OVERVIEW
THE JUDEAN DESERT
The most popular sites for visitors to the Judean Desert are oases, and it is very easy to imagine that this desert is full of springs and streams. Of course, the very opposite is the case. There are only a few springs in the Judean Desert, and it is their rarity (and also their beauty) that make them tourist sites.
This area is a desert because it is in a rain shadow. The central mountain range causes the prevailing winds to lose their moisture on the windward side. As the air rises over the mountains, it cools, and water condenses from the clouds that are formed. As a result the air loses much of its moisture, so that the air on the other side of the mountain is drier and there is little rain.
Unlike the Judean Mountains to the west of the central mountain range that consist of limestone, the slopes of the Judean Desert are composed predominantly of chalk. Both are sedimentary rocks formed when this area was a vast ocean, but they have different properties. Chalk is a soft rock and is relatively impermeable to water. Because of this, there are no shallow aquifers.
Moreover, because rainwater remains on the surface and the slopes are steep, rainfall can lead to sudden flash floods as the water speeds down the erosion-formed steep canyons towards the Dead Sea. Therefore, never never go hiking in the Judean Desert if there is a likelihood of rain. If you are in a park, the wardens will close the park, but if you are not in a park the responsibility is on you.
Despite being a desert, the Judean Desert is not devoid of vegetation. Close to the watershed line, towards the top of the mountain range, there is sufficient rain to support agriculture. Further towards the desert, there is often enough grass on the hillsides and wadis to support shepherding.
Throughout history, the Judean Desert has been a convenient place to escape to, whether it be from enemies or from civilization. Convenient, because it was not that far from the country's major centers. For David escaping from King Saul, Ein Gedi was an excellent place to hide with his fighters. A monk in the Byzantine period could communicate with God in a cave close to a desert monastery, but it was a relatively short journey for a meeting with the bishop in Jerusalem or to stock up on provisions. This is why a number of well-known monasteries were established here during the Byzantine period. If you were a sect anticipating the soon arrival of the End of Days, you could disconnect from civilization and live in Qumran, but still be close to population centers where you could sell your manuscripts and catch up on news. If you were Herod, you could prepare an impregnable stronghold in Massada in case the going got tough, but still live in luxurious palaces in Jerusalem and Herodium. And if you were zealots and survivors from the Great Revolt against Rome, you could hope to hide away from the Romans in that very same fortress. Unfortunately for them, that plan didn't work out.
SUMMARY OF HIKES, SWIMMING AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Overview of Jerusalem to the Dead Sea along route 1 and attractions along the way. Overview of Ma'ale Adumim and its attractions.
Ma'ale Adumim is in a transitional zone between the Judean Desert and the Judean Mountains, and in the wadi there are olive and fig trees typical of the Judean Mountains, planted pine, cedar and cypress trees as found in many forests in Israel, acacia trees typical of the Judean Desert, and tamarisk trees that are often planted in the Negev.
Nachal Prat is a very beautiful wadi that descends from close to Jerusalem to Jericho. It contains three springs - Ein Prat is the closest to Jerusalem, is below the settlement of Almon, which is close to the ancient site of Anatot, a Levite city mentioned in the book of Jeremiah; Ein Mabu'a is further along the wadi close to Alon on the Allon Road; the third spring is Ein Qelt below Mitzpe Yericho.
Hike among luscious foliage by a stream in the Judean Desert that flows even in the middle of the summer. Picnic in a Eucalyptus grove by a beautiful spring while your kids play in the water. Swim in the Palm Pool. All this and more you will find in the Ein Prat Nature Reserve just a short distance from Jerusalem.
Background: "Nahal Prat, Anatot and Jeremiah"
Ein Mabu'a is a stunningly beautiful oasis in Nahal Prat only a short distance from Jerusalem. There is a pool for swimming, and you can hike along the path by the stream or wade in the shallow water that flows even in the middle of summer. There is no admission charge.
The pools of the spring are very pretty and the views of the desert, especially on the way down to the wadi, are awesome. A short car ride takes you to Saint George's Monastery.
If climbing up a high vertical cliff on metal rungs would send you into a panic attack – this hike is not for you. But otherwise, this circular hike through a wadi with steep cliffs on either side and returning on a path with spectacular views over the Judean Desert and Dead Sea is very impressive. Understandably, it is a popular hike with Israelis, including for children.
The Almog Resort Village at Kibbutz Almog close to the Dead Sea has a very nice large swimming pool. It is primarily for those with a yearly subscription and visitors to the Resort Village, but one can swim here during the week, although not on Saturdays or Jewish holidays. On Fridays call first to check.
- Qumran ***** (46 Km from Binyanei Ha'umah in Jerusalem)
An Essene sect lived in Qumran over 2,000 years ago, and much has been discovered about how they led their lives here and what they believed. After viewing the movie and ruins, consider taking a short hike into the mountains above Qumran for a wonderful view over the Dead Sea and surrounding area. Then round off the day with a visit to the beautiful oasis of Enot Tsukim, only an 8-minute drive away, for a swim, picnic and short nature walk (see our webpage Enot Tsukim).
Overview: The sectarians of Qumran and their preparations for the World to Come.
Enot Tsukim/Ein Feshkha is the lowest Nature Reserve in the world and a beautiful place for swimming, picnicking and nature stroll. The mountains of the Judean Desert provide a spectacular backdrop to your activities. The Palm Pool for adult swimming is only open on certain days, and not at all during the winter (see below), but the kid's wading pools can be used all year long.
Most visitors to Ein Gedi walk no further than to Nahal David - but they are missing out on fantastic hikes, interesting sites, and exceptional views of the Dead Sea and Moabite mountains. This hike visits the waterfalls of Nahal David and then ascends to Ein Gedi Spring. The Dodim Cave can also be visited. There has been settlement and agriculture in this area for thousands of years and you will see the ruins of a Charcolithic temple and an ancient synagogue.
Overview: "When was the Chalcolithic Period?"
Most visitors to Ein Gedi head to Nahal David, but there are also other wonderful hikes in the area. As you hike through Nahal Arugot you will pass by luxuriant vegetation framed between towering cliffs. Walking through the stream in hot weather is also a lot of fun. There is swimming in the upper pools.
This botanical gardens in Kibbutz Ein Gedi overlooking the Dead Sea is a jewel in the Judean Desert - and is a must to visit. In actuality, the entire kibbutz is one big Botanical Gardens! As one website put it – this is the only botanical garden in the world in which people live.
Overview: "The Dead Sea - dead and still dying"
To many people, the Jordan Valley is no more than a quick route between the Dead Sea and Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee). But this misses out on so much. The Jordan Valley is an area of incredible beauty, impressive agriculture, including luscious date plantations, and its geology and history is fascinating. This page provides an overview of the area and places of interest worth visiting.
The Qasr el Yehud National Park is one of the few places where Israelis can see the River Jordan close up. But don’t be too disappointed! Before the age of modern agriculture, the Jordan River, fed by rain and melted snow from Mt. Hermon, would have been at least half a mile wide in the spring. However, all you see today is a muddy-looking narrow stream. In the 1930’s, a dam was built next to Kibbutz Degania at the southern edge of Lake Kinneret, and Jordan and Israel began diverting water from the river, primarily for agricultural use. This led to a 98% decrease in water flow.
Overview: "Joshua and Jesus at the River Jordan"
