After closing to the public due to litter, noise, and vandalism, the cemetery has reopened three days per week: Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 8am to 5pm. Visitors are strongly encouraged to arrive no later than 4:30pm, as gates close promptly at 5pm. All visitors must exit the grounds by closing time. Entry is permitted only through the Piedmont Avenue gate, and all visitors are required to sign in upon arrival.
Mountain View Cemetery has long been enjoyed by the public, and this final resting place for many local dignitaries, well-known architects (Julia Morgan and Bernard Maybeck), and captains of industry (Charles Crocker) — allowing visitors to journey through nature while learning about local history. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York’s Central Park with a similar intention — to interweave the harmony of nature with humanity.
As well as a place of internment, Mountain View Cemetery provides a park-like setting where visitors enjoy strolling through gardens in the midst of urban surroundings. Nature lovers can once again look forward to the stunning daffodil and tulip displays in the spring.
Depending upon the success of these new rules, the cemetery says that it may modify or cancel the program at any time, yet plan to continue allowing public access. A neighborhood petition has been circulating asking the cemetery to restore daily access in recognition of Olmstead’s desire to encourage public use of outdoor green space. You can find it online at Change.org: https://c.org/vJhxjwbWYy.
New Rules for Dog Owners and Dog Walkers
Under the new rules, dogs are permitted only on public-access days and only if all dog-related rules are strictly followed. Each person or family is limited to two dogs, which must be leashed at all times (voice command does not qualify). Leashes may not exceed 8 feet in length. Owners must bring their own waste bags and clean up after their pets. Dogs must remain on paved roads and paths and are prohibited from plots and indoor areas. Aggressive or agitated dogs are not allowed, and paid dog walkers are prohibited. Pet owners are fully responsible for their animals.
Additional rules include: no unauthorized alcohol, fresh-cut flowers only, no loud vehicles or music, and no skateboards or scooters. All gatherings — including picnics and events — now require prior approval from the cemetery; filming and photography projects must receive written authorization in advance.
To learn more about the fascinating notables who are buried there (like Frank Epperson, the inventor of the Popsicle®), and to find their gravesites, visit https://mountainviewpeople.blogspot.com/.
