Makhtesh Haqatan

From Makhtesh Hagadol it is possible, with an all-terrain vehicle, to go on to Makhtesh Haqatan. 3km/2mi beyond Makhtesh Hagadol a narrow road branches off the Oron-Rotem road on the right and runs southeast to the kibbutz of Hazeva in the Arava depression (32km/20mi). In 10km/6mi this runs close to Makhtesh Haqatan (on left), which can be reached in a half-hour walk. On its southeast side is a gorge leading to the Wilderness of Zin. 4km/2.5mi farther on is the Scorpion Staircase (Ma'ale Aqrabbim), which Moses was told would be the southern border of the land to be settled by the Jews: "And your border shall turn from the south to the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass on to Zin: and the going forth thereof shall be from the south to Kadesh- barnea" (Numbers 34,4). The "staircase", rebuilt by the British authorities, leads steeply down 450m/1,475ft into the Wilderness of Zin. The road continues to Hazeva, 137m/449ft below sea level, where it runs into the road from Elat to the Dead Sea.