In and around Jerusalem

This is a circular ride on the security road around Ma’ale Adumim. A security road does not sound that exciting  - but this one is. Much of the time, you feel as if you are cycling far from the city. Rather you are in the desert overlooking wadis and Bedouin encampments and experiencing spectacular views of the hills of the Judean desert. Ma'ale Adumim is built on top of interconnected hills and much of this ride is on moderately flat roads except for a long last section which has a moderate elevation. 

Ma’ale Adumim is an extremely well-planned garden city, with spacious parks, play areas and roads lined with palms and colorful shrubs. This alone makes it worth a visit.

Shamir Park in Ma'ale Adumim is a good place to leave younger members of your family and a non-cyling spouse while you hit the trail. There is boating on the lake, green lawns for relaxing, dairy and meat restaurants, and during the summer months kids' activities and rides. But there are not a lot of benches on the lawns and no picnic tables. Entrance to the park is free, but the boat rides are not. The disadvantage of using this park as a starting point is that there is a 1¾-mile ride up the hill to the start of the trail, although the incline is not excessively steep.  

Distance: 11 km  (from the rehabilitation hospital)

Difficulty: Most of the trail is on paved roads and suitable for thin-wheeled or hybrid bikes. The ride is moderately flat, except for the last section, which is a long uphill with a moderate elevation. About 80% of the trail has a barrier or fence between the road and the side of the wadis, and is therefore suitable for responsible children. For the other 20% they will need to be careful.

Starting point: There are two possible starting points - either from Shamir Park or from the parking lot of the rehabiliation hospital on Har Habayit close to the center of town .  

Directions from Jerusalem: Enter "Shamir Park" on Waze and click on פארק שמיר/דרך הר  הצופים". Take the slip road to Ma’aleh Adumim (route 471) from route 1 and then the central entrance (which is well marked) to Maale Adumim. Shortly before the security check is Shamir Park on the left. Park here or continue into town. At the second roundabout (roundabout #3), which contains a large dove statue, turn right on Har Habayit. At the next roundabout (roundabout #2), turn left on Dereck Zemach Ha’Sade. Just after the bus stop on the right, turn right into the parking lot of a non-active rehabilitation hospital and park your car here.  

• If you are starting from Shamir Park, cycle up to the rehabiliation hospital parking lot on Har Habayit.

• Facing the building, take the path that goes around the right side of the rehabilitation hospital - this will lead you to Ha’Eshel St. Cross this road and to the right of Has-Shita St. you will see ahead two do-not-enter signs (except for security vehicles). This is the security road you will be riding on. 

• Shortly after entering the security road take the turning on the left. Notice here a rock with the image of a bicycle on it. There are a number of these signs throughout this route to guide you. 

• After about 15 minutes (4 Km), there is a fork not marked with a rock and cycle sign. Take the right-hand fork overlooking the wadi. 

• Shortly after this, there is another fork in the path. Take the road to the left (and not the road to the right which heads down the valley to a water treatment facility). There are no further roads down to the wadi and for the next few intersections keep to the right along the security road. 

• The security path eventually comes to an end opposite an observatory with a dome. Cross the empty parking lot and head onto the main road (Derekh Kedem). Turn left towards the center of town.  

• You will pass a number of roundabouts. At each one continue straight ahead on Derekh Kedem.

• At the fourth roundabout, #10, it is worthwhile taking a short detour to view Park Mishpacha. by turning right on Derekh Ha’gai and shortly on your right you will come to Park Hamishpacha. This is a beautifully laid out park with colorful foliage and climbing equipment for kids.  

• Return to roundabout #10 and continue cycling along Derekh Kedem. You will pass the parking lot for the outdoor shopping mall Kikar Yahalom, then the indoor shopping mall Kanyon Adumim, and then city hall. There are many restaurants in both Kikar Yahalom and Kanyon Adumim. 

• At roundabout # 3, which has a statue of a large dove, continue straight ahead on Derekh Har Ha’tsofim if you are parked at Shamir park and this will take you directly to your car. Otherwise, if you are parked outside the rehabilitation hospital, turn left onto Har Habayit.  

• At roundabout #2  you will see your parking lot on your left. Turn left on Dereck Zemach Ha’Sade. Just after the bus stop on the right, turn right into the parking lot of the rehabilitation hospital.

For nearby places of interest - see the page on this website "In the Judean Desert - Introduction, summary of hikes and attractions".

A view of the Judean desert from the bicycle path overlooking one of the many Bedouin encampments in the wadis around Maale Adumim

Ma'ale Adumim is at a transition zone for vegetation, having vegetation typical for both the Judean Mountains and  Judean Desert.