Take a Hike: Mount Wanda

Written by Beatrice Karnes

Many local residents have visited the John Muir National Historic Site, exploring the visitor center and Muir’s famed orchards.

But have you trekked through the hills where Muir led his daughters Wanda and Helen on hikes?

Mt. Wanda is open daily, sunrise to sunset. The trail rises through California Bay Laurel and Oak trees, finishing in oak grassland at the 640-foot summit. You’ll be reqarded with spectacular views of Mt. Diablo and the Alhambra Valley.

Mt. Wanda is accessed ¼ mile south of the visitor center on Alhambra Avenue. There’s parking lot next to Franklin Canyon Road where you’ll find the trail head and a trail map.

Dogs must be kept on a leash. Mountain bikes and horses are welcome on fire roads.

If you’d rather hike in a group rangers will lead two hikes this month:

A Mt. Wanda Walk will be held on July 21

A full-moon walk is scheduled for July 22

Reservations are recommended. For more information, phone the John Muir NHS visitor center at (925) 228-8860.