Mount Sodom and Nahal Peratzim

South of Masada along highway 90 there is a hike up Mount Sodom, a hill that is made up almost entirely of halite or rock salt. It is 226 meters above the Dead Sea with some great views (and photography opportunities) but still 170 meters below sea level. Don’t miss the rock formation that has separated from the cliff face due to weathering. It is known as Lot’s wife, a reference to the Biblical story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and how Lot’s wife looked back as they left and was turned into a pillar of salt. Interestingly there are other rock outcrops that are called Lot’s wife in other parts of the world, check Wikipedia for some fascinating accounts like a basalt pillar, a deserted, volcanic island in the Philipines Sea, at the southernmost tip of the Izu archipelago in Japan.

From there it’s a short drive to the canyon at Nahal Peratzim, follow the signs to the Flour Cave (though the cave is closed by order of the Parks Authority for fear of collapse). Pulling off the highway onto a well-packed dirt road you’ll drive a couple of kilometers across the enormous Amiaz Plain until you reach a parking lot. From there it’s a short walk down into the white-walled canyon, the rock walls decorated with swirling designs and textures formed by erosion. The hike is suitable for families and is especially dramatic in moonlight – I’d be happy to take you there.