HIKE DESCRIPTIONS
Event Ratings are a guideline to help you choose an outing that matches your level of fitness and ability.
Distance and elevation gain are dependent on the outing, the property, and the guide.
Detailed hike and payment information emailed upon your reservation. Unless otherwise specified in the following hike descriptions, the cost is $35/per person; meet and greet time is at 8:00 a.m. with a 3:00 p.m. ending time; and each hike is limited to approximately 20 registrants. All hikers are to carry a backpack containing: lunch, snacks, and plenty of water (for a day’s hike). Wear hiking boots or strong/ tough/ sturdy shoes with good tread/traction (no tennis shoes/sneakers)! Note: Hiking/walking sticks are a great idea for all participants!
BROKEN TEACUP
Walk around the Dean Place - on its ridgelines! Join your guide for a longer ridge hike and find yourself climbing at least four of our good hills. Don’t be intimidated! This hike will go at a pace that encourages all hikers to join. It is definitely not a race to the top, but a chance to explore parts of the ranch that we seldom visit in one outing. We will start this hike earlier and allow more time to complete the route. Be prepared for a whole day in the hills with views in every direction. Bring plenty of snacks and water, sturdy shoes, and hiking sticks!
BROCKMAN CHALLENGE
Prepare for a six-mile strenuous hike with a steep ascent between the tallest of ridge tops of the Brockman Ranch. The trail is narrow and traverses a precipitous incline with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet. At the hike’s midway point, enjoy views deep into the core of the Buttes as well as from mountain range to mountain range across the valley.
SHAEFFER RANCH HIKE
Hikers explore the historic Shaeffer Ranch belonging to the same family since the 1860s. Depending on visibility, this hike may include views of North Butte, Peace Valley, and the old Titan Missile Site. Both Mount Lassen and Shasta are often seen in the distance.
SHAEFFER RANCH
WILDFLOWERS
Enjoy a springtime walk amongst the green hills of Shaeffer Ranch, where we hope to be greeted with a delightful plethora of wildflower blooms like: Popcorn Flower, White Hyacinth, Larkspur, Monkey Flower, Dutchman’s Pipe, Shooting Stars, and Baby Blue Eyes. Remember to bring your hand lens, camera, and wildflower field guide
NORTH BUTTE SUMMIT
The Summit Ascent on the Dean Place is one of our most challenging treks. This route is a steep 1,000-foot push straight up North Butte. It is off trail and has no easy switchbacks. Hikers must be in extremely good physical condition and not suffer from vertigo. Limited to approximately 15 hikers.
VINES & VISTAS
Enjoy a stroll through the Cordi Winery orchards and vineyards before entering the hills of the lovely Shaeffer Ranch. After exploring the ridges and views for most of the day, return to Cordi for optional wine tasting (additional fee of $10 to be paid separately on hike day to Cordi).
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RIDIN' FENCE
Walk the fence line of the historic Dean Place. The fence line terrain is rugged and demanding, so wear sturdy boots, a bring day’s worth of water, and your sense of adventure.
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GEOLOGY
Learn about the exciting volcanic origins of the Sutter Buttes, a small-mountain range, with Volcanologist, Dr. Brian Hausback. Hiking the varied terrain of the Dean Place, he teaches us about the Buttes 1.6 million years of geological history.
BROCKMAN WILDFLOWERS
While hiking the unique terrain of Brockman Ranch, we hope you enjoy a lovely variety of wildflower blooms: California Poppies, Gold Nuggets, Woodland Stars, Cream Cups, Gray Mule Ears, Fiddlenecks, and Lacepods. Remember to bring your hand lens, camera, and wildflower field guide.
DEAN RIDGE
Enjoy a glorious spring day hiking Dean Place, where we hope to be greeted with an enchanting array of wildflower blooms like the: Paintbrush, Canyon Larkspur, Chinese Houses, Showy Milkweed, Filaree, Lupine, and Bird’s-eye Gilia. Remember to bring your hand lens, camera,and wildflower field guide.
PHOTOGRAPHER'S HIKE
Walk with your camera on the Dean Place. This event starts in the afternoon with ample time for landscape, macro, and flower photography, with the bonus of sunset shots. Bring your gear - tripods, ring lights, what have you. We will explore various areas of the property and position ourselves for the sunset. This will not be a long walk but can become more strenuous if you choose to hike to a ridge. All levels of photographic experience welcome - and if you use your cell phone’s camera, that fine as well.
BROCKMAN
CANYON LOOP
A nice blend of the Brockman Canyon hike and the less aggressive aspects of the Brockman Challenge. The Brockman Loop goes up and around some beautiful rock outcroppings and takes you to a ridge that opens in all directions for spectacular views. Return through the interesting terrain of the Brockman Canyon. This hike offers chances to see some of the most interesting flora and geology in the Sutter Buttes.
NATURE IN THE BUTTES
Learn about the exciting diversity of plants and animals found in the Sutter Buttes and examine the fascinating adaptations that allow them to survive. Plan to study nature and learn about the natural world in a beautiful outdoor setting. Ranch location will be noted on the current season’s hike list.
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MOONLIGHT STROLL
Experience the change from daylight to evening on the Dean Place. Watch the moon rise and hike by its light as you walk among the shadowy oaks and wander the rolling hillsides.
SACRED MANNER
Walking in a sacred manner with Stan Padilla on the Dean Place, you will learn a respectful reverence for life and the special place that the Sutter Buttes hold for local Native Americans. This is a quiet and contemplative day and a unique perspective on the Middle Mountain.
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BIRDS IN THE BUTTES
Come share the uncommon opportunity to bird in the Sutter Buttes. You will explore various habitats on the Dean Place while looking for both resident and migrant birds and also have the opportunity for photography or use of a scope (if you bring your equipment). Definitely bring your binoculars! Please note, this is a slow, mostly level hike, that does not cover the range of territory of other hikes nor the depth of interpretation. It truly is a bird watching day. Hike may be limited to 15 participants. Beginning birders welcome!
BATS IN THE BUTTES
This Bat Research Outing is a rare opportunity for a limited number of participants to witness mammal biologist, David Wyatt, conduct bat research in the Sutter Buttes on the Dean Place. You will take a brief hike as the crew readies their equipment. In addition to food and water, bring a folding chair or cushion, a light jacket or sweatshirt and flashlight.
Spring Only
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SUNSET SERENADE
fundraiser, Sunset Serenade, scheduled to be held (weather permitting) on Saturday, May 3, in an enchanting outdoor setting at the base of North Butte. Plan to enjoy an afternoon stroll or hike, delicious appetizers, wine and beer, a catered dinner, light-classical music, fine desserts, and pleasant company. Unique items are always featured at the Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust (SBRLT) silent auction and drawing. Pre-registration is required at https://www.middlemountainhikes.org. Cost is $125 per person (SBRLT hike discounts are not accepted). Information/details emailed upon registration.
Spring Only
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