Photo: The Barren Beauty of Wadi Kelt

Despite the impression one may get from watching the news, there are places in the Palestinian Territories both beautiful and friendly, even now. One of the finest hikes in the region is in Wadi Kelt, a canyon on the outskirts of the West Bank town of Jericho. The trail follows the canyon down from the fifth-century monastery of St. George (open to visitors) to Jericho, one of the oldest cities in the world. Once in town, take a seat in the central square for some fresh orange juice and a schwerma.