My Go-To Parks at the Judaean Desert!

Exploring Israel

Which are my go-to parks at the Judaean Desert?! So before going into that matter, let’s talk about the Judaean Wilderness. So the Judaean Desert lies east of Jerusalem and descends to the Dead Sea. This amazing wilderness is marked by natural terraces with escarpments. It ends in a steep escarpment dropping to the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley. The Judaean Desert is crossed by numerous wadis from northeast to southeast and has many ravines, most of them quite deep. So that is why the Judaean Wilderness is one of my favorite locations to tour Israel. So what are the parks at the Judaean Desert worth going to?


In This Photo: St. George Monastery in the Judaean Desert

To begin with, there is the Ein Gedi National Park. For sure one of my favorites. Imagine this beautiful oasis perched in the middle of the desert. So yes that is Ein Gedi National Park. Now there are two main routes to visit in that area, and I would recommend going to Wadi Arugot. For sure a better trail by far. Why you might ask? Well, it just has usually much fewer people in that part of the reservation. Also, you have better chances to cold off in freshwater springs compared to Wadi David which is the one most people go to. 

Wadi Darga National Park 

Another one of my go-to parks at the Judaean Desert is Wadi Darga. Even though it is a very challenging hike for most people I recommend it to those that are looking for a more adventurous hike. It’s a long hike that you should start very early that you could end at a reasonable time. Also, you should bear in mind that it takes about eight hours to finish the route. Plus you’ll need about 30m of rope (that is a must-have!). The best time to visit it is after the rains in Israel around March is best! Also, take into account you will get wet since there are water cisterns along the trail and in some cases, swimming is required


In This Photo: Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

Saint George Monastery Ein Prat National Park

Wadi Qelt which is also known as Ein Prat Nature Reserve is for sure one of my go-to parks at the Judaean Desert! Prat Stream is originating near Jerusalem and running into the Jordan River near Jericho; shortly before it flows into the Dead Sea. The hikes there are just breathtaking and leave a strong impression on you. Again I recommended starting early to avoid the crowds and that you won’t be bothered by the heat. Also, if you have time and you feel you want to see an ancient Byzantine monastery. So go and check out the famous Saint George Monastery


In This Photo: Wadi Qelt

 

apt-stamp-white@2x
arik-about

Hi! My name is Arik Haglili, an Israeli native who decided to dedicate his life to share my knowledge about the Holy Land to those that are interested to know more about this amazing piece of land. My career as a private tour guide started at the International School For the Studying of the Holocaust and the rest is history.

Did you know the Hoopoe is Israel's national bird?! For more cool info about Israel, join our ever growing community and get exclusive travel tips, and giveaways!

Simon Peter

RELATED POSTS

Beit Shean National Park

Beit Shean National Park is one of the country’s largest biblical tels with a glorious Roman and Byzantine past! Read this post for more!

Eilat’s Coral Beach Nature Reserve

Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve is the place to sip a sweet drink while basking in the sun! Let all your worries wash away in ...

Avdat National Park

Take a journey back thousands of years to visit a historic city that was once a vital part of the Incense Trade Route, right along ...

Dominus Flevit Church

Dominus Flevit is a church on the Mt. of Olives. According to Luke, it's there where Jesus weeps, lamenting for the destruction of Jerusalem.

Botanical Gardens in Israel

the botanical gardens in Israel are showcasing the unique and diverse flora of the region. Immerse themselves in Israel's landscape.

Ben Gurion Desert Home

Ben-Gurion's desert home was the retirement home of Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion from the years 1953 until his death in 1973.

Pater Noster Church

The Pater Noster Church is located on the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem. stands right next to the ruins of the Byzantine Church of Eleona

Museum of Philistine Culture

The Museum of Philistine Culture is an archaeological museum in Ashdod dedicated to the Philistines and is one a kind in the world.

Stern House Mamilla

The Stern House in Mamilla is notable for accommodating Theodor Herzl during his visit to Jerusalem in 1898. Now it is part of Mamilla Mall.

Wadi Murabba’at Nature Reserve

The Wadi Murabba’at Nature Reserve, known as the Nahal Darga Nature Reserve is one of the best hikes that runs through the Judaean Desert.

Need help?