The Mountains of California is a venerable outdoors essay by John Muir that vividly describes those California mountains and the wildlife found within them and is among the finest examples of John Muir nature writings. Go where you may within the bounds of California, mountains are ever in sight, charming and glorifying every landscape.
John Muir (April 21, 1838 – December 24, 1914) also known as "John of the Mountains" and "Father of the National Parks", was an influential Scottish-American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, glaciologist and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States. His letters, essays, and books describing his adventures in nature, especially in the Sierra Nevada, have been read by millions. His activism has helped to preserve the Yosemite Valley, Sequoia National Park and many other wilderness areas.