Calderwood Butte Preserve
A scenic desert preserve offering easy hikes with rewarding panoramic views of Peoria, perfect for families and quick outdoor escapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Refreshing start to the day
Calderwood Butte Preserve
Best Time
Refreshing start to the day
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic desert preserve offering easy hikes with rewarding panoramic views of Peoria, perfect for families and quick outdoor escapes.
"Easy hike with great views of Peoria, perfect for families and a refreshing outdoor escape."
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Loose rock and climbs require good hiking shoes. Avoid slips and enjoy the trail!
👨👩👧👦 Great for Families
Easy trails make it perfect for all ages to enjoy nature.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Top of Calderwood Butte
Panoramic views of Peoria and the surrounding West Valley. A rewarding sight after a moderate climb.
Family-Friendly Trails
Main Trailhead
An easy, accessible hike perfect for all ages, offering a peaceful natural escape.
Optional Short Loop
107th & Jomax Trailhead
A quick, easy loop for a short run or to stretch your legs. Great for a brief outdoor burst.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Footwear is Key
Timing for the Best Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Loose rock and climbs require good hiking shoes. Avoid slips and enjoy the trail!
👨👩👧👦 Great for Families
Easy trails make it perfect for all ages to enjoy nature.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy easy access and no cost for parking at the main trailhead.
🚴 Bike-Friendly Paths
Enjoy leisurely bike rides along the trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Loose rock and climbs require good hiking shoes. Avoid slips and enjoy the trail!
👨👩👧👦 Great for Families
Easy trails make it perfect for all ages to enjoy nature.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy easy access and no cost for parking at the main trailhead.
🚴 Bike-Friendly Paths
Enjoy leisurely bike rides along the trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Calderwood Butte Preserve for its accessible trails, offering beautiful scenic views of Peoria and the surrounding West Valley. It's a highly recommended spot for families and those seeking a refreshing, easy outdoor escape. Some caution is advised near the summit due to steep drop-offs.
"This is a decent hike if you are looking for a 1 to 2 hr outing. Great view from the top. Loose rock and a bit of climb. I recommend good hiking footwear!"
Nicole Lemke
"The trail is easy and perfect for all ages, making it a great family-friendly spot 👨👩👧👦. The hike isn’t too long or difficult, but it rewards you with beautiful scenic views 🌄 and a peaceful natural atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a relaxing walk, let the kids explore safely, and still feel close to nature. Definitely a go-to spot for anyone looking for a simple yet refreshing outdoor escape in Peoria! 🌳✨"
Janet C. Adams
"Nice and easy hike. Had plenty of great views of surrounding Peoria area."
ROY TREVINO
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main trailhead is conveniently located off 99th Ave. For a slightly different experience, an unimproved trailhead is accessible off 107th & Jomax, offering an optional short loop.
Yes, there is free parking available at the main trailhead, making access easy for visitors.
Absolutely! The trails are suitable for leisurely bike rides, including mountain biking.
Yes, it's ideal for a 1-2 hour outing, perfect for a refreshing escape without a long time commitment.
Yes, besides the main trailhead off 99th Ave, there's an 'unimproved' trailhead at 107th & Jomax.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Calderwood Butte Preserve offers free entry and free parking, making it an accessible outdoor destination.
While specific hours aren't always posted, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and the best experience. Early mornings are highly recommended.
No advance booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
The main trails are generally safe, especially during daylight hours. However, always exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
Generally, no specific restrictions are noted, but it's always good practice to stay on marked trails and respect the natural environment.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main trail is considered easy and perfect for all ages. There are some sections with loose rock and a bit of climb, but it's generally manageable. +1
You'll be rewarded with beautiful scenic views of the surrounding Peoria area and the West Valley. +1
Yes, it's a great family-friendly spot. The hike isn't too long or difficult, allowing kids to explore safely.
While generally safe, the top of the butte has steep falls if you misstep, so caution is advised, especially with children.
While not explicitly mentioned in the provided tips, it's common for preserves to allow leashed dogs. Always check local regulations before visiting.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers the most expansive views for panoramic shots. The trails themselves also provide lovely natural backdrops. +1
Early mornings provide soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the landscape. Late afternoons can offer beautiful golden hour lighting.
The main draw is the expansive view from the butte's summit, overlooking Peoria.
Landscape photography is ideal, capturing the desert flora and the urban sprawl of Peoria in the distance.
For casual personal photography, no permit is typically required. Commercial photography might have different regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's an ideal spot for a relaxed outing where kids can connect with nature without a long, challenging trek. The free parking and easy access make it a convenient choice for a spontaneous family adventure.
🚴 Outdoor Enthusiasts
The preserve also caters to those looking for shorter excursions. The unimproved trailhead at 107th & Jomax provides access to a quick, easy loop, perfect for a brief run or a fast-paced leg stretch.
📸 Photography Buffs
Visiting in the early morning is highly recommended for the best light and fewer crowds, creating a serene atmosphere for capturing stunning images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
For those seeking a quicker option or a different perspective, an 'unimproved' trailhead exists off 107th & Jomax. This entry point provides access to a short, optional loop trail, perfect for a brief run or a quick leg stretch.
Family-Friendly Adventures
Parents can feel confident letting their children wander a bit, knowing the paths are generally well-defined. However, it's crucial to be mindful of the steeper drop-offs at the summit, where extra vigilance is needed to prevent any missteps.
Biking and Quick Excursions
Beyond the main hiking trail, the unimproved trailhead at 107th & Jomax presents a unique advantage: an optional short loop. This shorter path is perfect for individuals or groups wanting a quick workout or a brief immersion in nature without committing to a longer hike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit