The Mountains Are Calling: Reflections on the Sierra Nevada and John Muir’s Legacy

 

"The mountains are calling, and I must go." These simple, stirring words by John Muir encapsulate a profound truth: the wild places of the world beckon us, not only for their beauty but for the healing, awe, and perspective they offer. 

For me, the call of the mountains wasn’t just poetic—it was literal. Years ago, as a US Forest Service archaeologist, I was drawn to the heart of the John Muir Wilderness in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, a place where Muir himself once roamed. Each day, I walked in his footsteps, both metaphorically and literally, immersed in the landscapes he loved and fought so hard to protect. 

  

 Photo – Davis Lake, John Muir Wilderness, Inyo National Forest

The Majesty of the Sierra Nevada 

The Sierra Nevada Mountains are nothing short of breathtaking. Muir described them as “the Range of Light,” and it's easy to see why. Towering granite peaks seem to glow in the early morning sun. Crystal-clear alpine lakes reflect a sky so blue it almost seems unreal. The air carries the faint, crisp scent of pine, and the breeze whispers through ancient trees, many of which have stood sentinel for centuries. 

Hiking through these mountains, you might come upon a meadow bursting with wildflowers in spring, their vivid colors framed by rugged cliffs. Or perhaps you’ll encounter a glacially carved valley, its sheer walls a testament to the power of nature’s slow, deliberate artistry. It’s a landscape that humbles and uplifts in equal measure. 

For me, the work often involved uncovering traces of those who lived in and loved these mountains long before Muir’s time. I would find - and not disturb - ancient tools, rock art, and remnants of campsites, each artifact a whisper from the past, adding another layer to the story of this extraordinary place. 

Muir's Call to Action 

John Muir didn’t just revel in the beauty of the mountains; he fought to ensure they would remain wild and untouched. His tireless advocacy led to the creation of some of the United States’ first national parks, including Yosemite. His writings continue to inspire countless people to connect with nature and recognize its intrinsic value. 

Today, Muir’s call feels more urgent than ever. The wild places he loved are under threat from climate change, overuse, and encroaching development. Yet, these same places hold the power to transform us, to remind us of our connection to the natural world, and to inspire us to protect it. 

A Message to Young Adventurers 

To young people and those young at heart, I say this: heed John Muir’s words. Go to the mountains—not just for an Instagram-worthy moment, but to truly experience them. Let yourself be awed by the vastness of the sky, the stillness of a forest, the roar of a waterfall. Feel the rough texture of granite under your hands and the chill of a mountain breeze on your face. 

The mountains have lessons to teach if you’re willing to listen. They can show you resilience, as tiny wildflowers thrive in harsh alpine environments. They can inspire creativity, as they did for Muir, whose writings still resonate more than a century later. And they can instill a sense of stewardship, a drive to protect these sacred spaces for generations to come. 

As someone who has walked those trails and felt the weight of history and wonder in every step, I urge you to answer the call. The mountains are waiting. Will you go?

 

For more information on the John Muir Wilderness:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=21875

 

For information about John Muir’s life and legacy:

https://www.nps.gov/jomu/learn/historyculture/who-was-john-muir.htm