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- Basaltic volcanic cones and lava fields — Black, moonscape terrain of old volcanic cones and plateaus that give the place its look: chunked basalt, jagged ridges and scatterings of cinder cones. Great for photography, scrambling and getting a feel for the region’s deep geology. (Personal favorite.)
- Panoramic ridgelines and viewpoints — Long, walkable ridges that open onto sweeping views over the Hauran steppe and the patchwork valleys below; excellent spots for sunrise/sunset when the basalt turns warm in the light.
- Juniper and oak woodlands — Pockets of higher-elevation forest that feel unexpectedly cool and green, with twisted juniper and oak providing shade, scent and a nice contrast to the black lava fields.
- Seasonal wadis and springs — Narrow valleys carved into the basalt with small
- Basaltic volcanic cones and lava fields — Black, moonscape terrain of old volcanic cones and plateaus that give the place its look: chunked basalt, jagged ridges and scatterings of cinder cones. Great for photography, scrambling and getting a feel for the region’s deep geology. (Personal favorite.)
- Panoramic ridgelines and viewpoints — Long, walkable ridges that open onto sweeping views over the Hauran steppe and the patchwork valleys below; excellent spots for sunrise/sunset when the basalt turns warm in the light.
- Juniper and oak woodlands — Pockets of higher-elevation forest that feel unexpectedly cool and green, with twisted juniper and oak providing shade, scent and a nice contrast to the black lava fields.
- Seasonal wadis and springs — Narrow valleys carved into the basalt with small streams or springs after rains; they create cooler microclimates, neat pools and shady picnic spots — a welcome break on hot treks.
- Birdlife and raptors — The mix of cliffs, ridges and open steppe attracts migratory birds and raptors; look for soaring hawks and other migrants, especially during the spring and autumn passages.
- Spring wildflower meadows — After winter rains the volcanic slopes and terraces can burst into seasonal color — carpets of herbs and wildflowers that soften the stark scenery and are lovely on easy day-hikes.
- Traditional Druze villages and terraced landscapes — Small stone villages clinging to slopes, terraced fields and old farm tracks that thread through the reserve; a good chance to see local rural life and the human side of this landscape while hiking between sites.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.