WELCOME
Hiking in the Sutter Buttes
TYPES OF HIKES
Guided hikes open to the public on weekends from late October through April. Explore private ranch lands in the Sutter Buttes while learning about geology, ecology, and cultural history in small group settings. Registration required.
A personalized, private hike through the Sutter Buttes—tailored to your group's interests, pace, and schedule. Explore nature, history, and geology with an expert guide on your own terms.
Curriculum-based hikes to enhance classroom lessons in geology, ecology, and biology, as well as local history.
HIKE REGISTRATION PROCESS
Please review all information carefully before registering for a hike event. You may register up to 6 participants in your session.
Carefully read HIKE DESCRIPTIONS on the Hike Descriptions below.
Read the HIKE EVENT BOOTS RATING information to be sure that you are selecting a hike that is appropriate for you and everyone in your group.
Look at the CURRENT HIKE SCHEDULE
Click the REGISTER HERE button and complete the hiker registration information and then select your hike event from the list. <!--Select the HIKE EVENT and click the REGISTER HERE button.-->
You will be directed to an external link and will complete your REGISTRATION INFORMATION and PAY for your hike on the linked page. Please have your credit or debit card or PayPal account available to complete your registration.
You will receive two emails after you have registered for your hike - an order confirmation and an invoice confirming your payment.
PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM/JUNK FOLDERS for these emails! Each of the emails contains the link that will give you all the information you will need for hike day.
If you do not receive these emails within a day, please contact [email protected].HIKING & CANCELLATION POLICIES
- We are an interpretive program – hikes will involve sharing information and make regular stops.
- The Open (or Public) Hikes program is designed for adults and hike events are not appropriate for children younger than 12. There are a limited number of events where children can be safely accommodated or charter hikes can be booked for groups with children.
- All hikers are required to sign the Release/Waiver of Liability on hike morning prior to entering the hiking property. Minors must have the signature of their responsible adult. Read Waiver Here>>
- Though some hikes use small trails, there are NO groomed trails in the Sutter Buttes. All hikes are on uneven and/or rocky terrain.
- HIKING BOOTS are REQUIRED for 4+ Boot hikes, and hiking boots or sturdy shoes are required for all other hikes.
- Hikers will enter the properties together, remain together through the day, and exit together.
- All hikes are on private properties that are active ranches. Appropriate ranch activity is to be expected, and livestock has the right of way.
- No outside animals are allowed on the properties we access (due to livestock presence), nor will we allow animals to remain in a vehicle for the day. Fees will be refunded so that the animal can be safe.
- Absolutely no smoking or vaping of any type is permitted.
- Collection of specimens of rocks, bones or other artifacts is not allowed.
- Guides directions and decisions are to be respected.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations up to two weeks (14 days) prior to hike date:
Refund of hike payment minus a $5 processing fee, or a certificate (voucher) for a comparable-cost future hike. The certificate must be used within one year of issuance.Cancellations between less than two weeks and 72 hours prior to hike date:
A certificate (voucher) will be issued for a comparable-cost future hike. The certificate must be used within one year of issuance.Cancellations within 72 hours of hike date:
No refund or hike certificate will be issued.- If weather forces MMIH to cancel a hike event, email notification will generally be sent on Thursday for Saturday hikes and on Fridays for Sunday hikes. Road conditions and other extremes may result in cancellation closer to the hike event. We make every effort to contact everyone in a timely manner. Refunds will automatically be processed in the event of MMIH-instigated cancellation. Cancellation emails will have alternative options noted.
HIKE EVENT BOOTS RATINGS
Event Ratings help you choose an outing that matches your level of fitness and ability. Also, please consider these factors for anyone else you are registering for an event.
Distance and elevation gain are dependent on the outing, the property, and the guide.
HIKE SCHEDULE
Most hikes allow 20 hikers; exceptions typically include North Butte Summit, Tres Picos & Birds in the Buttes
HIKE DESCRIPTIONS
HIKER PREPARATION
- Our hikes are almost always on uneven terrain, even if it is relatively level walking. The routes often involve sidehill walking and stepping around and over rocks. We don’t follow many paths, nor are there groomed trails.
- All hikers must wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes. Athletic/running shoes are not always comfortable for most adults. Hikers on 4, 5 and 6 Boot Rating Hike Events are required to wear hiking boots.
- Hiking sticks can be helpful.
- Everyone should carry snacks, lunch, water and whatever else they need for the day in a daypack.
- Carrying chairs is not recommended unless they are part of your day’s program. Lunch is on the trail away from vehicles.
- Dressing in layers is recommended.
- Hats are always a good idea – chin straps or keeper cords are good on windy ridges!
- Be prepared for rain (raingear) or shine (sunscreen).
- Poison oak is present in some areas – we’ll stay alert.
- Ticks are not a significant issue in the Buttes, but there may be mosquitoes.
- There may be thistles at certain times of the year – long pants are preferable as are closed toe shoes.
- The Buttes can be much warmer than the surrounding area – bring plenty of water! Relying on energy drinks for hydration is not recommended.
- Hikers on 4, 5, and 6 Boot Rating Hike Events are advised to bring more water and food as hikes are quite demanding.
- Cameras and binoculars are always welcome.