The Sutter Buttes, often referred to as the world’s smallest mountain range, are an isolated cluster of volcanic hills rising above the flat landscape of the Sacramento Valley in Northern California. They were formed over 1.5 million years ago during the Pliocene epoch by a series of volcanic eruptions. These ancient peaks, which reach an elevation of about 2,122 feet at their highest point, are remnants of a once-active volcanic system. While the Buttes are now dormant, they stand as a striking geological feature in an otherwise flat terrain, and their rugged beauty has captivated the attention of explorers, settlers, and locals for centuries. For the indigenous Maidu and Wintun peoples, the Sutter Buttes hold deep spiritual significance, serving as a place of sacred importance and a marker of the natural world. European settlers, led by John Sutter, after whom the Buttes are named, arrived in the mid-19th century during the California Gold Rush, using the area for grazing cattle. Over time, the surrounding land has been utilized for agriculture, with the Buttes serving as a backdrop to the rich farming region. Today, much of the Sutter Buttes remain privately owned, but efforts to conserve the area and offer limited public access for hiking and historical tours have helped preserve its unique natural and cultural history.