The John Muir National Historic Site, located in Martinez, California, is a tribute to the life and work of the famous naturalist and conservationist, John Muir. While the site is not primarily known for its fossils, it does offer a rich geological history. The site’s geologic story began between about 145 million and 56 million years ago, when sediments that would become the site’s bedrock were deposited. The Great Valley Sequence, the geologic formation underlying the site, was formed over millions of years. Geologic processes such as plate tectonics and fluvial activity (the flowing of water) continue to alter the landscape to the present day. The site is also relevant for park management, including erosion, flooding, faults, and earthquakes. While the site does not have a specific fossil hunting area, it offers a unique opportunity to explore the geological history and the influence it had on John Muir’s life and work. Visitors can explore the beautiful grounds and orchards, the historic Victorian house of the Strenzel/Muir families, over 360-acres of trails on Mt. Wanda, and the Strentzel/Muir Gravesite.
Remember that this is a National Park and you should inform yourself of the appropriate permissions and restrictions of National Park land when it comes to fossil hunting.
Sources:
California Fossil Sites 