15 of the Best John Muir Quotes About the Mountains

Want to be inspired and motivated by quotes from the famous naturalist John Muir? This blog post has some of his best quotes for hikers. If you’re looking for a little inspiration before embarking on your next big adventure, then this is the perfect blog post for you! Today I’m sharing a collection of the very best John Muir quotes about the mountains.

“The mountains are calling and I must go.” – John Muir. This quote by the famous naturalist, explorer, and founder of the Sierra Club is undoubtedly one of his most well-known quotes about the mountains. Let’s take a look at some of his other, perhaps less well-known quotes.

For those who love to hike, this blog post has some of the best inspirational quotes from John Muir about how beautiful it is to explore nature’s wildest terrain – the mountains!

John Muir Quotes About the Mountains

These quotes are perfect to use in your next Instagram post or anywhere you need an inspiring hiking quote.

#1 “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

This is one of my favorite John Muir quotes about mountains because it perfectly encapsulates why nature can be so rejuvenating.

Hiking or climbing in the mountain passes allows us to escape from our normal lives, take a step back and truly appreciate what’s important. It also reminds us that life is short and beautiful, so it’s important to take advantage of every moment we can.

We need this kind of reminder sometimes – that life will never be exactly the same again after experiencing something like hiking in the mountains or climbing a mountain pass!

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

This is a great John Muir quote about mountains because it captures the sense of adventure and urgency that comes from being outside.

When you’re hiking in the wilderness, time seems to stand still as you forget everything else around you except for what’s right there in front of your eyes – nature! You feel so small standing next to the mountain pass, yet so connected to it at the same time.

You feel like anything is possible out there in the wilderness – and this John Muir quote captures that feeling perfectly!

#3 “The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” – John Muir

This quote captures the sense of awe and wonder when exploring nature. As humans, we are constantly looking for new experiences to stimulate ourselves in order to grow as individuals – this can be anything from doing a crazy adventure like hiking in the mountain passes to trying something totally different like rock climbing.

#4 “Come to the woods, for here is rest. There is no repose like that of the green deep woods. Here grow the wallflower and the violet. The squirrel will come and sit upon your knee, the logcock will wake you in the morning. Sleep in forgetfulness of all ill. Of all the upness accessible to mortals, there is no upness comparable to the mountains.” – John Muir

This John Muir quote about mountains captures the feeling of freedom that comes from being one with nature.

When we’re hiking in the wilderness, it doesn’t feel like a chore or something difficult to get through – instead, it’s an escape and a way for us to recharge ourselves after a long day at work! We can forget everything that’s bothering us and just be ourselves in the moment.

We feel so connected to nature out there – it really is a way for us to get away from all of the noise and distractions that we experience every day!

#5 “No synonym for God is so perfect as Beauty. Whether as seen carving the lines of the mountains with glaciers, or gathering matter into stars, or planning the movements of water, or gardening – still all is Beauty!” – John Muir

This John Muir quote about mountains captures the feeling of reverence that comes from being in nature.

When we’re hiking out in the wilderness, it’s easy to see God’s handiwork all around us – even when things look bleak and harsh! We can connect with our own spirituality as well as feel connected to something larger than ourselves.

We feel so small and humble in the presence of nature, even when we’re hiking up a mountain pass! We have to remember just how amazing it is that all this beauty surrounds us every day.

#6 “How hard to realize that every camp of men or beast has this glorious starry firmament for a roof! In such places standing alone on the mountain-top, it is easy to realize that whatever special nests we make – leaves and moss-like the marmots and birds, or tents or piled stone – we all dwell in a house of one room – the world with the firmament for its roof – and are sailing the celestial spaces without leaving any track.” – John Muir

This John Muir quote about mountains captures the feeling of being so small in a vast world. When hiking out in nature, it’s easy to feel like you are just one person – after all, what can one single human being do? But when we’re surrounded by something as beautiful and powerful as nature itself, it makes us realize that we are all connected.

#7 “One day’s exposure to mountains is better than a cartload of books.” – John Muir

When we’re hiking in the wilderness, it’s easy to feel like a child again – full of curiosity and amazement! We can learn so much just by being out there alone with our thoughts for an extended period of time. It’s a beautiful way to learn more about ourselves and the world around us.

#8 “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers but as fountains of life.” – John Muir

This John Muir quote about mountains captures the feeling of being refreshed by wilderness areas. When we’re hiking out in nature, it’s easy to feel rejuvenated and full of energy again! We can appreciate all that is around us – even something as simple as a flower or bird song can make our day better.

#9 “How little note is taken of the deeds of Nature! What paper publishes her reports? …. Who publishes the sheet-music of the winds, or the written music of water written in river-lines? Who reports and works and ways of the clouds, those wondrous creations coming into being every day like freshly upheaved mountains? And what record is kept of Nature’s colors – – the clothes she wears – of her birds, her beasts – her live-stock?” – John Muir

This John Muir quote about mountains captures the beauty of nature. When we’re hiking out in the wilderness, it’s easy to feel connected with our wildlife friends around us! We can appreciate all that is alive – even something as simple as a squirrel or butterfly can make our day better.

#10 “The mountains are fountains of men as well as of rivers, of glaciers, of fertile soil. The great poets, philosophers, prophets, able men whose thoughts and deeds have moved the world, have come down from the mountains – mountain dwellers who have grown strong there with the forest trees in Nature’s workshops.” – John Muir

This John Muir quote about mountains captures the spiritual value of nature. When we’re hiking out in nature, it’s easy to feel a connection with Someone greater than ourselves. We can appreciate all that is around us and how much better off we are having grown up surrounded by these amazing views. The creation truly is a masterpiece.

#11 “Going to the mountains is going home.” – John Muir

This John Muir quote about mountains captures the feeling of returning home. When we’re hiking out in nature, it’s easy to feel like this is where we belong – with all that gorgeous scenery and fresh air surrounding us!

#12 “Oh, these vast, calm, measureless mountain days, inciting at once to work and rest! Days in whose light everything seems equally divine, opening a thousand windows to show us God. Nevermore, however weary, should one faint by the way who gains the blessings of one mountain day; whatever his fate, long life, short life, stormy or calm, he is rich forever.” – John Muir

This John Muir quote about mountains captures the feeling of being blessed. When we’re hiking out in nature, it’s easy to feel grateful for all that we have been given. We can appreciate everything around us – even something as simple as a bird singing, a cool breeze, even our trail map or a fresh water source!

#13 “Few are altogether deaf to the preaching of pine trees. Their sermons on the mountains go to our hearts; and if people in general could be got into the woods, even for once, to hear the trees speak for themselves, all difficulties in the way of forest preservation would vanish.” – John Muir

This John Muir quote about mountains captures the importance of listening to nature. When we’re hiking out in nature, it’s easy to feel inspired and hear those whispers from above! We can appreciate all that is around us – even something as simple as a flower or bird song can make our day better.

#14 With inexpressible delight you wade out into the grassy sun-lake, feeling yourself contained on one of Nature’s most sacred chambers, withdrawn from the sterner influences of the mountains, secure from all intrusion, secure from yourself, free in the universal beauty.” – John Muir

This John Muir quote about mountains captures the feeling of being free. When we’re hiking out in nature, it’s easy to feel liberated – like anything is possible! We can appreciate all that is around us and how wonderful life truly is.

The wilderness is truly a magical place – even if we only hike out there once, it will plant seeds that last forever inside of us.

#15 “How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains!” – John Muir

This John Muir quote about mountains captures the feeling of being welcomed. When we’re hiking out in nature, it’s easy to feel grateful for all that is around us – even something as simple as a view can make our day better!

From his quotes about nature to his thoughts on how best to take care of our natural resources, he has so much wisdom and insight for us hikers today! We hope you found some new favorite quotes from this article as well as a few nuggets of knowledge you might not have known before.

Note: John Muir is frequently misquoted. You can find some of these misquotes on the Sierra Club website.

What was John Muir most famous for?

John Muir is one of the most famous and influential naturalists in United States history. His work led to Yosemite National Park being preserved for future generations, as well as the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Mt. Rainier National Parks.

What was John Muir’s most significant contribution to the environmental movement?

John Muir, a naturalist, and advocate of US forest conservation founded the Sierra Club which helped establish Sequoia National Park as well as Yosemite.

The John Muir Traill FAQ

Where does the John Muir Trail start and end?

The trail starts in Yosemite National Park (America’s Treasure) and continues 215 miles through the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The journey ends at Mount Whitney – America’s highest peak at 14,496 feet.

The John Muir Trail is a journey through some of the most beautiful scenery in America. This is a land of vast, beautiful mountains and deep canyons. In this haven for outdoor enthusiasts you’ll find 13,000-foot peaks with 14,000-foot tall granite cliffs; lakes numbering in the thousands across the rugged landscape – all waiting to be explored by those willing to take on an adventure!

What state is the John Muir Trail?

California.

How long does it take to hike the John Muir Trail?

It’s not unusual for people to take about three weeks or so, with most hikers averaging around 10-12 miles a day. But if you’re a really experienced hiker, you might be able to do 15 miles a day.

You can learn more about the John Muir Trail on the website here.

After reading this post, you should have a sense of what John Muir thought about the mountains. Whether it’s for hiking or just admiring from afar, there is something everyone can enjoy in these quotes from one of America’s most famous naturalists.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading these quotes from John Muir about the mountains. If you have, be sure to share this post with your friends and family so they can enjoy them as well! Just click on the share buttons below!