Saturday May 16 WOW hikers will combine a moderate 2.7-mile hike of Mount Wanda with exploration of the John Muir National Historic Site. 

Mount Wanda is a small very attractive park just across Highway 4 from John Muir’s House.  John Muir took his kids for walks here. The John Muir Nature Trail climbs Mount Wanda and then loops through an attractive oak grove. The trail climbs insistently through deep shade in a tunnel of dense oak foliage. Near the top the woodland becomes less dense, the foliage opens up, and there’s a brief view of Alhambra Valley below.  The trail climbs to a dirt road, where it breaks out of the woods and into a sunny hilltop meadow with fine views of the attractive oak-covered hills. There are some limited views of the Carquinez Strait. The road then descends back to the parking lot, with a few views of Mount Diablo.  You will need to take care coming down this stretch of the trail as it is steeper.  Hiking poles are helpful. There is healthy poison oak off the trail.

Following the hike, led by our guide Cyndee Ruiz, we will take our cars across Highway 4 to the John Muir Historic Site.  Bring a lunch (no food services on site) and enjoy a lunch or snack with friends, old and new. Then begin your exploration of the life and history of John Muir.  Restrooms are available at the Home Site, and a nearby park, not at Mount Wanda.

Start at the Visitor Center for exhibits, trip information, and an introductory film about John Muir.  Tour John Muir's historic Italianate home built in 1882 to learn about his life, work, and enduring legacy.  The home is open for self-led tours and at 2:00 there is a Ranger led tour.  Stroll through 9 acres of beautiful grounds featuring plants and trees cultivated by Muir himself.  Dogs on leash are allowed on the hike and at the Home Site, but not in the buildings.

Bring water (there is no water on Mount Wanda), hat, sunscreen, lunch and snacks, trekking poles, or binoculars. Hiking boots or sturdy shoes are recommended.

Hikers will meet at the Woodland Presbyterian Church parking lot at 8:00 a.m. to sign in, receive instructions for the day, and form carpools.  We will leave at 8:15 for the 1-hour drive.

The Woodland Outdoor Wanderers is a community-based organization open to all, and dedicated to introducing Yoloans to their natural and cultural environments, and to each other.  For more information  email kathyjtrott@gmail.com

Upcoming 2026 Hikes

May 16: John Muir State Park - Mount Wanda, Martinez
June 20: Mare Island Historic Park, Vallejo