35 John Muir Quotes to Stoke Your Love for the Peaks

By Samantha Panzera | May 24, 2023 |

Immerse in mountains' majesty, guided by John Muir's words. The father of national parks and a wilderness advocate, Muir's profound connection with nature shines in these 35 handpicked quotes. Explore his timeless wisdom, igniting passion for peaks and leaving you yearning for wild mountain expanses.

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Immerse yourself in the soaring majesty of the mountains and let the words of John Muir guide you to new heights. Known as the father of the national parks and a passionate advocate for wilderness preservation, John Muir's profound connection with nature shines through his inspiring quotes. In this collection of 35 handpicked quotes, we delve into Muir's timeless wisdom, as he shares his deep reverence for the peaks and the transformative power they hold. Whether you're an avid mountaineer, a hiker seeking adventure, or simply an admirer of nature's grandeur, these John Muir quotes are sure to ignite your passion for the peaks and leave you yearning for the wild expanses of the mountains.

Who is John Muir?

John Muir, often referred to as "John of the Mountains" and widely recognized as the "Father of our National Parks," stands as an influential figure who dedicated his life to the preservation of our natural treasures. His profound impact on the conservation movement is immeasurable, shaping the landscapes we cherish today. John Muir's unwavering passion for the wilderness, forests, mountains, rivers, and streams fueled his tireless advocacy for their protection. It is thanks to his tireless efforts that we owe the existence and preservation of many remarkable National Parks. His influential collaborations with figures like Theodore Roosevelt and members of Congress were instrumental in establishing the framework for safeguarding these precious lands through the creation of National Parks and Monuments. Iconic parks such as Sequoia National Park, Yosemite, and countless others have been safeguarded and preserved due to John Muir's unwavering commitment and conservation endeavors. His legacy continues to inspire generations to value and protect the natural world that surrounds us.

1. “The blessings of one mountain day, whatever his fate, long life, short life, stormy or calm, he is rich forever.” - John Muir

2. “Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer. Camp out among the grasses and gentians of glacial meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of nature’s darlings.” - John Muir

“Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer. Camp out among the grasses and gentians of glacial meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of nature’s darlings.” - John Muir

3. “Wherever we go in the mountains, or indeed in any of God’s wild fields, we find more than we seek.” - John Muir

4. “What wonders lie in every mountain day!” - John Muir

5. “Oh, these vast, calm, measureless mountain days, inciting at once to work and rest!” - John Muir

6. “Come to the woods, for here is rest. There is no repose like that of the green deep woods.” - John Muir

7. “I am losing precious days. I am degenerating into a machine for making money. I am learning nothing in this trivial world of men. I must break away and get out into the mountains to learn the news.” - John Muir

“I am losing precious days. I am degenerating into a machine for making money. I am learning nothing in this trivial world of men. I must break away and get out into the mountains to learn the news.” - John Muir

8. “Most people are on the world, not in it.” - John Muir

9. “Living artificially in towns, we are sickly, and never come to know ourselves.” - John Muir

10. “Keep close to Nature’s heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” - John Muir

11. “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.” - John Muir

12. “In this silent, serene wilderness the weary can gain a heart-bath in perfect peace.” - John Muir

13. “Most people who travel look only at what they are directed to look at. Great is the power of the guidebook maker, however ignorant.” - John Muir

14. “The world is big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark.” - John Muir

15. “The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” - John Muir

16. “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” - John Muir

17. “This time it is real – all must die, and where could mountaineer find a more glorious death!” - John Muir

18. “I am well again, I came to life in the cool winds and crystal waters of the mountains.” - John Muir

19. “Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.” - John Muir

20. “Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness. All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter.” - John Muir

“Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness. All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter.” - John Muir

21. “Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer.” - John Muir

22. “It may not be easy, life isn’t easy, but dreams keep you alive.” - John Muir

23. “In the woods is perpetual youth.” - John Muir

24. “Who wouldn't be a mountaineer! Up here all the world's prizes seem nothing.” - John Muir

25. “People are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home, that wilderness is a necessity.” - John Muir

26. “Wherever we go in the mountains, we find more than we seek.” - John Muir

27. “In the eternal youth of Nature, you may renew your own.” - John Muir

28. “Few places in this world are more dangerous than home. Fear not, therefore, to try the mountain passes. They will kill care, save you from deadly apathy, set you free, and call forth every faculty into vigorous, enthusiastic action.” - John Muir

“Few places in this world are more dangerous than home. Fear not, therefore, to try the mountain passes. They will kill care, save you from deadly apathy, set you free, and call forth every faculty into vigorous, enthusiastic action.” - John Muir

29. “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.” - John Muir

30. “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” - John Muir

31. “I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” - John Muir

32. “Going to the mountains is going home.” - John Muir

33. “One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.” - John Muir

34. “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity...” - John Muir

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity...” - John Muir

35. “The mountains are calling and I must go.” - John Muir

We hope that these 35 hiking and nature quotes by John Muir sparked a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the mountains. Muir's eloquent descriptions and profound insights remind us of the immense beauty, serenity, and resilience found in the high altitudes. May these quotes serve as a constant reminder to protect and cherish these magnificent peaks, ensuring that generations to come, can experience their transformative power.

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