Top of the world

7 sierra club hikers went on a 4 mile hike with 1000 feet of gain in the valley of fire state park.

 Starting out from parking lot #3 we went west into the rocks to connect with the inner trail at the Squeeze.

 this is after the high point at the south end of the squeeze. Heading down to the wash that leads to the steep slab.

 Small arch passed on the way

 Working our way up the steep section.

Nearing the top of the steep area.

 After the sandy area we went up a ramp.

 Then came down the other side of the ramp before heading up another pitch to the arch.

 All of us at the arch
panorama of the arch. Click on the link and then on the photo. It is also uploaded to Google Maps, street view

 exploring around the top of the rocks above the arch.

 on the way back with the area around the arch in the background.

 We took an alternate route down through the canyon.

 The canyon route leads to the central alley near the Eye of the Iguana.

To make the hike a little longer we crossed the road and visited the White Nipple.

 on the way back to the cars.