HIKING THE SUTTER BUTTES

Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes (MMIH) provides access to the privately-owned Sutter Buttes valleys, hillsides, and peaks. Guides share volcanic, cultural and natural history information and examine with you a natural ecology that has become increasingly rare in our time. The different hikes and diverse guides each offer singular experiences in the Buttes.

We offer three distinct hiking programs. The public or Open Hikes are those available for the general public. Charter Hikes can be booked by individuals and organizations and customized to meet your needs. And we are especially proud of our Education Program that is tailored to upper elementary students. For information on Charter and Education Program hikes, please visit their respective pages or click on the links here.

MMIH is grateful to the landowners whose properties we access. Currently, we hike on the historical Dean Place, Shaeffer Ranch, and Brockman Canyon. Each property offers unique opportunities season by season as well as access to distinct features of the Sutter Buttes. All properties are privately owned, and our hike policies reflect our respect for the landowners and their properties.
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Our hikes are educational experiences. The hikes are offered most weekends from late October through the end of April, in two seasons and require pre-registration. Our spring season culminates in our Sunset Serenade fundraiser held on the first Saturday of May. The fall season schedule is posted around October 7 and the spring around February 7. We do not hike on these working ranches in the summer because of the higher fire danger.
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A typical day in the Buttes begins at 8:00 am and ends around 3:30 pm (unless otherwise stated). Trips are scheduled and will proceed in all but the most severe weather conditions. Participants of all hikes should be prepared for uneven footing, stepping over rocks and boulders, crossing streams, and hill climbing. Spring hikers are likely to encounter wet, squishy, ankle-deep grass, while fall trekkers will be contending with thistles and stickers. There are no groomed trails. Poison oak is present, but you will be warned of its proximity. Mosquitos are with us unless there has been a recent freeze or the air is moving. Rattlesnakes, though common in the warmer weather, are usually reclusive and inactive during our hiking seasons. No smoking/vaping and no pets are allowed on the properties. Hikes are limited to 20 unless otherwise stated. Also note our hike rating system – the boots! – shown on the hike schedule page. Be prepared to drive from your hike meeting place out into the Buttes. Additionally, there are porta-potties at each hike start point. All hikers should carry sufficient water and food for the day as lunch time is out in the hills. Please gauge your own fitness against hike descriptions and do not hesitate to contact us for more specific information.
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Individuals and families may reserve a date for one of the public or open hikes/events by email; or leave a message at 530-370-4777.
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Cost for open hikes is $35 per person unless otherwise stated. The fee is used to pay the guides, reimburse the landowners, and for liability insurance. Any remainder is used for our hike-related expenses and education work.
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Some hikes are acceptable for smaller children, but many are not. We find that no hikes are appropriate for toddlers. We suggest that hikes rated 3 or 4 may be suitable for children 12 or older, but it depends on the child and the hike. Please inform the hike coordinator when making your reservations if you are considering bringing children.