At Home With John Muir

We'll begin with a delightful saunter up Mount Wanda, named for one of Muir's daughters. (John Muir did not like the term "hike"; he preferred "saunter.")

After our hike (oops, saunter), we'll tour the grounds and house at the Historic Site, John Muir's home for much of his later life. He planted many of the trees we'll see on the grounds. Inside the house, Muir's study and other rooms are furnished as they were in Muir's time. We'll even climb to the attic and have a chance to ring the bell in the steeple!

Leaders

Leslie Contreras and Ken Lavin.

Total Distance

The moderate saunter to Mount Wanda is 3 miles round trip with 660 feet in elevation gain.

Weather Policy

Rain cancels.

Cost

The outing is free. Reservations are required.

Where to Meet

We'll assemble at the trailhead to Mount Wanda, the park-and-ride lot at the intersection of Franklin Canyon Road and Alhambra Avenue. [directions}

Notes

Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Dress in layers and wear good walking/hiking shoes. If you have questions about this outing, please email Ken Lavin at klavin@greenbelt.org.

Photo: Ray Bouknight via Flickr

About the Outing Leaders

Leslie Contreras serves on the board of directors of the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association, leads many outings in Mount Diablo State Park, and helps manage the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. She is a certified California naturalist, a legendary Sierra Club hike leader, and an inductee into the Mount Diablo Hall of Fame (a real thing). Leslie also volunteers at the John Muir National Historic Site.

Ken Lavin is the Outing Coordinator for Greenbelt Alliance and has been leading our free educational outings for over a decade. Ken worked as a national park ranger in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and as an instructor for Diablo Nature Adventures, teaching environmental science to school groups in Mount Diablo State Park. is the Outing Coordinator for Greenbelt Alliance and has been leading our free educational outings for over a decade. Ken worked as a national park ranger in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and as an instructor for Diablo Nature Adventures, teaching environmental science to school groups in Mount Diablo State Park. Like Leslie, he is in the Mount Diablo Hall of Fame (at least according to the plaque in the park visitor center).