps, in full sun, then easy paths on the summit.

Start at first light. The Snake Path opens about an hour before sunrise, and in heat it closes early: on days of moderate heat load the last start up is 10:00, on heavy heat-load days 08:00. Carry at least 3 litres of water each; there are taps at the visitor centre and on the summit.

Adults pay 37 NIS without the cable car; registering in advance is recommended. The car park is free, and Egged buses on Route 90 stop at the visitor centre.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.