He later took trips around the world including destinations such as Europe and South America. He surveyed the Amazon basin and noted many new plant species. In Alaska, he became the first white man to see Glacier Bay. He unquestionably made an impact in Alaska's history: Mount Muir, Muir Glacier, Muir Point, and Muir Inlet all carry his name.
Though his travels were extensive, it was California's Sierra Nevada and Yosemite that had in fact captured his spirit. In 1868, he walked across the San Joaquin Valley through lush fields of wildflowers and into the high country for the first time (Sierra Club). Later he would write: "it seemed to me the Sierra should be called not the Nevada, or Snowy Range, but the Range of Light the most divinely beautiful of all the mountain chains I have ever seen" (Wolfe 230). .
By 1871, Muir had found living glaciers in the Sierra and it was there he conceived his contentious theory of glaciation in the Yosemite Valley. Muir's reputation for exploration, and environmental studies began to be renowned throughout the country. His early correspondence and newspaper articles earned him the respect of eastern intellectuals and scientists such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Asa Gray, both of whom sought him out during their visits to California. .
John Muir published over 300 articles and 10 major books recounting his travels, reasoning his naturalist philosophy, and summoning everyone to "climb the mountains and get their good tidings" (Gifford 34). Through his writings and language Muir magnified the essence of nature as none had ever before. Muir's affection for the high country gave his writings a spiritual quality. Often, his enthusiasm and endless love of nature inspired and moved his readers, whether they were presidents, congressional representatives, or plain citizens (Sierra Club).
Muir drew attention to the devastation of mountain meadows and forests by sheep and cattle through a series of articles appearing in Century magazine.
