Red CanyonRed Canyon at a Glance
About Red Canyon
Red Canyon is a narrow sandstone canyon in Israel’s southern Negev, noted for its red-hued rock walls and short, accessible hiking routes. The canyon is a popular half-day outing for visitors based in the Eilat region.
Trails run along and through sections of the canyon with short climbs and narrow passages; routes are suitable for moderate fitness and typically take under a few hours to complete. The canyon’s red sandstone and sculpted walls are the main natural highlight.
The canyon was carved by erosion into the local sandstone and displays layered bedding and jointing typical of the region’s geology. There is no major built infrastructure inside the canyon beyond marked paths and small parking areas at trailheads.
Red Canyon sits in Israel’s southern Negev desert, within easy driving distance of Eilat on the Red Sea coast. Access is by paved road to marked car parks at the trailheads.
- Trail length and conditions: Marked loop trails are short and popular for day hikes; steep, narrow sections expose layered red sandstone and require caution in summer heat.
Best Time to Visit Red Canyon
Best visited in cooler months; summer temperatures can be extreme in the Negev and surrounding desert.
Weather & Climate near Red Canyon
Red Canyon's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 34°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 4° - 15° | 7° | 7 mm | mostly sunny | 57% | 3.2 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.4h |
| February | Excellent | 5° - 16° | 11° | 9 mm | mostly sunny | 51% | 3.5 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.0h |
| March | Excellent | 8° - 20° | 14° | 7 mm | mostly sunny | 45% | 4.2 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 13° - 26° | 19° | 3 mm | mostly sunny | 38% | 4.4 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.8h |
| May | Ideal | 16° - 30° | 23° | 1 mm | clear | 34% | 4.1 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.5h |
| June | Ideal | 19° - 33° | 26° | 0 mm | clear | 36% | 4.0 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.9h |
| July | Ideal | 21° - 34° | 27° | 0 mm | clear | 37% | 3.7 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 13.7h |
| August | Ideal | 20° - 34° | 27° | 0 mm | clear | 41% | 3.8 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.1h |
| September | Ideal | 19° - 32° | 25° | 0 mm | clear | 46% | 3.7 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 15° - 28° | 21° | 1 mm | clear | 48% | 3.5 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.3h |
| November | Excellent | 10° - 21° | 15° | 5 mm | clear | 51% | 3.3 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.6h |
| December | Excellent | 5° - 16° | 11° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 55% | 3.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.2h |
How to Get to Red Canyon
Red Canyon is near Mitzpe Ramon and Eilat in southern Israel. From Eilat, drive north on Highway 90 and then west toward the canyon; clear signs mark the parking and trailhead. Public transport options are limited; driving or organized tours are most practical.
Tips for Visiting Red Canyon
- Arrive in the late afternoon for the best shadow play on the canyon walls.
- Combine the visit with nearby Dana Nature Reserve or Timna for a longer desert day trip.
- Bring plenty of water and a sun hat; shaded areas are limited.