The Wild Crater West: From Nitzana Stream to Mount Ido

Nitzana Stream to Mount Ido – Western Ramon Crater

Enchanting desert expanses. A spectacular route for experienced hikers, leading to the western part of the crater. Colorful rock layers, ancient agricultural terraces, and the surprising blooms of tulips, sunbreaks, and desert rhubarb. With a little luck, we may spot desert wildlife—wild asses and Negev ibex.

Route Description

Starting point: Beginning of the green trail, from Road 171
End point: Mount Ido overnight campground
Distance: 14 km
Duration: 6–7 hours
Difficulty: For experienced hikers

The route begins adjacent to Road 171, at one of the tributaries of Nitzana Stream. After walking approximately 3 km, we reach the northern cliff edge in the western part of Ramon Crater. We descend along the green trail to the floor of Ramon Crater. We continue downhill along the green-marked trail, and after approximately 2 km reach the Prism Canyon.

Basalt rocks that crystallized, cracked, and split into prism shapes provide evidence of magmatic activity in the area. We ascend to the southern cliff of Ramon Crater, with an elevation difference of approximately 200 meters. As we approach Mount Ido, we can see the cairns—the many stone piles on its summit. The landscapes of Ramon Crater unfold below us, together with the Ido Stream opening and the expanses south of the crater.

We descend southward along the red-marked trail on the southern slopes of Mount Ido, ending at the Mount Ido overnight campground. From there, we will be picked up by off-road vehicles and driven back.

Cost: 320 NIS per person, including off-road transfers and transportation from Mitzpe Ramon