Wanda-ful Hike & Night Programs
Hike Mount Wanda in the East Bay
When John Muir wasn’t trekking across the Sierras, he could often be found hiking near his Martinez home at Mount Wanda, named after his daughter. The 325-acre Mount Wanda Nature Preserve gently rises to a high point, 660 feet, with views at almost every turn. {SEASONAL TIP: Spring wildflowers can come on strong here—shooting star, buttercup, purple owl’s clover, mule’s ear—you get the colorful picture.}
The preserve is open from sunrise to sunset, so go later in the day (when the heat is subsiding; there's not a lot of shade here beyond some truly beautiful oaks) and soak in some great Bay scenery. Traffic from Martinez can be heard near the start of the trail, but quickly fades the farther you go. Relax beneath one of the many large oaks on the hillsides, or at one of the viewpoint benches. As the sun settles across the horizon, it's purely sublime.
Muir's nearby home is a National Historic Site that you can visit. The 14-room Victorian mansion sits on nine acres of land filled with fruit orchards and oak woodlands.
BONUS EVENTS: Be sure to check out the John Muir National Historic Site Calendar of Events for 2026, which includes the first ranger-led Astronomy program of the year (June 13; no fee). It’s an evening of stargazing, telescope viewing, and discussions. There's also a campfire program (June 27) featuring singing, storytelling, and marshmallow roasting. Come on—how sweet is that?
The trailhead to Mount Wanda is at the park-and-ride lot on Franklin Canyon Rd. and Alhambra Ave. in Martinez. Pick up a map at the kiosk in the park and follow the Nature Trail with a stop at the top of Mount Wanda. John Muir’s home is just on the other side of Hwy. 4 on Alhambra Ave. Mount Wanda is dog-friendly!
