A small town in the Negev desert, perched on the edge of the Ramon Crater - Israel's largest erosion crater, stretching 40 kilometers long and 500 meters deep.
Perched above Israel’s Ramon Crater in the Negev Desert, Mitzpe Ramon gives you direct access to a 40-kilometer-long geological formation shaped by ancient oceans and erosion. About 5,000 people live here, many working in tourism tied to the crater. Hike across striped sandstone cliffs, sleep in open-air camps where stars fill the sky, or book a room at the Beresheet Hotel, known for its cliffside infinity pool. Plan a morning camel ride across dusty plains, explore Roman ruins at Avdat National Park, or study desert animals at Bio Ramon. The town began as a camp for highway workers in the 1950s and now draws travelers interested in geology and quiet desert spaces.
Exploring the Ramon Crater
The Ramon Crater, called Makhtesh Ramon in Hebrew, measures 40 kilometers long and reaches depths of 450 meters. It formed over millions of years as softer sandstone eroded beneath harder limestone cliffs. Drive down the crater’s access road to see “The Carpentry,” where volcanic activity left hexagonal rock columns, or walk the Shen Ramon trail to observe bands of pink, yellow, and black stone. At the Mitzpe Ramon Visitor Center, interactive screens explain how wind and water carved the landscape. Arrive before dawn at Har Gamal, a viewpoint named for its camel-shaped rocks, to watch sunlight spread across the crater floor.
Hiking, Biking, and Guided Tours
Marked trails cover over 200 kilometers, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. Try the Gvanim Trail, a 4-kilometer loop with views of the crater’s eastern ridges. Skilled hikers often choose Ma’ale Ha’atzmaut, a steep path up the northern cliff face. Rent a mountain bike from shops in town or join a jeep tour to reach less accessible spots like the Ammonite Wall, a rock face studded with fossilized sea creatures. After dark, guides lead hikes under bright moonlight, explaining how plants and animals survive the desert’s dry conditions.
Night Sky Observation
Clear skies and minimal artificial light make Mitzpe Ramon ideal for viewing stars and planets. Join an evening telescope session led by guides from the Jazz Club, who help identify constellations and distant galaxies. The Ilan Ramon Memorial, located at the Visitor Center, details Israel’s space exploration history and how ancient travelers used stars for navigation. During meteor showers, locals and visitors gather at the Sculpture Garden on the crater’s edge to watch shooting stars.
Where to Stay
The Beresheet Hotel offers rooms with private balconies facing the crater, along with a spa and heated pool. For a simpler experience, camp at Be’erot inside the crater or sleep in woven tents at Khan Hashayarot, where hosts share stories over evening meals. Budget-friendly options include the Isrotel Ramon Inn, a retro hotel built for highway workers in the 1950s.
Local Experiences and Dining
Artists and musicians gather at Me’ever, a hostel hosting weekly concerts and pottery classes. Visit the Alpaca Farm to feed animals or join a horseback ride through nearby valleys. Eat fresh sourdough bread baked in stone ovens at Lasha Bakery or try grilled lamb and vegetable dishes at Tzokim Restaurant, which has windows overlooking the crater. The Jazz Club operates as a music school by day and transforms into a live venue at night.
Planning Your Visit
Drive from Tel Aviv or Be’er Sheva on the main highway (2.5 hours) and stop at Ben Gurion’s Tomb or Ein Avdat canyon along the way. Note that many businesses close on Saturdays for the Jewish Sabbath. Bring clothing for extreme temperatures—summer days often reach 35°C (95°F), and winter nights can drop below 0°C (32°F). Pick up free trail maps and check for closed routes at the Visitor Center. If hiking for multiple days, hire a guide to place water supplies along your path in advance.
