The Sutter Buttes is that odd, distinctive, and definitely-out-of-place mountain range poking out of the Sacramento Valley west of Marysville and Yuba City.
Tom Stienstra, one of my favorite outdoors writers recently wrote this excellent piece about the Sutter Buttes:
Now is the time for such a trip. By linking a series of country roads, you can drive a 44-mile circle around the Sutter Buttes. It’s also a great road trip by bike. The Middle Mountain Foundation is also offering a series of exclusive weekend hikes into the Buttes through May, the only way for the public to see the interior of the range, explore the Maidu grinding bowls or climb the peaks.
As Tom says, spring is the best time to explore the Sutter Buttes, whether by car, bike, or foot. To actually hike in the Sutter Buttes, contact the Middle Mountain Foundation.
Peace Valley in the Sutter Buttes. Photo courtesy of California State Parks.
See more beautiful photos of the Sutter Buttes region.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello – From a curiosity and lands-management perspective, I am interested to learn why the Sutter Buttes are generally not open for public hiking, as well as which areas are open to the public and how I may access those areas? I do not have $50 or $100 to spend on a guided tour. Thank you.
Twitter: @TheJohnSoares
Italo, thanks for writing. The Sutter Buttes are privately owned, and that’s why they’re not open for public hiking. I agree that it’s unfortunate that you have to pay to go with the Sutter Buttes Foundation, but they are a good group.