5 John Muir Quotes that Will Make You Want to Go Hiking

The Wisdom of Legendary Naturalist John Muir

John Muir is one of our outdoor heroes. Without his influence and inspiration, we might not have our national park system. Hiking might not be as popular and CloudLine might never have created the world's best merino wool hiking socks. In short, we all have John Muir to thank for many of our favorite hikes and outdoor adventures!

1. John Muir on Making the Most of Life

The world is big and full of amazing places to visit. Instead of a weekend at home, visit a nearby National Park, go hiking, backpacking, skiing, any adventure will do. You'll never see everything in one lifetime, so follow John's advice and go exploring often.

"The world is big and I want to get a good look at it before it gets dark." -John Muir

2. John Muir on the Universe

Muir believed that wilderness held the answers to many of the problems of civilization. A healthy forest is a vibrant ecosystem and a tiny Universe. Go for a hike and you might not know any more about the planets and stars, but you will surely know more about your place in the Universe. 

"The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness." - John Muir

3. John Muir on Couch Potatoes

We've all had a weekend where we sat at home eating pizza and binge-watching Netflix. It's easy to do, but when the weekend is over you never feel ready to start the work week. A weekend in the mountains filled with hikes and adventures will bring you more rejuvenation, stress relief, and relaxation than a weekend on the couch every time.

"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

4. John Muir on Experience Versus Reading

John Muir didn't hate reading. In fact, he published 6 volumes of personal writings, but he believed that a day in the mountains could do more good than reading any book on nature. So don't just read about adventure in Outside Magazine, get outside and experience some real adventure.

"One day's exposure to mountains is better than a cartload of books." - John Muir

5. John Muir on True Happiness

There really is no better feeling then hiking, climbing, or scrambling to the top of a lofty mountain. Standing there you will be filled with a sense of accomplishment and perspective that is only earned in the mountains. The cares of life below will melt away and for that moment, we promise you will feel doubly happy.

"Doubly happy, however, is the man to whom lofty mountain tops are within reach." - John Muir

Dreaming of living the #vanlife? Read Converting a School Bus into an Adventure Mobile.