By DeadSea.com Editorial
Last reviewed: September 2026
Flour Cave is closed, and entering it is prohibited because of collapse risk. If you came looking for the old cave outing, choose the nearby marked Nahal Perazim walk instead. The current family option is an easy circular route of about 1 km that usually takes around one hour.
The safe choice at a glance
| Field | Current plan |
|---|---|
| Flour Cave | Closed, do not enter |
| Alternative | Marked Nahal Perazim circular walk |
| Distance | About 1 km |
| Time | About 1 hour |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Route type | Circular |
| Family use | Suitable for families, with young children in a carrier |
| Main hazards | Cave collapse, flash floods, heat, slippery access after rain |
This page covers the short Nahal Perazim alternative. It does not describe the Fish Trail or a climb across Mount Sodom.
Where does the walk begin?
The route starts and finishes near the end of the red-marked road, about 1 km north of the Amiaz campground. From the parking area, follow the red-marked trail north through Nahal Perazim.
After roughly 15 minutes, take the signed circular walking route. Return to the same parking area when the loop is complete. Do not continue down the channel toward Flour Cave, and do not cross a barrier or closure sign.
Route 90 access is near the Dead Sea Works gate. From there, a red-marked dirt road leads toward the Amiaz campground area. Dirt-road conditions can change after rain or maintenance, so turn back if the approach is slippery, flooded, damaged, or unsuitable for your vehicle.
What is the walk like?
Nahal Perazim cuts through pale marl formations shaped by erosion. The short loop gives you the folded desert walls and narrow-channel scenery that make the area distinctive, without entering the unstable cave.
The route is easy by desert hiking standards, but it is still exposed. There is little protection from midday heat, and a short walk can become unpleasant quickly when temperatures rise. Bring water, sun protection, closed footwear, and a carrier rather than a stroller for a small child.
Why is Flour Cave closed?
The cave is in unstable ground and is closed because of collapse danger. Its former popularity does not make entry safe. Old blogs, photographs, or map labels may still show the cave as a destination, but the physical closure controls the decision on site.
Do not enter even if an opening appears accessible. Salt and marl formations can fail without warning, and rescue access is difficult.
Weather and flood check
Do not enter Nahal Perazim when rain or flash flooding is possible in the drainage area. Rain can also make the salt-rich access road unusually slippery.
Before driving in:
- Check the current weather and flash-flood forecast.
- Confirm that the access road and marked loop are open.
- Leave enough daylight to drive out safely.
- Follow barriers, signs, and ranger instructions.
If conditions do not match the plan, return to Route 90 and choose a managed attraction.
Frequently asked questions
Is Flour Cave open to visitors?
No. Flour Cave is closed, and entry is prohibited because of collapse risk.
Is there still a walk worth doing nearby?
Yes. The marked Nahal Perazim loop is about 1 km, takes roughly one hour, and returns to the same parking area.
Can children do the Nahal Perazim loop?
The route is described as suitable for families. Use a carrier for a young child, bring water and sun protection, and avoid hot or unstable weather.
Can I drive all the way to the trailhead?
A red-marked dirt road leads toward the Amiaz campground and route area. Its condition can change, particularly after rain, so continue only if the road suits your vehicle and current signs permit access.
Is it safe after rain?
Do not enter when flash flooding is possible. The access road can also become slippery after rain.