MARTINEZ >> The grave site of John Muir, America’s most famous wilderness defender, will have limited public access for the first time starting in December.
Fans of the Sierra Club founder, nature writer, and protector of Yosemite Valley have had no authorized way to visit the grave site, located in a semi-rural part of Alhambra Valley about a mile south of Muir’s home.
The National Park Service, however, said Wednesday it has given final approval to its plan for public access that starts out with a few guided van tours a week in early December. Passengers will be picked up at Muir’s house at John Muir National Historic Site.
More van tours may be added. Later on when the 1.3 acre site is fenced off, people will be permitted to walk and ride bicycles to the property on weekdays but not on weekends.
The plan was sharply opposed by some Alhambra Valley neighbors who worry about traffic, parked cars, and loss of privacy.
National Park Service officials said they drew up the compromise plan to protect the neighborhood while meeting public demand for access to the grave site. Muir died in 1916 and was buried on family land that the park service acquired 16 years ago.
“Anyone who has been inspired by the writings and teachings of Muir will be able to visit his resting place,” said Tom Leatherman, a park superintendent in charge of Muir’s home and grave site. “We don’t expect hordes. We expect it to be reflective visits for people.”
As a concession to neighbors, the National Park Service decided not to allow the general public to drive to the site. Fencing will keep people out of the site at night, Leatherman said
Once the site is open to pedestrians, it’s expected visitors will park on nearby public streets and walk into the site.
Because of limited staffing, the park service said it will start out offering about four van tours per week to those who sign up in advance.
More tours may be added later if there is demand for them and the Park Service receives more funds for tours, officials said.
