Peoria Calderwood Butte Preserve

Have you been enjoying this cool weather? Wow – feels like winter! I want to go climb mountains, but my ankle is still giving me troubles. I keep getting the zoomies and reinjuring it. Mom says go gentle, but my Shiba brain takes over. I’m out walking, and we looked for an easy hike to see how I would do and read about the Peoria Calderwood Butte Preserve at 27180 N 99^th Avenue in Peoria.

We headed south on Lake Pleasant Parkway and turned right or west on Jomax Road. At 99^th Avenue, we turned right again, and the small parking lot was on the left. There are no restrooms and the spaces are limited. It is literally just along the road in a pull out and is free. Dogs are welcome on leashes.

The area is very pretty. We are constantly amazed at the beauty all around us. Even after seven years here, we discover new parts of town and places to explore. I was eager to go hiking, but we immediately discovered what we read online wasn’t exactly accurate. Research told us it was a 1.5 mile easy loop around the butte; however, you have to climb up a rocky slope for over a ½ of mile to get to the trail. They left that part out.

I was game, but my ankle didn’t like all the rocks. Under normal conditions, I’d be bounding up that hill, but I was going pretty slow. Mom and dad decided to call it, and we headed back down.

What we can tell you that is true is you have great views all around. Calderwood Butte isn’t super tall, but it stands out in the area, allowing you to see all around. Once you hike up the steep connector trail, the loop would make its way around the butte, not up it. I hope I can try this again some time.

Mom and dad felt bad, so on our way home, we stopped by Paloma Park. I wrote about this not too long ago. I love the paved path around the lake. Ducks were quacking away, and people were fishing. The park is huge with lots of grass, pavilions, kid play grounds, a dog park and pickleball courts.

I did good and didn’t go backwards. We are thankful for that! I continue to take it slow until I can’t help myself. I could blame it on Mowgli, but I’m usually the one who starts it. Doh. Anyway, one step at a time. If you give Calderwood Butte a try, let me know what you think.

Be good. Twenty days until Santa Paws comes! Ho ho ho

My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, executive recruiter, business consultant, coach, fitness expert, and author of nine published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever!