Superintendent's Compendium
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Superintendent’s Compendium (12/23/2025)
Of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority.
Approved:
K. Lynn Berry, Superintendent (12/23/2025) - Signature On file)
John Muir National
Historic Site
4202 Alhambra Avenue
Martinez, CA 94553
925 228-8860 phone
925 228-8192 fax
In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (“36 CFR”), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 54 U.S.C. §100751, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of John Muir National Historic Site. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.
Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent’s use of discretionary authority, as required by Section 1.5(c), appear in this document identified by italicized print.
I. 36 CFR §1.5 – VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIES
(a)(1) The following visiting hours and public use limits are established for all or for the listed portions of the park, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the park to all public use or to a certain use or activity:
Visiting Hours:
- Muir House Site: The normal hours of the Muir House area of the site are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.
- The site is closed Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
- The site may be closed on additional days when the President excuses federal employees from duty or closes executive departments and agencies and may close early or modify operating hours when the Secretary of the Interior grants administrative leave or early dismissal to federal employees.
- Mount Wanda: Open sunrise to sunset every day.
- Muir Gravesite: Open 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day.
Public Use Limits:
Closures:
The area, a former residential reservation, contains potential hazards such as old fencing, broken equipment, and unstable structures.
(a)(2) The following areas have been designated for a specific use or activity, under the conditions and/or restrictions as noted:
Filming:
Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity may require a permit, consistent with 54 U.S.C. 100905.
- Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity that occurs in closed areas, requires exclusive use of a site or area, or involves a set or staging equipment other than handheld equipment (such as a tripod, monopod, and handheld lighting equipment) requires a permit, unless the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
- Filming, still photography, and audio recording that involves more than eight individuals requires a permit, unless the NPS has specifically notified an individual or group that a permit is not required, or if the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
- If a permit is required for the reasons stated above, or if the NPS otherwise determines and then notifies an individual or group that a permit is required for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity, then engaging in that activity without a permit is prohibited. Violating a term or condition of a permit issued by the NPS for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity is prohibited, and may result in the suspension or revocation of the permit, in addition to any penalties that may apply under 36 CFR 1.3.
Federal law at 54 U.S.C. 100905 states that permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording in park areas if certain requirements are met. These requirements address various topics, including, but not limited to, group size, location, equipment, potential impacts to resources and visitors, and the likelihood that the NPS will incur related administrative costs. If any of these requirements are not met, the law allows the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the NPS, to require a permit for the subject activity. Permit requirements are imposed by the superintendent under discretionary authority provided by 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2), which allows the superintendent to impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity, consistent with applicable legislation, to implement management responsibilities. The general regulations for permits in 36 CFR 1.6 do not apply to permits issued for filming, still photography, and audio recording, which instead are governed by the statutory provisions in 54 U.S.C. 100905. The imposition of permit requirements, on a case-by-case basis, for filming, still photography, or audio recording does not require rulemaking under 36 CFR 1.5(b). Requiring a permit with reasonable terms and conditions in accordance with statutory requirements at 54 U.S.C. 100905 is not highly controversial, will not result in a significant alteration in the public use pattern of the System unit, will not adversely affect the System unit's natural, aesthetic, scenic or cultural values, or require a long-term or significant modification in the resource management objectives of the System unit, because the permit requirement is limited in time and scope to the specific activities authorized by the permit, which contain terms and conditions that protect the values, resources, and visitors of the System unit, and implements federal law.
Picnicking:
- Please refer to §2.11 for picnic area designations.
Bicycling:
- Please refer to §4.30 for bicycling area designations.
Horseback riding:
- Please refer to §2.16 for horseback riding area designations.
The following restrictions and/or conditions are in effect for the specific uses or activities noted:
Muir House Site:
- Recreational activities such as football, baseball, bicycle riding, skateboarding, frisbees, scooters, and kite flying are not permitted on the historic site.
Limitations on recreational activities enhances visitor experience of the historically significant cultural landscape.
Mount Wanda:
- The nature trail and the riparian trail on Mt. Wanda are restricted to hikers only. Horses and bicycles are prohibited.
Prohibiting horses and bicycles from sensitive natural areas and riparian zones protects important habitat and water quality.
Unmanned Aircraft
- Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of John Muir NHS is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.
Definition: Unmanned Aircraft (UA) - The term "unmanned aircraft" means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, and drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.
The Superintendent has determined that unmanaged or unrestricted recreational use of UAs within John Muir NHS will conflict with, or impact, a variety of park uses including visitor experiences of hiking, biking and horseback riding; enjoyment of a tranquil park environment; and risks of harassment of wildlife.
(a)(3) The following restrictions, limits, closures, designations, conditions, or visiting hour restrictions imposed under §§(a)(1) or (2) have been terminated:
II. 36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT
(f) The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the superintendent is required:
§2.4(d) Carry or possess a weapon, trap, or net (excluding legal firearms)
§2.5(a) Specimen collection (Take plant, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals)
§2.10(a) The following camping activities:
- “Spike” camps may be established by permit on a short-term basis at Strenzel Valley for the purpose of supporting youth crews or research field work not otherwise feasible due to extended travel distances or similar impediments.
§2.12 Audio Disturbances:
-
(a)(2) Operating a chain saw in developed areas
-
(a)(3) Operation of any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in non-developed areas
-
(a)(4) Operation of a public address system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51
§2.17 Aircraft & Air Delivery:
-
(a)(3) Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means
-
(c)(1) Removal of a downed aircraft
§2.37 Soliciting or demanding gifts, money goods or services (Pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit issued under §2.50, §2.51 or §2.52)
§2.38 Explosives:
-
(a) Use, possess, store, transport explosives, blasting agents
-
(b) Use or possess fireworks
§2.50(a) Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events
§2.51(a) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views
-
The clear area at the top of the hill above the visitor center between the two palm trees within Muir House area is designated for public assembly.
-
For groups larger than 25, a permit is required.
§2.52(c) Sale or distribution of printer matter that is not solely commercial advertising
§2.60(b) Livestock use
§2.62 Memorialization:
- (b) Scattering ashes from human cremation
§3.3 Use of a vessel
§4.11(a) Exceeding of established vehicle load, weight and size limits
§5.1 Advertisements - (Display, posting or distribution.)
§5.3 Engaging in or soliciting any business (Requires a permit, contract or other written agreement with the United States, or must be pursuant to special regulations).
§5.5 Commercial Photography/Filming:
-
(a) Commercial filming of motion pictures or television involving the use of professional casts, settings or crews, other than bona fide newsreel or news television
-
(b) Still photography of vehicles, or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising.
§5.6(c) Use of commercial vehicles on park area roads (The superintendent shall issue a permit to access private lands adjacent to the park when access is otherwise not available)
§5.7 Construction of buildings, facilities, trails, roads, boat docks, path, structure, etc.
III. GENERAL REGULATIONS
36 CFR §2.1 - PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
(b) Hiking or pedestrian traffic is restricted to the trail or walkway as listed in Section 1.5 of this document.
(c)(1), (c)(2) The following fruits, nuts, berries or unoccupied seashells may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption, in accordance with the noted size, quantity, collection sites and/or use or consumption restrictions:
-
Fruit such as peaches, pears, grapes, fig, and quince from the orchards in the Muir House area may be picked and consumed by the public. Amounts and frequency of collection will be established seasonally by park staff per site conditions, orchard health, amount produced, etc.
36 CFR §2.10 – CAMPING and FOOD STORAGE
(a) The sites and areas listed below have been designated for camping activities as noted. A permit system has been established for certain campgrounds or camping activities, and conditions for camping and camping activities are in effect as noted:
36 CFR §2.11 – PICNICKING
Conditions for Picnicking:
-
Areas designated for picnicking at the Muir House area include: behind the Martinez Adobe, the picnic tables under the pecan trees, the redwood grove near Franklin Creek, and the picnic tables next to the visitor center.
36 CFR 2.13 – FIRES
(a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is generally prohibited, except as provided for in the following designated areas and/or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:
Designated Areas:
Receptacles Allowed:
Conditions on Lighting or Maintaining a Fire:
-
A fire may be ignited and maintained only by using fuel sources designed and commonly used for warmth or the preparation of food, such as charcoal briquettesor natural firewood. Lighting or maintaining a fire with other materials including,but not limited to, flammable liquids, garbage, fireworks, plastics, aerosol canisters,batteries, or other manufactured or synthetic materials, is prohibited.
This action is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental or scenic values, protection of natural or cultural resources, and the implementation of management responsibilities. Materials other than approved combustibles – especially fire accelerants and substances prone to wind transport or explosion – creates serious risks when used to light or maintain fires. These combustibles can ignite or spread wildfires that directly threaten people and valuable resources and assets. The burning of manufactured or synthetic materials can contribute to air pollution, contaminate soil and water, and be toxic to humans and the environment. Less restrictive measures, such as an education campaign informing visitors of the risks of using certain materials to light or maintain a fire, would not be commensurate with the substantial risks associated with those activities and could lead to adverse outcomes that might be prevented by establishing an enforceable condition.
- A fire in the picnic area must be approved by the Superintendent.
36 CFR §2.15 – PETS
(a)(1) The following structures and/or areas are closed to the possession of pets:
-
Visitor Center
-
Muir House
-
Martinez Adobe
(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:
36 CFR §2.16 – HORSES and PACK ANIMALS
(b) The use of horses or pack animals is allowed on the following trails, routes or areas:
36 CFR §2.21 – SMOKING
(a) The following portions of the park, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking as noted:
36 CFR §2.35 – ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES and CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
(a)(3)(i) The following public use areas, portions of public use areas, and/or public facilities within the park are closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or to the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal has been broken or the contents of which have been partially removed:
36 CFR §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION
(b) A permit is required for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains, or in the following designated areas without a permit, in accordance with the following terms and conditions:
36 CFR §4.10 – TRAVEL ON PARK ROADS AND ROUTES
(a) Park roads, open for travel by motor vehicle are those indicated below, and/or as indicated in the following publication or document (attached hereto):
36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES
(a) Park roads and parking areas that are closed to bicycle use are listed in section 1.5 of this document.
The following additional routes, in developed areas or special use zones, have been designated for bicycle use:
(d)(3) Riding a bicycle abreast of another rider is allowed on the following routes:
