THE SUTTER BUTTES
The World's Smallest Mountain Range
Maps name the captivating 1.6 million-years old volcanic peaks as the “Sutter Buttes.” Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes offers homage to the indigenous name of the spiritually vital “Mountains in the Middle” rising dramatically from the center of the Sacramento Valley. Views from afar inspire closer visits through a 60-minute drive, 45-mile bike ride, or a memorable hike within the Buttes 10-mile-wide range.
Welcome!
Thank you for visiting our Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes (MMIH) website!
Our Spring 2025 Hiking Season begins in February with our first hikes February 22nd and 23rd. You will find hikes on every weekend until our season ends on Saturday, May 3rd with our Sunset Serenade, our annual fundraiser.
(Information about Sunset Serenade can be found elsewhere in this newsletter.)
Please check out our schedule of hikes and our list of hike descriptions.
We hope you will join us on one of our hiking adventures!
With thanks and best regards,
--Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes
VISIT THE SUTTER BUTTES
You CAN… DRIVE AROUND… CYCLE AROUND… HIKE INTO &…
Learn about the world’s smallest mountain range better known as the Sutter Buttes.
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Through contractual agreements with landowners, Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes has created learning opportunities within the Sutter Buttes for thousands of people, typically as guided hikes for the public or as school class outings. Carefully controlled access allows visitors to have high quality experiences while protecting the land itself. Board members, volunteers, and trained guides also engage in outreach, spreading the message of this special place to those who have not yet visited the interior of the range.
Here are three ways to experience the Sutter Buttes:
Drive or cycle around them; schedule a spring/fall/winter hiking adventure with Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes;
or visit the Sutter County Museum.
DRIVING TOUR
People are drawn to the Sutter Buttes, whether they live in the area or are just passing through. They are a ten-mile wide circle of volcanic peaks that are dramatically isolated in the center of the Sacramento Valley.
There are a series of county roads that circle the Sutter Buttes and Pass Road actually goes through them on the south side. The loop is about 45 miles. There is no other public access. There are no hiking trails, picnic areas, or public parks.
INTERPRETIVE HIKES OR OUTINGS
Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes offers guided interpretive outings on several properties in the interior of the Sutter Buttes. These outings are held from late October through early-May. They are posted on this website in early October for the Fall Season and early February for the Spring. Outings are $35 per person unless otherwise stated in the description. Sign up or call/text 530-370-4777 and leave a message.
SUTTER COUNTY MUSEUM
The Sutter County Museum has a wealth of information about the Sutter Buttes, as well as a relief map, which allows close study of the peaks and valleys. The Museum is located at 1333 Butte House Road in Yuba City. (530) 822-7141 Website
Share a special memory along with a coordinating photo(s) of the Sutter Buttes
with Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes at: hike@middlemountainhikes.org.
Selected remembrances will be featured on our Facebook Page
Like and follow us on Facebook.
Donations are welcome at Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes, a 501c3 non-profit organization.
To donate, send a check (made payable to MMIH) to P.O. Box 3613, Yuba City, CA 95992. Thank you!
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MISSION STATEMENT
Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes advances the understanding of the
natural and cultural features of the Sutter Buttes through interactive
educational activities for schoolchildren and the public.