Astonishing. Brimming with history. Treasure trove of geological wonders and one-of-a-kind sights. Hidden in the expanse of the Israeli Negev desert in Southern Israel, Timna Park simply cannot be missed.
Visiting Timna Park
Timna Park is located at Israel’s most southern tip, just 15 minutes drive from the resort city of Eilat. 15,000 acres of desert landscapes, fascinating history, unique geological formations, and beautiful wildlife make for a perfect excursion.
5 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Timna
Timna Park is full of incredibly amazing sights, ancient rock engraving, Israelite tabernacle replicas, ancient copper mines, a hidden oasis, and stunning canyons. A safari like trip around the park is full of wonder.
1. Mushroom Rock
Perhaps the most famous of all of Timna’s incredible rock formations, the Mushroom Rock is named for its striking resemblance to a mushroom. Throughout history the rock eroded more rapidly at the bottom of the structure giving it a memorable shape. On the way to the Mushroom Rock you’ll pass a small visitor’s center with remains and information about an ancient copper mine in the area (one of the oldest in the entire world).
2. Spiral Hill
After driving through the entrance of Timna, you’ll be amazed by the sheer beauty of the landscapes around you. And then, as you gaze at the mountains and skies, your eyes will wander to a very distinct sight. A rock that seems to spiral into the sky, like a little huge Hersey Kiss in the middle of the desert. As tempting as it is, you can’t really climb up the rock, but it’s certainly a beautiful sight.
3. Solomon’s Pillars
One of the most stunning and overwhelming areas of Timna Park, Solomon’s Pillars are another example of this park’s incredibly unique rock formations. The pillars were formed as a result of erosion along the cracks of the sandstone. Just a few minutes walk from the pillars, you’ll also find an ancient Egyptian temple for the goddess Hathor.
4. Hidden Lake
Technically outside of Timna Park proper (just a few minutes drive away), the Hidden Lake is a site not to be missed. Unlike the manmade oasis within Timna Park itself, this surprising lake is 100% natural. No one expects to see a bright greenish-blue lake in the middle of the desert, but this lake is there to shock us all!
5. The Empty Road
The desert is famous for its beauty. But the area around Timna park is a whole other level. The jagged, harsh mountains of multiples shades of brown, gray, and red juxtapose majestically against the cloudless blue sky. The road leading up to Timna Park has one of the most beautiful views that I have seen. Stop to appreciate it before entering the park itself.
How to Get There
Timna Park is located at the southernmost point of Israel, in the Negev desert. It is quite a distance from most of the big cities of Israel, but it is only about a 15 minutes drive from the resort city of Eilat.
Where to Stay near Timna Park
Timna Park is located in the desert, far away from everything. If you are looking to visit, you’ll most likely need to spend at least one night in the area. It is possible to pitch a tent and camp at Campsite provided by the park itself, to stay on a kibbutz in the area (such as Elifaz) or to choose from one of the countless hotels or Airbnb’s available in Eilat itself.
Tips for Visiting Timna Park
- CAR – Although Timna Park offers many hiking options and bike trails, the best way to explore the park is most likely by car. Arriving to the park is nearly impossible without a vehicle and all the sites are quite a distance apart.
- HEAT – Timna is located very far south in Israel’s scorching desert. It will be sunny and murderously hot. If you are planning on hiking, do not go in the daylight hours of the summer. Bring water!!
- GET A MAP – Maps are available at the entrance to the park and they will be super useful if you are looking to locate multiple aspects of the park. Timna Park is quite large and it can be easy to mistakenly pass by some of the coolest things to see.
- COST – The entry fee for adults in Timna Park is about 40 NIS (~12 USD)
Looking for more amazing things to do in the desert? Check out: DRIVING TO EILAT? HERE ARE 6 PLACES TO STOP ALONG THE WAY TO BREAK UP THE LONG TRIP!
Lots of Love and Safe Travels,
Danielle and Brooke, Colorful Sisters