Ramon Crater Traverse
1/3 Ramon Crater Circle
Type: One Way
Distance: 36.6km
Ascent: 660m
Descent: 1160m
Fast-Trekking Duration: 8-9h
Start: Mount Ramon Parking (accessible with private car)
End: Ammonites Wall Parking (accessible with private car)
Character: A section of the Ramon Crater Rim Trail that crosses the eastern part of the crater. This is a beautiful, continuous desert line starting at Mount Ramon, continuing along Ma'ale Arud and passing Mount Ido and Zekif Ramon. Most of the route follows a flowing, non-technical singletrack, partly panoramic, crossing several ridges and moving along an exposed ridge line above the crater. A long and committing route with no shortcut options.
Advantages: A flowing route with no technical sections. Despite its length, most of the route trends gradually downhill. Parts of the route are panoramic, with wild desert scenery. In an emergency, from Mif'ar Pitam night camp it is possible to head east and connect to the blue jeep trail of Nahal Nekarot — a fast exit line with a chance of encountering passing 4x4 vehicles.
Disadvantages: No water sources. No public transport access. A long route with no shortcuts or escape options. No easy way to cache water.
Pro Tip: Choose a cool day for this route, preferably with cloud cover.
Variation: A 24 km circular route that runs along a beautiful section of the Ramon Crater Rim Trail and includes Zekif Ramon and Shen Ramon can be found here.