John Muir's Grand Yosemite: Musings & Sketches

by Mike Wurtz (Contributor)

"Charming, surprising, and beautiful. The perfect Yosemite guidebook for history buffs." —Andrea Wulf, author The Invention of Alexander von Humboldt’s New World Every day, Yosemite National Park welcomes people from around the world who seek a deeper connection to nature. A good many of these visitors are inspired by the example set by the renowned naturalist John Muir, who had some of his most transformational experiences there. In sketchbooks, journals, and later articles and books, Muir drew what he saw to convey Yosemite’s gorgeous landscapes and ultimately help ignite the global national parks movement. Twenty-five of the scenic places that Muir sketched are included in this unique guide designed so that visitors to the majestic park can more easily have their own Muir-inspired adventure. With easy-to-follow directions plus a simple map for planning an itinerary, visitors can delight in the stunning mountains, waterfalls, and giant sequoias that Muir himself enjoyed, often from the same enduring spot. A brief passage by Muir accompanies each drawing, and curator Mike Wurtz’s engaging commentary enlivens the tour. A sample of the locations Half Dome Yosemite Falls Glacier Point Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Hetch Hetchy Valley Cathedral Peak Lembert Dome

64 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Mike Wurtz is an assistant professor at the University of the Pacific and the head of the University Libraries' Holt-Atherton Special Collections and Archives, home of the largest collection of Muiriana. He holds master's degrees in both history and library science and a bachelor's in geography, and he has given dozens of presentations about John Muir. Mike co-leads field trips for Pacific students to the eastern Sierra, the Colorado Plateau, and Muir's homes in Scotland and Martinez, California. Each year, he guides Osher Lifelong Learning Institute participants and other groups on tours of Yosemite, helping them see the park through Muir's eyes.

Reviews

[Jessica Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am VERY excited to add this little book to my shelf and reading it was such a joy

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll definitely be bringing this book with me on my next trip to Yosemite. Not only does the book contain the actual coordinates of where John Muir stood in the park, but the sketches of the location and landmark he visited. It's only 59 pages and the majority of the spots are in one area of the valley, which isn't bad. It makes visiting the locations a lot easier. Very simple and easy read.

[Annabelle Carvell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book for those who love Yosemite and John Muir!

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a splendid little book! I recommend this to anyone interested in Muir or Yosemite. Each page includes a sketch by John Muir, the approximate location of where it was drawn from, a quote from Muir, and commentary from the author. I had this on hand when camping in Yosemite, and it's such a great way to deeply connect with Muir's experience of the place.

[Ls1819 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compré el libro en el parque en la mitad de mi visita y quedé con ganas de re hacer los hikes para buscar todos los lugares de los dibujos 🥰. Igual logré pillar 6 en el valle fácilmente antes de irme, incluyendo el lugar de la cabaña de John Muir, que es hermoso!
Muy bonito el formato del libro y la selección de textos y dibujos. Muy feliz de terminar el 2025 en Yosemite y leyendo sobre John Muir.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me want to go back to Yosemite, now. We did a lot of the hikes (and saw the sites) in his sketches, but I want to do it again.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute compilation of Muir’s sketches and writings, with notes on each area of Yosemite as well as approximate coordinates for a similar view.