Safety

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  Invasive Plants

  Invasive plants display qualities like fast growth, high seed production, and rapid maturation that allow them to displace native species.

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  Can I bring my pet?

  Pets in the park

  Rules about bringing pets to the site. Photo: Joseph Reicherts.

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  Park Site Accessibility

  Click this link for information on our park's accessibility.

 

 

Safety First at John Muir National Historic Site

At John Muir National Historic Site, your safety is our top priority. We are committed to ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Please follow posted guidelines, stay on designated paths, and be mindful of natural hazards such as uneven terrain and wildlife. Our park rangers are available to assist with any safety concerns and provide information on safe practices during your visit. By adhering to these guidelines, you help us maintain a safe environment for everyone. Enjoy your visit responsibly!

Vehicle Safety

• Protect Your Belongings: Do not leave visible items in your vehicle, regardless of where you are parking. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Uneven Terrain

• Paved Paths and Orchards: While the main John Muir National Historic Site park property has paved paths throughout, the terrain can be uneven if you wander off the paths and into the orchards. Please be cautious of where you walk, especially as rain can cause holes and slippery conditions.

Climbing Trees

• Tree Safety: Please do not climb trees in the park. Many of our trees are historic, and some provide us with delicious fruit. They often have weak branches that could cause a fall.

Handrails and Safety

• Use Handrails: Always use the handrails provided, as steps can be slippery due to weather conditions and moisture.

Mount Wanda Site

Mount Wanda, part of the John Muir National Historic Site, comprises 326 acres of hills, nature, and hiking trails. There is no visitor center or ranger station on Mount Wanda, and rangers and volunteers are not always present. Please follow these safety guidelines:

• Water and Sunblock: There is no available drinking water on Mount Wanda. Bring your own water, as the hike can be long and somewhat steep. Sunblock is important as well since hiking can take at least a couple of hours.
• Poison Oak: Beware of poison oak, which grows along the natural terrain in some areas.
• Ticks: Be aware that ticks are present in most natural/wild areas. Check yourself for ticks after any hike.
• Trails: Trails on Mount Wanda are steep, unpaved, and uneven. They can be slippery, muddy, or dusty depending on the weather. Wear appropriate shoes and clothing while hiking.

Awareness

• Report Suspicious Activities: Report any suspicious activities to the visitor center at [phone] ext. 0.

By following these safety guidelines, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to the John Muir National Historic Site and Mount Wanda.

 

Ticks in the Park

Ticks are small, parasitic arachnids commonly found in grassy, wooded, and bushy areas. While enjoying your time at Mount Wanda or the John Muir National Historic Site, it’s important to be aware of ticks and take steps to prevent tick bites.

Types of Ticks

The most common ticks found in this area include:

• Western Black-legged Tick: Known to carry Lyme disease.
• American Dog Tick: Can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
• Pacific Coast Tick: May carry several tick-borne diseases.

Tick Prevention Tips

To minimize the risk of tick bites, follow these simple guidelines:

1. Wear Protective Clothing:

   • Long sleeves and pants
   • Light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks
   • Tuck pants into socks or boots

2. Use Tick Repellents:

   • Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin.
   • Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin.

3. Stay on Designated Trails:

   • Avoid walking through tall grasses and bushes.
   • Stick to the center of the trail.

4. Check for Ticks:

   • Perform a thorough tick check after being outdoors, paying special attention to areas like the scalp, behind ears, underarms, groin, and behind knees.
   • Check pets and gear for ticks.

5. Shower After Outdoor Activities:

   • Showering within two hours of being outdoors can help remove ticks that have not yet attached.

Tick Removal and Treatment

If you find a tick attached to your skin:

1. Use Fine-tipped Tweezers:

   • Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
   • Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick.

2. Clean the Bite Area:

   • Use soap and water, alcohol, or iodine scrub.

3. Dispose of the Tick Properly:

   • Place it in alcohol, seal it in a bag/container, or flush it down the toilet.

4. Monitor for Symptoms:

   • Watch for rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms.
   • If symptoms develop, consult a healthcare provider immediately.

Awareness and Education

Staying informed and prepared can help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Mount Wanda and the John Muir National Historic Site. For additional information on tick prevention and tick-borne diseases, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Tick Information website or speak with park staff.

By taking these precautions, you can protect yourself and your loved ones while enjoying the beauty and history of the park.