Ma'aleh Akrabim (Scorpions Ascent)

Ma'aleh Akrabim (Scorpions Ascent) is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful scenic roads in Israel. This road was paved in 1927 and served as the main transport route between the cities of Be’er Sheva and Eilat, until 1956 when Ma'ale Ha'atzmaut (Independence Ascent) was paved in Mitzpe Ramon. Ma'aleh Akrabim (Scorpions Ascent) is a very steep and winding road, which probably gave it its name ("Akrab” in Arabic means "winding, and in Hebrew "Akrabim” is the plural of "scorpion”). At the top of Ma'aleh Akrabim (Scorpions Ascent) is a monument for the soldiers of the Engineering Corps who participated in "Mivtza Lot” (Lot Operation) for the capturing of the Dead Sea area during the War of Independence in 1948; another monument commemorating the 1954 massacre which took place here when Arab terrorists attacked an Israeli civilian passenger bus, killing eleven passengers and injuring two; and a magnificent observation point overlooking Nahal Tzin (Tzin Stream), which passes by below, and the Edom Mountains and the Arava region on the horizon. How to arrive: In the city of Be’er Sheva turn east on road number 25 toward the city of Dimona, in Rotem Junction turn right into road number 206, in the next Junction turn left into road number 227 toward HaMakhtesh HaKatan (The Small Crater). Before HaMakhtesh HaKatan (The Small Crater), the road turns toward Ma'aleh Akrabim (Scorpions Ascent).