Perhaps nothing is more iconic to Yuba-Sutter than the Sutter Buttes; yet, the world’s smallest mountain range remains largely unexplored by locals because most of the land is privately owned.
But there is one way locals can visit the Sutter Buttes without trespassing – by participating in a guided hike with Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes.
The local non-profit has been coordinating with ranchers for years to organize guided hikes throughout the Sutter Buttes. Hikes are organized for fall and spring; six excursions are currently available for sign-ups this season.
“The Buttes are somewhat of a beacon to the Central Valley, and people are curious about them,” said Karen Morris, hike coordinator for Middle Mountain. “It’s nice for folks to come and see it for themselves.”
While the hiking organization was designed with locals in mind, Morris said the majority of participants come from outside the Yuba-Sutter area. She hopes more locals will take advantage of the opportunities offered by Middle Mountain.
“About 80 percent (of hikers) come from Stockton, Santa Rosa and other places in the Bay Area,” Morris said. “We get very few local people; I’ve been told it’s mostly because of the price.”
Middle Mountain hikes start at $35 per person, but can reach upward of $50; Morris said the costs are necessary to fund the hikes.
“The hike fees go to pay the guides, to reimburse land owners on wear and tear of their property and liability insurance,” Morris said. “We couldn’t do it without the fees.”
Middle Mountain offers hikes of varying difficulties; Morris advises potential hikers to consider the organization’s personalized difficulty scale when choosing an excursion. Each hike’s difficulty is rated using boots – the more boots, the harder the hike. Morris recommends first timers check out hikes with a one through three boot rating.
“The Buttes can be addictive; once you start going you want to do more,” she said.
Hikes are recommended for ages 12 and up. To learn more about Middle Mountain and available fall hikes, visit middlemountainhikes.org. Email Morris at [email protected] to sign up.
On the upcoming schedule:
– Today: Wild Nature in the Buttes: Learn about the exciting diversity of animals and plants in the Buttes, and the fascinating adaptations that allow them to survive here. Your leader will be Gene Trapp, Professor Emeritus of Bio. Science at CSU, Sacramento. Bring food and water. Boots: 2; Spaces: 12; Cost: $35
– Saturday, Nov. 4: Maidu Lifestyle Experience: For thousands of years, Native peoples thrived in and around the Middle Mountain (Sutter Buttes). Pounding rocks and an occasional arrowhead are all that remain-a silent vestige of a culture rich in tradition, spirituality, and a connectedness to nature. Three generations of a Maidu family will show you how they prepare acorn meal. Stroll through a landscape where almost every plant or animal contributed to their culture. Bring food and water.; Boots: one; Spaces: 11; Cost: $35
– Saturday, Nov. 4: Nature Study: Join us for a leisurely stroll especially suited for casual walkers and nature lovers. Prepare for some moderate climbing and mostly uneven ground. We will explore the ranches and the secrets they hold. Bring food and water. Boots: two; Spaces: 16; Cost: $35
– Saturday, Nov. 11: Canyon Trek: Travel to the center of the Sutter Buttes with steady climbing on uneven ground. There will be frequent stops to examine the natural elements providing excellent views. Bring food and water. Boots: three; Spaces: 15. Cost: $45
– Sunday, Nov. 12: Photographers’ Outing: This event is designed for photographers of all levels. We will caravan/carpool to a ranch in the interior of the Buttes. There will be several guides so that you may scout and choose different locations for your photos, from level valleys to higher ridges. Bring food and water; meeting time is 5:00 am. Rain will cancel; occasional showers won’t. Boots: one through three; Spaces: 10. Cost: $35
