Municipal Swimming Pool, behind the bank, near the post office. Sauna and water
slide. Non-residents NIS36. Open May-June, Sept.-Oct.: Su 2-8pm, M-Th 2-8pm and
8:30-10:30pm, F 10am-5pm, Sa 9am-5pm. July-Aug.: M-Th 8am-10:30pm, F-Sa 9am-
5pm, Su 8am-8:30pm.
Pub Ha-Haveet , in the commercial center next door to Bank Ha-Poalim.
Astral patterns on the ceiling, blacklight, and mellow Israeli rock make this a popular
hangout for soldiers, backpackers, and locals. Beer NIS11-13, mixed drinks NIS17-26,
sandwiches NIS15. 18+. Open Su-M, W-Th 8pm-midnight; Tu dance party with DJ 8pm-
4am. Cover Tu NIS20, one drink minimum.
Jeep Tours . Peter Bischel masterminds tours of the crater and Negev
Desert. Offset the staggering price by squeezing 8 people into a car. Half day US$250,
full day US$350.
Far-flung trailheads are best reached by car or 4x4 vehicle. For trailheads off of
the main highway, bus #392 to Eilat travels through the crater and can stop at the
turn-off for the Be'erot Camping Site. Locals say hitchhiking on the highway is a
safe option, though the highway is not heavily trafficked.
HMakhtesh Ramon is a spectacular park, but it should not be taken lightly. Always
consult with Nature Reserve or SPNI personnel before setting out. Wear a hat,
hike as early as possible in the morning, and carry food and 1L of water per per-
son per hour. Heatstroke and dehydration can be deadly in the Negev.
VISITORS CENTER. The Park Ramon Visitors Center, one of two hiking resources
in Mitzpeh Ramon, is housed in the round building with the flat top overlooking
the crater. Nature Reserve Authority staffers help plan hikes and provide an excel-
lent map of the crater (if only Hebrew maps are available, ask the guides to write
English names). It also has a first-rate film, audio-visual presentations, and a roof-
top observation deck. The gift shop across the plaza sells detailed 1:50,000 topo-
graphical maps (NIS70; Hebrew only) and other information about the crater and
the Negev.Open Su-Th, Sa 8am-5pm; F8am-4pm.
NIS18, children NIS9; combo ticket with Bio-Ramon NIS21/NIS11.)
SPNI FIELD SCHOOL. The school, located near the edge of the crater, 500m
southwest of Camel Observation Point, occasionally offers organized tours (call
ahead to schedule). Although the trails are well marked, a pre-hike stop at the Vis-
itors Center for maps is a prudent idea for an unguided expedition. Leave your
route description and estimated trip duration at the field school before hiking-
they have an on-site rescue team and are in direct communication with army units
in the area. While hiking, keep a fix on the main highway or Be'erot Campsite.
Open Su-Th 8am-6pm, F8am-noon.)
DESERT SHADE. This agency leads excellent tours by foot, mountain bike, and
camel (bikes US$50 per day; lhr. camel ride NIS60). The two-day camel ride along
the Nabatean spice route includes food and accommodation (US$99, cash only;
mi people, call ahead). The Desert Shade office and ranch (see Accommoda-
tions, 16) is a 15min. walk north from the Delek station on Rt0/KKL Blvd.;
buses #60 and 392 to Be'er Sheva run past it, but it's faster to walk. Office open Su-Th 9am-5pm, F 9am-noon.)
HAR ARDON. Har Ardon (Mt. Ardon) is a full-day hike, combining challenging ter-
rain with unbeatable views. To climb Har Ardon, turn left out of the Be'erot campsite
and follow the black markers north for 3km to the sign marked Mt. Ardon. From