Red Canyon

The Red Canyon Negev Israel in Israel is a narrow slot canyon about 20 kilometers north of Eilat, carved into red Nubian sandstone that glows in shades of crimson, orange, and purple. It is one of the most spectacular short hikes in the Negev, a walk through a geological painting that takes less than two hours but leaves a lasting impression.

Red Sandstone Carved by Water

The canyon was carved over millions of years by flash floods cutting through soft sandstone. The red color comes from iron oxide in the rock, the same mineral that gives Mars its color. As the water eroded the stone, it created narrow passages, smooth walls, and sculpted formations that twist and curve like the inside of an abstract sculpture. In some places the canyon narrows to barely a meter across, and the walls rise 30 meters above you, striped in bands of red, orange, and white.

Walking through the canyon is an experience that engages every sense. The sandstone walls press close on either side, cool to the touch and rippled like frozen water. Overhead, the sky narrows to a thin blue ribbon. As you squeeze through the tightest passages, the silence deepens and the stone seems to pulse with color, shifting from burnt orange to deep violet as the angle of light changes with each step.

Hiking the Red Canyon Negev Israel Loop

The trail is a loop of about 2.5 kilometers. It begins with a descent into the canyon through a series of metal ladders and carved footholds. Once inside, the path winds through narrow passages where you sometimes need to squeeze sideways, climb over boulders, or duck under overhangs. The play of light inside the canyon, especially in the morning when the sun hits the upper walls, is extraordinary. The stone seems to glow from within, and the colors shift with every turn.

The canyon section itself is about 200 meters long, after which the trail opens into a wider wadi and loops back along the ridge above. From the rim, you can see the mountains of Jordan and Saudi Arabia to the east and the Eilat Mountains to the south.

Nubian Sandstone

The sandstone here is part of the Nubian Sandstone formation, a layer of sedimentary rock that stretches from North Africa across the Sinai and into the Negev. It was deposited over hundreds of millions of years, from the Cambrian through the Cretaceous period, when this region was largely a continental desert environment with river systems and sand dunes. The same formation is visible at Timna Park, at Petra in Jordan, and across the Sinai desert. At the Red Canyon, erosion has exposed the most colorful layers, creating a natural gallery of geological art.

Planning Your Visit to the Red Canyon

The trail is marked and well-maintained, with ladders and handrails at the steep sections. It is suitable for families with children over 5, though the ladders require some confidence. The best time to visit is early morning, when the canyon is in shade and the colors are most vivid. In summer, temperatures in this part of the Negev can exceed 40 degrees, so start early. There is a small parking area at the trailhead with no other facilities.

Visit with Hoshen Tours

The Red Canyon is a short but spectacular slot canyon near Eilat, where narrow walls of red and orange sandstone tower above a winding trail that includes ladders and rock scrambles. Hoshen Tours includes it as a hands-on desert adventure that gets visitors into the geology rather than just looking at it. The canyon takes about an hour to walk through and is suitable for moderately fit visitors. Combine it with Timna Park for a full day of Negev geology, or add it to an Eilat itinerary alongside the coral reef. Hoshen Tours often combines this site with Mitzpe Ramon, Ein Avdat, and Negev Brigade Memorial for a memorable day exploring the region.