SPRING 2024 HIKES
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!
Summit
Dean Place - North Butte
The Summit Ascent 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.
Cost: $45.
Hike Difficulty Level: 5 Boot. Date: (CANCELED)=Saturday, February 17; (CLOSED)=Sunday, February 25; (CLOSED)=Saturday, March 9; and (CLOSED)=Sunday, March 17.
HIKE STATUS: CLOSED
Vines & Vistas | Shaeffer Ranch
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 [day of hike] to Cordi). Cost: $40.
Hike Difficulty Level: 3 Boot (with gentle climbs and descents). Dates: (CANCELED)=Sunday, February 18; and (CLOSED)=Saturday, March 2.
HIKE STATUS: CLOSED
Shaeffer East | Shaeffer Ranch
Hikers explore the historic Shaeffer Ranch belonging to the same family since the 1860s. This moderately challenging hike provides scenic (interior) views of North Butte and Peace Valley. Mount Lassen and Shasta are often seen in the distant horizon, weather permitting.
Hike Difficulty Level: 3 Boot. Dates: (CLOSED)=Saturday, February 24; and (CLOSED)=Sunday, March 17.
HIKE STATUS: CLOSED
Moonlight Stroll | Dean Place
Under the bewitching spell of the moonrise’s lunar glow, we contemplate, observe, ponder, and reflect upon the mysteries of the Sutter Buttes while strolling amongst illuminated, shadowy oak groves and alluring hillsides.
Hike Difficulty Level: 2 Boot. Date: Saturday, February 24.
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
HIKE STATUS: CLOSED
Ridin’ Fence | Dean Place
Walk the fence line of the historic Sutter Buttes ranch, Dean Place. The fence line terrain is rugged just like the cowboys charged with mending it. Bring sturdy boots, a day’s worth of water, and your sense of adventure - work gloves optional.
Hike Difficulty Level: 6 Boot. Date: Saturday, February 24. Time: 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
HIKE STATUS: CLOSED
Brockman Canyon
Brockman Ranch
Travel to the intriguing, fascinating central core of the Sutter Buttes. Be prepared for a steady climb on uneven ground with frequent stops for contemplation of the landscape’s natural elements and mesmerizing views.
Hike Difficulty Level: 3 - 4 Boot. Dates: (CLOSED)=Sunday, February 25; and (CLOSED)=Saturday,
March 16.
HIKE STATUS: CLOSED
Geology | Dean Place
Learn about the exciting volcanic origins of the Sutter Buttes, a small-mountain range, with Volcanologist, Dr. Brian Hausback, as he teaches us about the Buttes 1.6 million years of geological history.
Hike Difficulty Level: 4 Boot.
Date: Sunday, March 3.
HIKE STATUS: CLOSED
Brockman Challenge
Brockman Ranch
Prepare for a six-mile strenuous, steep ascent between the tallest of ridge tops. The trail is narrow and has us traversing a precipitous incline with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet. At the hike’s midway point, we are rewarded with a scenic view of deep hidden valleys.
Hike Difficulty Level: 5 Boot. Date: Sunday,
March 3.
HIKE STATUS: CLOSED
Shaeffer Wildflowers
Shaeffer Ranch
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.
Hike Difficulty Level: 3 Boot. Date: Saturday, March 9.
HIKE STATUS: CLOSED
Brockman Wildflowers
Brockman Ranch
While hiking the unique terrain of Brockman Ranch, we hope you enjoy seeing a lovely variety of wildflower blooms like: 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.
Hike Difficulty Level: 3 Boot. Date: (CLOSED)=Sunday, March 10; and (CLOSED)=Sunday, March 24.
HIKE STATUS: CLOSED
Shaeffer West | Shaeffer Ranch
This moderate/challenging hike has you exploring the Shaeffer Family Ranch, an historic Sutter Buttes property 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.
Hike Difficulty Level: 3 Boot. Saturday, March 23.
HIKE STATUS: CLOSED
Nature in the Buttes
Brockman Ranch
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.
Hike Difficulty Level: 3 - 4 Boot. Date: Saturday, March 30.
HIKE STATUS: CLOSED
Dean Flowers | Dean Place
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.
Hike Difficulty Level: 3 Boot.
Date: Saturday, March 30.
HIKE STATUS: CLOSED
Shaeffer - Guide’s Choice
Shaeffer Ranch
This hike takes place on either the East or West Ridge of the Shaeffer Ranch and may also include sections of both. Your guide considers the day and enthusiasm of the group before you set off to discover the hills and views of this historic property.
Hike Difficulty Level: 3 - 4 Boot.
Date: Saturday, April 6.
HIKE STATUS: CLOSED
Dean Ridge | Dean Place
Hike and climb the rocky, rather steep and hilly ridges of historic Dean Place, a working-cattle ranch, belonging to the same family since the 1890s. This invigorating hike rewards you with unforgettable interior views of the Sutter Buttes.
Hike Difficulty Level: 3 - 4 Boot. Date: Sunday, April 7.
HIKE STATUS: CLOSED
Birds of the Buttes | Dean Place
Let’s go birding in the Sutter Buttes! Explore a variety of habitats (riparian, shrub, and oak woodlands) while we slowly and deftly search for resident and seasonal birds. This is a birder’s hike with quality time for photography and scopes – if you choose to carry the gear. Do bring binoculars!
Hike Difficulty Level: 3 Boot. Date: Sunday, April 14.
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
HIKE STATUS: CLOSED
Sacred Manner | Dean Place
While walking in a SACRED MANNER with Stan Padilla, we learn about his respectful reverence for life and the Native-American mythology of the Sutter Buttes. Did you know that our name, Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes, offers homage to the spiritually vital indigenous name, Mountains in the Middle?
Hike Difficulty Level: 2 Boot. Date: Saturday, April 20.
HIKE STATUS: CLOSED
Bats of the Buttes | Dean Place
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. In addition to food and water, bring a folding chair or cushion and flashlight.
Hike Difficulty Level: 1 Boot. Date: Saturday, April 27.
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
HIKE STATUS: CLOSED
Sunset Serenade in the Sutter Buttes
– at Historic Dean Place
Join Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes at its annual fundraiser, Sunset Serenade, scheduled to be held (weather permitting) on Saturday, May 4, 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 or mmsutterbutteshikes@yahoo.com.
Cost is $125 per person (SBRLT hike discounts are not accepted). Info/details emailed upon registration.
Meet/Greet Time for Stroll/Hike is at 2:30 p.m.; appetizers at 5:00 p.m.; and dinner at 6:00 p.m.
Meet/Greet Time for Dinner is at 4:00 p.m.; appetizers at 5:00 p.m.; and dinner at 6:00 p.m.
HIKE STATUS: CLOSED