En Prat Nature Reserve
The spring of En Prat emerges into a natural rock pool and creates a welcoming oasis in the upper Prat Stream. Antiquity sites dot the stream banks, including monasteries and a second-century BCE aqueduct. Mediterranean, arid-land and water-loving vegetation fill the reserve, and among the animals is a herd of gazelles. Choose from a variety of trails: among them is a 30-minute loop trail to En Prat and the ancient, still-active Faran Monastery – probably the first in the Judean Desert (call ahead for permission to visit – 052-5399075), and a two-hour loop trail to Tel Fara.