Walking in John Muir’s Footsteps at Alhambra Hills Open Space

From his home in Martinez, naturalist John Muir had splendid views of the surrounding hills and ridgelines. But he preferred hiking for even more expansive vistas. “I only went out for a walk,” he wrote in his journal, “and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” 

Now you can, too, at Alhambra Hills Open Space, a 297-acre preserve that includes land that Muir once owned, located about two miles from his historic house. Previously slated for development and saved after years of grassroots organizing, this open space is home to the highest ridgeline in Martinez and hundreds of oak trees. With a peak elevation of 698 feet, the ridge features a 360-degree view of Mount Diablo, Mount Wanda and the Franklin Ridge, Briones Regional Park, and more. It officially opened to the public in February 2025.