Jeep Tour – Ramon Crater (4 Hours)

Trip description

Meeting Point: The parking lot of the "Even Derech" commercial center at the main entrance to Mitzpe Ramon. Here, we’ll leave our vehicles and board the jeep to begin the drive south into Ramon Crater.

At the newly renovated Barak and Amichai Itkis Lookout, we’ll stop for our first view over the crater (depending on group size and site availability), and meet the impressive Nubian ibex, dozens of which live year-round in Mitzpe Ramon. We'll gaze south toward Mount Arif and east toward Mount Ardon, taking in the magical desert landscape.

After the lookout, we’ll descend into Makhtesh Ramon via Route 40. About 10 minutes later, we’ll reach the crossing point where Nahal Ramon intersects the highway. We’ll descend into the streambed for a fun explanation about crater formation, observe the colorful rock layers, and continue driving through Nahal Ramon toward the gypsum quarry area, home to a striking desert khan.

The tour continues into the renovated Ramon Colors National Park, where we’ll enjoy the vivid hues of the ancient desert in the heart of the crater. From there, we’ll head to a hidden lake in an old quarry, perfect for wading and relaxing (about a 30-minute stop).

Next, we’ll continue east toward Be’erot Campground, operated by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, then head back off-road into Nahal Ardon, known for its dramatic ancient magmatic dikes, whose unique geological story will be revealed. We’ll enjoy about 30 minutes of scenic driving through Nahal Ardon before reaching Nahal Nekarot.

After a short 10-minute drive, we’ll arrive at the stunning Nekarot Horseshoe. Here, we’ll take a short 10-minute walk to a beautiful seating spot for a coffee and cookie break in the desert.

Our final stop is the ancient Nabataean site of Metsad Saharonim, built alongside the modest desert spring Ein Saharonim. After a guided tour of the ancient khan and fortress, we’ll continue through Nahal Nekarot and begin a moderately technical ascent. From there, we’ll connect to Nahal Gevanim, which will lead us back to Route 40 and return to Mitzpe Ramon.