Trip Of The Month: Scorpion Ascent

Until the mid 1950’s, the only route to Eilat was by way of the Scorpion Ascent. The Ascent, a road paved by the British in 1927, rapidly descends 322 meters and features 18 hairpin curves. It took 24 hours to drive from Eilat to Beer Sheva, and navigational problems were compounded by the constant threat of Arab attack.

The most vicious of these came on March 17, 1954, when a busload of people celebrating the fifth anniversary of Eilat’s liberation was ambushed by terrorists.

If  you are in Israel, you can try the Ascent from the top – but only after you check out your brakes! Before you start, climb steps that twist and turn like the Scorpion Ascent itself. They are part of a unique Jewish National Fund lookout with a phenomenal view.