Like the ancient Egyptian statues with a lion's body and a man's head guarding pyramids, one could (with a big dose of fantasy) imagine this "sphinx" guarding North Butte as it gazes upon Peace Valley below. The"Sphinx" is actually the best place in the Buttes to see examples of what the Sutter Buttes were like 1.5 million years ago, when the mountain was a ring of exploding ash domes. These domes were later washed away by mud avalanches or covered over by later volcanic eruptions and buried. This is the best place in the Buttes to see the remains of these ash domes ensconced on this high rampart. Besides learning about the mountain's intriguing geology, this five mile trek transects across Peace Valley where hikers will take in a wide-range of varying views. The cost of this hike is $15 for YHS members and $25 non-members, for children 12 years old and younger $5/$10. To register phone 530-846-3024 or email daniel@yubahistory.com Please include your telephone number when registering via email.
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The Sphinx |
