Cowtown Range

Cowtown Range is a popular shooting range located in Peoria, AZ.

Cowtown Range: The Heart of Paintball Action in Peoria, Arizona

Nestled amid the sun‑baked desert scrub of the Sonoran foothills, Cowtown Range has evolved from a modest weekend hobby spot into one of the most respected paintball arenas in the Phoenix metropolitan area. While the name might evoke images of cattle drives and dusty prairie towns, the reality is a high‑octane, meticulously designed battlefield where strategy, speed, and teamwork collide. For anyone looking to experience paintball in the Southwest, Cowtown Range offers a blend of rugged authenticity and modern convenience that makes it a standout destination.

A Brief History of the Range

Founded in 2006 by a group of longtime paintball enthusiasts who grew up playing the sport on the open fields of central Arizona, Cowtown Range began as a simple, fenced‑in plot on the outskirts of Peoria. The founders, inspired by the “cowtown” moniker of their hometown, wanted a venue that felt both wild and welcoming. Over the ensuing fifteen years, the range expanded its footprint three times, adding new terrain features, upgrading its safety infrastructure, and investing in a professional staff of certified referees and field managers.

The growth was driven not only by a surge in local interest but also by the venue’s reputation for hosting regional tournaments. By 2015, Cowtown Range had secured a partnership with the Arizona Paintball Association (APA), becoming an official sanctioning site for state‑level qualifiers. That partnership brought a wave of competitive players, prompting the owners to add a dedicated “Pro Arena” equipped with high‑tech scoring systems and modular obstacles that could be rearranged for varied game formats.

What Sets Cowground Range Apart

1. Diverse Terrain

Unlike many paintball fields that rely on a single type of environment, Cowtown Range boasts a patchwork of distinct zones, each tailored to a particular style of play. The “Canyon Run” area mimics the narrow, winding canyons common to northern Arizona, with steep rock formations, hidden alcoves, and natural boulders that provide cover. The “Desert Outpost” offers open‑field engagements punctuated by sandbags, pop‑up bunkers, and a network of low‑lying cacti (real or artificial) that create a visual illusion of a ghost town.

For those seeking a more tactical experience, the “Urban Grid” section features a series of prefabricated wooden structures reminiscent of abandoned warehouses, complete with two‑story platforms, staircases, and a mezzanine level that adds vertical gameplay—a rarity in the desert. Each zone is designed with safety in mind: all obstacles are padded at the base, nets are used to prevent stray paintballs, and the layout is regularly inspected for wear.

2. State‑of‑the‑Art Equipment Rental

Cowtown Range recognizes that a great paintball experience starts with reliable gear. The rental inventory includes top‑tier pump‑action markers, semi‑automatic rifles, and fully automatic electric pistols from renowned manufacturers such as Tippmann, Dye, and Empire. All guns are calibrated to the legal 280‑foot‑per‑second velocity limit for paintball in Arizona, ensuring a level playing field and minimizing the risk of injury.

Protective equipment is equally comprehensive. Players receive impact‑resistant masks with anti‑fog lenses, padded vests with quick‑release buckles, and optional elbow and knee pads for those who anticipate heavy contact. For newcomers, the staff offers a brief orientation on marker operation, safety protocols, and basic tactics—a service that has earned high praise from families and corporate groups alike.

3. Flexible Game Formats

Whether a group wants a quick 10‑minute “Capture the Flag” skirmish or an all‑day “MilSim” (military simulation) campaign, Cowtown Range can accommodate. The venue’s scheduling software allows teams to book specific zones and set up custom rules, such as “no‑hit zones,” “respawn points,” or “objective‑based missions.” Special events—like “Zombie Apocalypse” evenings where a small group of “infected” players chase the survivors—are regularly promoted on the website and social media, adding a fun, theatrical twist to the standard paintball formula.

Corporate team‑building packages are especially popular. Companies can choose from a menu of scenarios designed to foster communication, leadership, and problem‑solving. Facilitators from Cowtown Range guide participants through debrief sessions after the games, translating on‑field dynamics into actionable workplace insights.

4. Amenities That Enhance the Day

After a hard‑fought match, players can unwind at the on‑site “Ranch House” café. The menu features southwestern staples—chipotle‑spiced chicken tacos, fresh guacamole, and hearty burritos—alongside a selection of craft sodas and energy drinks. A shaded patio provides a place to cool off while recounting highlights of the day.

The facility also includes a fully stocked pro shop where regulars can purchase their own markers, paint, and accessories at discounted rates. The shop’s knowledgeable staff can advise on upgrades, helping players transition from rental gear to a personalized setup without breaking the bank.

Community Impact and Future Plans

Beyond serving as a combat arena, Cowtown Range has become a community hub. The venue hosts youth leagues that introduce teenagers to paintball in a supervised, mentorship‑focused environment. Scholarships are occasionally awarded to promising young players, covering equipment costs and entry fees for state‑wide tournaments. Moreover, the range participates in charitable events, such as “Paintball for a Cause,” where a portion of the day’s revenue is donated to local nonprofits.

Looking ahead, the owners have announced a multi‑phase expansion plan slated for 2027. Phase one will see the addition of a new “Night Ops” arena, equipped with low‑luminosity lighting, glow‑in‑the‑dark markers, and infrared night vision goggles, allowing for immersive nocturnal matches. Phase two involves the construction of an indoor “Climate‑Controlled” facility, which will enable year‑round operation even during the scorching summer months that can push ambient temperatures above 110°F.

Cowtown Range exemplifies how a paintball venue can transcend the simple notion of “a place to shoot foam balls.” Its careful attention to terrain design, commitment to equipment quality, and dedication to creating dynamic, inclusive experiences have earned it a reputation as Peoria’s premier paintball destination. Whether a seasoned veteran seeking a tactical showdown, a corporate team aiming to build cohesion, or a family looking for an adventurous day out, Cowtown Range provides a well‑rounded, adrenaline‑filled escape that captures the spirit of the desert frontier while delivering the thrills of modern paintball. For anyone curious about the sport or eager to test their mettle on a battlefield that feels both rugged and refined, a visit to Cowtown Range is, without a doubt, a ticket to unforgettable action.