An oasis in a spectacular canyon, By Israel Nature and Parks Authority.
Water flowing from the En Avdat (the Avdat spring) in the heart of the Negev has cut a deep, narrow canyon through the soft white chalk. A waterfall tumbles from above and
greenery flourishes around its pools where ibex and other animals come to quench their thirst.
Euphrates poplars, common to oases and known for their variegated leaves, also grow in the streambed. The trail through the park, which was designed so as not to damage the landscape, passes caves that were inhabited by monks during the Byzantine period.
To complete the whole trail, from the lower entrance to the upper entrance, hikers must climb iron rungs in the rock wall. An easier option is to walk along the streambed from the lower entrance to the En Ma‘arif pools at the foot of the waterfall, return along the same path, and drive to the upper parking lot.
The park sells a one-day ticket good for both the upper and lower entrances. Also available is a combination ticket for En Avdat National Park and Avdat National Park (site of the former Nabatean city).
How to get there?
The park is located off the Be'er Sheva-Mitspe Ramon road (no. 40). The lower entrance to En Avdat is near Ben-Gurion’s tomb and Midreshet Sde Boker. The upper entrance is about 5 km to the south.