Wheels of Love 2026 – Hiking Program
In 2026, we are excited to once again offer a dedicated hiking program as part of Wheels of Love—a chance to experience some of Israel’s most spectacular landscapes on foot while still being very much a part of the Wheels of Love experience.
Each day will feature a 3–4 hour morning hike, followed by lunch together with the Road riders and, on most days, a shorter afternoon hike or walk. The routes have been carefully selected to showcase the extraordinary scenery, history, and geology of the areas we visit without being overly strenuous or technical.
Hikers will be accompanied throughout the event by Keren, our professional hiking guide, as well as staff responsible for security and medical emergencies. Dedicated transportation will take hikers from the hotels to each trailhead and connect us with the rest of the Wheels of Love participants throughout the day.
You'll hike through desert mountains and colorful canyons, explore the remarkable landscapes of Timna and Makhtesh Ramon, and finish the experience in the Jerusalem Hills before joining everyone at ALYN for the emotional conclusion of Wheels of Love.
Day One – Monday, November 9
Mount Yoash & the Red Canyon
Morning: Mount Yoash
Approximately 4 km | About 150 meters of total elevation gain
9:00–13:00 – We begin with a beautiful desert hike near Mount Yoash, with spectacular views across the Eilat Mountains and toward the Egyptian border.
Along the way, Keren will bring the landscape to life with stories about the area's fascinating history and geology—including the story of a former Jordanian Army outpost that was captured without a single shot being fired.
The hike is moderate and designed to give us plenty of time to enjoy the scenery rather than race through it.
13:00 – Lunch at the entrance to the Red Canyon together with the Road riders.
14:00–15:00 – Red Canyon
After lunch, we'll enjoy a short but memorable hike through one of the Eilat Mountains' most beautiful canyons. The route includes several ladders and handrails that make it particularly fun.
Anyone who prefers to skip the afternoon hike can relax at the lunch stop and cheer on the Road groups as they pass through.
16:00 – Return to the hotel.
Day Two – Tuesday, November 10
Pink Canyon & Timna Park
Morning: Pink Canyon, Timna Park
Approximately 6 km | Minimal elevation change
9:00–12:00 – A spectacular hike through the colorful desert landscape of Timna, including the natural pink sandstone arches that make this area so distinctive.
Timna is not only beautiful—it is also one of the most historically fascinating places in the Arava. Copper was mined and processed here thousands of years ago, and we'll learn about some of the world's earliest known copper-smelting activity.
13:00 – Lunch near Kibbutz Yotvata with the Road riders.
14:00 – Return to Timna for a short hike around the magnificent Solomon's Pillars, followed by a walk to Timna Lake.
There, we'll meet up with all of the Wheels of Love riders for a special afternoon gathering.
16:00 – Return to the hotel.
Day Three – Wednesday, November 11
Makhtesh Ramon
Morning: Makhtesh Ramon
Approximately 5 km | About 150 meters of elevation change
10:00–13:00 – Today we move north to one of Israel's great natural wonders: Makhtesh Ramon.
We'll hike inside the makhtesh itself, passing through a remarkable variety of geological formations, colors, and desert terrain while learning how this unique landscape was created.
13:30 – Lunch at Midreshet Ben-Gurion together with the Road groups.
15:00 – A short afternoon hike in the park where all of the Wheels of Love riders will finish their day.
18:00 – Arrival at the Neve Ilan Hotel.
Day Four – Thursday, November 12
Sataf & the Wheels of Love Finale
Morning: Sataf Forest
10:00–12:00 – Our final hike takes us into the green Jerusalem Hills—a dramatic change from the desert landscapes of the previous three days.
We'll hike through the Sataf forest and explore the remains of an ancient Jewish agricultural community, including terraces and historic farming systems that shaped these hills for generations.
13:00 – Lunch with the Road group in Bar Giora.
14:00 – Arrival at ALYN Hospital.
We'll be there to welcome the riders as they complete their final kilometers and celebrate together as Wheels of Love 2026 comes to an emotional finish at ALYN.
Four Days. Four Very Different Landscapes. One Wheels of Love Experience.
The hiking program is designed for participants who want an active and adventurous Wheels of Love experience but would rather explore Israel on foot instead of on two wheels.
You'll hike some of southern and central Israel's most beautiful trails, share meals and celebrations with the riders, and experience the camaraderie and purpose that have always made Wheels of Love so special.
Come hike with us in 2026.