Birding Mt. Wanda, John Muir NHS, Martinez

This hike is especially good for beginning birders!

Mt. Wanda is part of the John Muir NHS. We'll walk through oak woodlands and oak savannah habitats, climbing uphill on a rugged fire road with one steep section. Then we'll walk a single track trail back to the fire road, about 2.5 miles total. We should have excellent views of Acorn Woodpeckers, likely also Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks, Towhees, and Oak Titmouse.

MDBA has binoculars to loan for use on our trips. If you need binos just tell the trip leaders beforehand, so they know to bring an extra pair.

Hike Rating: 3, Vigorous (by birding standards). About 2.5 miles walking on fire roads and single track trails, with 475' elevation gain.

Leader: Cheryl Abel, 925-957-6229

Meet: Parking lot at the Mt. Wanda Trailhead, intersection of Alhambra Ave and Franklin Canyon Rd in Martinez.

GPS: 37.98916055076219, -122.12963777237545

Directions: From Hwy 4 westbound take the Alhambra Ave. exit in Martinez. Turn left back under Hwy 4. Franklin Canyon Rd. is the next right, parking lot immediately on the left side of Franklin Canyon Rd. Bring water and binoculars.

This hike is limited to 15 participants. Participants acknowledge the MDBA Liability Waiver (available during registration).