Saunter Under The Stars In Martinez

Join National Park Service rangers for a free night sky walk on Thursday, August 29 on Mt. Wanda, part of the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez.

This free, 1.5-hour program begins at 8 p.m. with a one-mile, moderately strenuous hike to magnificent vistas near the peak. Visitors may catch a glimpse of the nocturnal native grey fox or hear the distinctive call of the great horned owl while exploring the mysteries of the dazzling night sky. 

Visitors should meet at the parking lot on the corner of Alhambra Avenue and Franklin Canyon Road (at the Alhambra Ave. exit off Highway 4). Bring water, a flashlight, warm clothes, and a sense of adventure. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the trail is steep. If it rains heavily, the walk will be canceled. For more information, please call the John Muir NHS visitor center at (925) 228-8860 or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/jomu.  

Created in 1964, John Muir NHS preserves the home, landscapes, and gravesite of conservationist and national park advocate John Muir. Mt. Wanda preserves 326 acres of grasslands and oak woodlands that were part of the original Muir/Strentzel ranch in the Alhambra Valley more than a century ago.

Muir named Mt. Wanda after his eldest daughter, Annie Wanda Muir, and he often strolled among these hills with his two daughters. Visitors can follow in Muir’s footsteps by enjoying Mt. Wanda seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. 

John Muir NHS, located at 4202 Alhambra Avenue, Martinez, CA 94553, is open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission to the site is free of charge.