Har Hozek, Volcanic summit in Golan Heights, Israel

Har Hozek is a volcanic peak in the northern Golan Heights with dark basalt rock and steep slopes all around. The bare surface shows old lava flows and rough stone formations typical of volcanic terrain.

The mountain formed millions of years ago through repeated volcanic eruptions that shaped the entire Golan Heights landscape. This intense geological activity ended long ago and left behind the hardened terrain visible today.

The Hebrew name Hozek and the Arabic Tel Chozek both refer to the same volcanic mound, and the Arabic name preserves the tell form used for archaeological mounds. On clear days the summit view reaches across the Golan plateau and deep into Syrian territory, a panorama shaped by the 1967 occupation of the heights.

Hiking trails go up year-round, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable conditions. Good footwear matters because the rocky ground is uneven and can be slippery.

Har Hozek rises about 200 metres above the surrounding plateau and forms part of a belt of extinct volcanoes along the eastern edge of the Golan Heights. From the summit, which holds an Israeli army post, the view reaches across the whole plateau and deep into Syrian territory.