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Derech HaAvot Climbing

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Elevation:	3,058 ft	932 m
GPS:	31.66875, 35.13582 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	1,094 total · 12/month
Shared By:	Ploney Almoney on Nov 16, 2017
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Description

Derech HaAvot crags contain bolted lead climbs, toprope routes as well as a significant amount of bouldering on high quality limestone. The crag faces west, with year around climbing. During most of the summer, climbing is limited to the morning while the routes are all in the shade. Naturally, afternoon climbing is best during the winter. Spring and Fall offer comfortable full days of climbing.

The cliff is short, about 10 meters at the tallest point of the crag. Many routes have bulging starts, giving way to vertical climbing to the anchors. Most of the bouldering is situated to the south of the taller rock, with moderate to hard problems. Some of the problems require multiple crash pads and more than one spotter to prevent tumbling falls. With some work to built up and flatten landing zones the need for spotters could be eliminated or reduced.

Bolted leads are all obvious from the ground and currently top out in difficulty at about 7b / 5.12b. Top rope climbs have bolts situated visible only by walking the top of the cliff ranging from easy, kid friendly climbs, to about 5.11d / 7a.

The crag is located along the Path of the Patriarchs immediately west of the community of Elazar about 15 minutes south of Jerusalem. The land status is not Shmurat HaTeva / Nature Preserve, and has been developed as an officially recognized climbing park.

At this time, with both lead and top rope climbs, there are more than 35 established routes. in a compact area. Cranking out 8 or ten routes in a morning is common.

A PDF guidebook in Hebrew, but easily understood as far as (French) grades corresponding to routes can be viewed or downloaded at: drive.google.com/file/d/1Q3…

Getting There

Take highway 60 to Nevei Daniel. Make the turn to the west toward the gate of Nevei Daniel. Immediately on the left you'll see a tall stone retaining wall. After about 200 meters, the retaining wall curves to the south, and a dirt road runs along side it. Turn onto that dirt road. There is a large official sign pointing the way to the climbing area. Follow this for a minute or two until you see the remnant of a Roman era pillar on your right, and limestone paved parking spots. There are stairs to a spectacular overlook. From the parking spots a trail to the south leads to an obvious descent to the crag. The approach takes only a couple minutes to the base.