Rethinking John Muir

Bridalveil Fall looms over the Merced River in Yosemite National Park, which John Muir helped preserve. Some environmentalists say population growth, urban sprawl, demographic shifts and climate change have made a relic of Muir’s approach.   (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

American naturalist John Muir, who died in 1914.   (Hulton Archive / Getty Images)

President Theodore Roosevelt, left, at Yosemite with John Muir.  (MPI / Getty Images)

The base of Upper Yosemite Falls during a 30-second exposure. John Muir was instrumental in preserving the Yosemite Valley.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)