Colored Canyon – Closed Canyon
The Colored Canyon is the best known of all the canyons in the Sinai. It runs between steep walls displaying a palette of incredible colors and rock formations, starting off from a plateau and ending at a sandy wadi. Running
parallel to it is another sandy wadi, from which the Closed Canyon starts
The principle resource supporting the nomads’ livelihood is one they have no control over, rainfall. Remarkably, their careful use of perennial trees, like acacia an dsayal, is one of the nomads’ principle means of maintaining their traditional life-style during prolonged drought. These trees
produce green leaves that can sustainlivesto ck when no other pasture is available. In times of environmental stress the nomads must achieve a very delicate balance
between using and abusing their resources. T heir rules are defined clearly. The most important rule is that only dead wood ca n be cut. Only when no other food is
available should a man take acacia or other tree leaves for his herd, and only then by shaking them off. Similar guidelines also apply to certain shrubs such as argel and
wormwood.
The Colored Canyon(1), located right next to the Closed Canyon, is usually visited from Ein el Furtaga (2) by 4WD. However, it is closer to the coast at Ras Shaitan (3) via Wadi Washwashi, passing Canyon Washwashi (4). The Rainbow Canyon (5), on route from the interior, is also close by.
There is a comfortable lodge at the top of the canyon, at the edge of the plateau, offering nice views and a quiet desert retreat.
The path in the canyon runs between vertical walls, taking sharp turns and leading under a boulder at one point.
The Closed Canyon starts in the next wadi to the Colored Canyon. It involves some climbing and scrambling.
Ein Furtaga is a small oasis along the main asphalt road, and 4WDs to the Colored Canyon go through here.
