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Distance: 17.7 km, 4-5 hr. Altitude range: 697 m. Total climb: 111 m. Total descent: 762 m. Grade: medium.
Starting from the Small Makhtesh Campground (see below), you follow the red waymarked trail east down into the crater and out of the crater. There is another campground just outside of the Makhtesh entrance. Afterwards, the marked trail continues on a dirt road to the north-east, crosses several dry streams and ends at road 25
The other way is possible as well, but much more exhausting as you will climb the steep wall of the Makhtesh and you will need more water – 5 l are suggested by the park authorities.
The hike is good if you are able to get dropped off along the road near the campground (there is a sign indicating the Small Crater), and you are planning to start hiking down the next morning.
The roads that go by both campgrounds are small and hitch-hiking can be disappointing. Best to try from road 25, so if you fail, you are not stuck in the middle of nowhere. Also, the drive up the mountain (namely Scorpions’ Ascent) is very scenic, but at times it can be accessible only by 4WD cars.
Download coordinates: GPX, KML.
The largest ancient Nabataean city in the Negev, now a national park.
Another Nabatean city, but in a much worse state of preservation.
Ruins of a Byzantine-period synagogue with a beautiful mosaic floor.
Sobota
An archaeological site with impressive Byzantine remains of a city in the heart of the desert, where usually there are no natural water sources around – astonishing churches, homes and streets. Many interesting details about the site can be found on the park official website. The location is quite remote – a long drive, and the closest bus stop is 5 km away.
Ruins of the Byzantine city Futis (Φώτις).