John Muir (; April 21, 1838 – December 24, 1914) was a Scottish-American
naturalist, author, environmental philosopher and early advocate of preservation of
wilderness in the United States. His letters, essays, and books telling of his adventures in nature, especially in the
Sierra Nevada of California, have been read by millions. His activism helped to preserve the
Yosemite Valley,
Sequoia National Park and other wilderness areas. The
Sierra Club, which he founded, is a prominent American conservation organization. The
John Muir Trail, a hiking trail in the
Sierra Nevada, was named in his honor. Other such places include
Muir Woods National Monument,
Muir Beach,
John Muir College,
Mount Muir,
Camp Muir and
Muir Glacier. In Scotland, the
John Muir Way, a 130 mile long distance route, was named in honor of him.