Towering Timelessness in Timna National Park: Why Solomon’s Pillars Are The Sandstone Cathedrals of the Arava
- Sagi Haim Levy
- Mar 29
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Deep in the Arava Desert, just 20 minutes north of Eilat, lies a landscape so red and rugged it feels like you’ve stepped onto the surface of Mars. Timna National Park is one of the largest and most spectacular nature reserves in Israel, combining 15,000 acres of ancient history, geology, and a direct connection to the stories of the Bible.
From the world’s earliest copper mines to the majestic sandstone "skyscrapers" known as Solomon’s Pillars, Timna is a place where nature and heritage collide in the most dramatic way possible.
Solomon’s Pillars: Architecture of the Wind
Towering 40 meters above the desert floor, Solomon’s Pillars are a series of massive Nubian sandstone columns. Despite the name, they weren't built by King Solomon - they were sculpted over millions of years by wind and water erosion through fractures in the cliffs.
There is an old desert legend that tells of how these pillars stood as the silent guardians of the king's treasure. In reality, they guarded something more valuable to the ancient world: Copper. At the base of the pillars, you can still find the remains of a 13th-century BCE Egyptian temple dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of mining. Standing here, looking up at the sheer scale of the rock, you realize why ancient cultures saw this place as a bridge to the divine.
10 Unique Facts About Timna Park
The World’s First Mines: Timna is home to the world’s earliest copper-mining site, dating back over 6,000 years.
King Solomon’s Mines? While the pillars are natural, recent excavations have found evidence of massive copper production during the 10th century BCE—the era of King Solomon.
The Mushroom: One of the park's most iconic rock formations is a giant red sandstone "mushroom," created by wind eating away the softer base faster than the cap.
Royal Purple: Archaeologists recently found pieces of 3,000-year-old fabric dyed in "Argaman" (Royal Purple) here—the most expensive color in the ancient world.
Egyptian Rock Carvings: Near the pillars, you can see a 3,300-year-old carving of Pharaoh Ramses III offering a sacrifice to the goddess Hathor.
The Hidden Lake: Deep in the desert park lies a small, shimmering lake surrounded by shaded seating—a true desert oasis.
Colored Sand: The sand at Timna comes in shades of red, yellow, orange, and even green (from the copper).
The Sphinx: The park features a natural rock formation that looks exactly like a crouching Egyptian Sphinx.
Ancient Chariots: In the "Valley of Rock Drawings," you can see carvings of Egyptian chariots and hunters that are thousands of years old.
Acoustic Perfection: Due to the shape of the cliffs at Solomon's Pillars, the site is used for world-class opera and live music performances under the stars.
The Tabernacle: A Full-Scale Biblical Replica
Perhaps the most moving part of Timna is the Life-Size Tabernacle Replica. Constructed in exact accordance with the dimensions in the Book of Exodus, it stands in the very wilderness where the Israelites wandered for 40 years.
Walking into the courtyard, past the Bronze Altar and the Golden Menorah, and standing before the Ark of the Covenant, the biblical text suddenly comes to life. It is a sensory experience - the smell of the desert air and the sight of the white fabric flapping in the wind - that connects you to the history of this land in a way a book never could.
Essential Visitor Information (Updated 2026)
Opening Hours: The park is open Sunday through Thursday and Saturday from 08:00 to 16:00, and Fridays from 08:00 to 15:00. During the peak heat of summer (July–August), the park closes early at 13:00 for safety.
Entrance Fee: Admission is approximately 44 ILS.
Please note that the Tabernacle replica tour is a separate experience and usually requires a small additional fee and advance booking.
How to Get There: Timna is located about 20 minutes north of Eilat on Highway 90. Because the park covers over 15,000 acres, a private car or a professional guide is essential - you cannot navigate this site on foot!
Pro-Tip: Start your visit at the "Mines of Time" multimedia show near the entrance. It provides a high-tech 10-minute overview that makes the rock formations much more meaningful once you see them in person.
Family Adventure: Fun Things to Do in Park Timna
Timna is a massive desert playground. If you are traveling with kids, these are the "must-do" activities that make the history feel like an adventure:
Colored Sand Bottling: At the Timna Lake, kids can fill clear glass bottles with layers of naturally occurring colored sand from the park. It’s the ultimate low-tech, high-fun souvenir.
Pedal Boats on the Lake: Yes, there is a lake in the middle of the desert! You can rent pedal boats and enjoy a quiet moment on the water surrounded by towering red cliffs.
The "Mushroom" Hike: An easy, short walk leads to a rock formation that looks like a giant stone mushroom. It’s the perfect height for kid-friendly exploration and a great "scale" photo.
Ancient Copper Mining: You can actually crawl through some of the ancient, safe mining shafts. It’s like a natural "escape room" that teaches kids about the Bronze Age while they play.
Night Tours & Stargazing: During holidays and summer months, Timna offers "Sunset to Starlight" tours. The park is illuminated with colorful lights, and the desert sky offers some of the best stargazing in Israel.
The Best Way to Visit: The Sagi Levy Way
Timna Park is massive, and navigating the winding desert roads to find the "hidden" rock carvings or the best sunset spots can be a challenge in the desert heat.
The Best Way to Visit: To ensure you see the secret grottoes and the most photogenic panoramas at the perfect time, the best way is always with a Sagi Levy Israel Tour Guide. I take you beyond the standard paths, providing the historical context that turns a pile of red rocks into a living story of kings, miners, and miracles.
Quick Visitor Info:
Opening Hours: Sunday–Thursday & Saturday: 08:00 – 16:00 | Friday: 08:00 – 15:00 (Note: Hours may be shorter during July, August, and holidays—usually 08:00 – 13:00).
Tickets: Approximately 45 NIS for adults and 36 NIS for children (ages 3-14).
Top Tip: The park is best explored by car or bike due to its size. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a hat for the desert sun!
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Israel’s story of natural wonder is best told while standing among the towering sandstone cathedrals of the Arava Desert. Don't just see the rocks: feel the ancient, red-hued majesty and the breathtaking horizons that have drawn explorers to these copper mines for thousands of years.
Join the hundreds of families and explorers who have discovered the magic of the desert with us since 2025.
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