Top of the World arch, short way

Fifteen Sierra club members hiked to the Top of the World arch today. About 3 miles and 800 ft of elevation. Hikes in VoF always seem longer than they are due to the lack of trails and cross country navigation. This hike is about equal to a 6 mile hike.

 Starting out at parking lot number 1 on Mouse Tank road we hiked west across this kind scenery toward the high rocks in the background.

 There are areas of thin fins that stand out from the rock. If you are walking across this you have to be very careful not too step on them and break them off.

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After crossing the colorful rocks we came to the first steep section. It climbed about 300 feet real quick.

There were some flat sections.

After climbing the steep slab we came to a sandy area and turned right and headed toward a ramp that would lead to the top of a large fin.

This is the ramp. At the top you go down the other side into a dip before the final climb to the arch.

The top of the fin before heading down the other side.

From the bottom of the dip looking at the final climb to the arch located at the top of the ridge just above the hikers.

 The arch

The view from the high point above the arch

Us on the high point. White dome area is in the background.

 Coming back down from the arch and across the dip.

Coming down the ramp to the sandy area.

 Group in the sandy area with some hikers still on the ramp.

 Rounding the corner before going down the steep slab.

 One of the landings on the way down the steep slab.

Final steep section.

 There is another arch on this hike. It cannot be reached.

 Hikers on the way back to the cars with the unreachable arch in the background.

 Crossing the colorful rocks on the way back.

The cars are just beyond the knob on the ridge.