In a meeting held in San Francisco, John Muir, along with several like-minded individuals, established the Sierra Club, a pivotal organization advocating for environmental conservation. The Sierra Club's formation coincided with a period of rapid industrial growth in the United States, which raised concerns about the preservation of natural landscapes. With the Sierra Nevada mountains as a focal point, the organization sought to enhance public awareness around environmental issues, pushing for the protection of wilderness areas. Muir, who became the first president of the Club, emphasized the significance of connecting people with nature and was instrumental in highlighting the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada through his writings and advocacy efforts.

The inaugural meeting drew an enthusiastic group of participants, including prominent figures such as physician and preservationist Robert Underwood Johnson. The Sierra Club's establishment marked a vital shift towards organized environmentalism, promoting not just conservation efforts but also recreational activities in nature. Over the following years, the Club engaged in various legislative efforts to preserve federal lands, eventually playing a crucial role in the establishment of national parks in the United States. This movement attracted a diverse membership, expanding to include many who were concerned about the degradation of natural landscapes amidst the growing urban development and resource extraction activities.