Negev Desert · Israel
Ma'ale HaAtzmaut
Route 40Mitzpe Ramon to Makhtesh Ramon
Route 40's Independence Ascent plunges through four dramatic hairpins off the rim of Makhtesh Ramon, the largest erosion crater on earth, then crosses 40 km of alien desert floor.
From the southern edge of Mitzpe Ramon the road tips over the crater rim, descending 250 m through four long hairpins onto the makhtesh floor where the walls expose 200 million years of strata in vivid reds and yellows. It threads across the flat crater floor past volcanic prisms and multicoloured sandstone before climbing the far southern wall. Fully paved, open year-round.
Scenery
Best seasons
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Ma’ale HaAtzmaut on the map25.0 mi · point to point
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Character
Corners
busiest around mile 1Elevation
under 4%4–8%over 8%372.8 – 840.8 mFrom the road
Points of interest3 stops
- Ma’ale AforViewpoint7.8 mi in
- Ma’ale HaMisharViewpoint16 mi in
- Barak and Amichai LookoutViewpointat the start
Hazards
- Flash floods in wadis during winter rain may make low sections impassable
- Extreme summer heat exceeding 40 C from June to August
- Steep switchbacks on the crater descent require careful braking
- Limited services inside the crater, carry water and fuel
See the typical season and live conditions for the high passes ›
Sources
“Features four long hairpin switchbacks, descends into the Ramon Crater, crosses it, and then ascends 250 meters. The drive offers stunning views of the Ramon Crater.”
Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked
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