Makhtesh Ramon
מכתש רמון
The world's largest erosion crater landform, about 40 km long and 500 m deep, with colorful sandstone, fossils and volcanic rock all on display.
Makhtesh Ramon is not a meteor crater. It is a unique 'makhtesh' landform carved by river erosion, about 40 km long, 2 to 10 km wide and up to roughly 500 m deep, and it lies within Ramon Nature Reserve. On the crater floor you can see colorful sandstone, basalt, gypsum layers and ancient fossils, and Nubian ibex are common. Route 40, separate from Route 90, runs through the crater, so you can drive down to the floor. Inside are several marked trails and campsites, and you can also join a jeep off-road tour. Most of the crater floor is free to access. When hiking, carry plenty of water, avoid the midday heat of summer, and watch for military training zones and flood warnings.
Opening hours
Year-round
Nearby sights
- Mitzpe Ramon Visitor Center
- Mount Gamal (Camel Lookout)
- HaMinsara (The Carpentry)
- Spice Route Quarter
- Alpaca Farm Mitzpe Ramon
- Ammonite Wall
- Ein Saharonim & Khan Saharonim
- Mount Ardon