Scorpions' Pass, Mountain pass and road section in Southern District, Israel
Scorpions' Pass is a mountain pass and road section in the eastern Negev, in the south of Israel, linking two distinct rocky ridges at different elevations. Route 227 follows its course through sharp bends and steep drops, bridging the gap between the high plateau and the lower desert plains below.
The pass was already used as a trade and military route in ancient times, and sections of the road were improved during the 1st millennium CE. In the 20th century the route was paved as a modern road, though it has since been closed to vehicles.
The name of the pass comes from the Arabic word for scorpion, reflecting the rocky terrain that shelters these animals. Walking through, visitors can still see stretches of the old paved road surface, which gives a clear sense of how this route was built to last across the centuries.
The pass is closed to vehicles and can only be explored on foot. The terrain is steep and without any facilities, so sturdy footwear, enough water and sun protection are all necessary before setting out.
Near the pass, a rare Amaryllis lily known locally as the Christmas lily blooms in the desert, growing from the stony soil with no apparent water source. Most visitors do not expect to find flowering plants in this dry terrain, which makes spotting one a memorable part of the walk.
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