Mount Wanda

The relentless rains have finally given way to spring wildflowers, blooming on Mount Wanda,  named after John Muir’s oldest daughter. Muir and his daughters often walked these hills when they lived here in the 1880s, waded through the same tall grasses to enjoy these wildflowers.

John Muir said, “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike.”

The colors of wildflowers here are enough to feed the soul: masses of yellow buttercups alongside deep gold fiddlenecks, purple violets, and pale lavender bluedicks all mixed together amidst the lush green grasses, awakening the senses.

The park is easy to access, right on Alhambra Avenue, where it meets Franklin Canyon Road.  There’s a parking lot, but no bathrooms or water. Dogs are allowed on leash. Once you park, walk towards Franklin Canyon Road and you’ll see the entrance sign to the park. Follow the main trail up the hill to the left. It steadily rises up the hill to the peak at 643 feet. You will be rewarded with expansive views of the Carquinez Straight and Mount Diablo.

Before reaching the top take the nature trail that follows the hillside; it's very easy to hike, even for non-experienced hikers. It gradually rises to the top, following the contour of the hillsides, and has many points of interests, including abundant wildflowers. At the trail head, which has a picnic table, there's a bulletin board with laminated nature guides offering points of interest on the trail. These guides are just for you to use on the trail, and you can return your copy at the end of the trail at the top, where you'll find another bulletin board.

Follow the nature trail as it gradually ascends. You'll walk over small bridges and hear the gentle sound of water flowing below. Check for miner’s lettuce along the trail, which is edible, or  stop at a bench to listen to the sounds of nature. Although Highway 4 is over the hill, it is still surprisingly quiet on this trail. At the end of the trail follow the dirt road up to the top. Continuing to the right, you’ll see a path to the top and find a cement platform where a repeater tower was located. The concrete slab makes a perfect resting spot. From this spot you can reflect on the beauty of nature, the life you left below, and find a reason to come back again soon.

One reason to come back: In the coming weeks the wild irises that carpet these hillsides will start to bloom. On the way back, listen for wild turkeys, and look for the hoof prints of deer.

Imagine John Muir and his daughters joyfully walking through the woods, naming the wildflowers, listening to the same creeks, and gazing upon the beauty of this place with delight. Walking up Mount Wanda may require some effort at first, but is worth the walk. Right now come see the wildflowers, or walk to the top for the views of the area. With the trails so close, you’ll find it easy to take refuge in the peace and beauty of nature.

The National Park Service offers ranger led nature walks on Mount Wanda to view the wildflowers in the spring and full moon walks in the summertime. Check their website for details.

Have you hiked Mount Wanda?