Golf cart views plus a mountain hike—fast and iconic. I love the Old Town Scottsdale pacing from the open-air cart, and I love earning the Camelback Cholla outlook at marker #7 or #11. The tradeoff: the first stretch is rated moderate due to incline and uneven terrain, so it may feel tough if you’re out of shape.

I also like how the guide strings together quick, useful context as you roll past spring-training energy, cowboy-bar architecture, and the jaw-dropping home styles in Paradise Valley. On cart tours like this, guides such as Max and Cody bring a friendly, safety-first approach that keeps the whole thing relaxed.

The timing works: the hike portion is short (often around 15 minutes up and 15 minutes back), and you still get solid sightseeing time. You’ll get free bottled water and an English guide, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Key highlights you’ll notice right away

• Old Town Scottsdale focus first, so you get the vibe before you start climbing
• Camelback Cholla Trail to marker #7 or #11, the payoff viewpoints for most people
• Short hike window (about 30–40 minutes total) with “stations” that let you pace yourself
• Paradise Valley sightseeing after the hike, including celebrity-home areas and multimillion-dollar neighborhoods
• Small group size (max 7), which makes it easier to take photos and hear directions
• Bottled water included, helpful in the Scottsdale heat

How the 2-hour golf cart + hike combo actually feels

This tour is built for people who want both experiences without spending half a day. You start on a golf cart, cruise through iconic Scottsdale areas, then switch gears for a relatively brief hike on Camelback Mountain’s Cholla Trail. After that, you continue sightseeing through Paradise Valley and wrap back in Old Town Scottsdale.

What makes it click is the pacing. You’re not stuck on a trail for hours. Most people hike roughly 15 minutes up and 15 minutes down, and the guiding plan is to reach a key view location (usually marker #7 or #11). That means you can aim for the view without burning out before the cart portion.

The other nice thing is how the tour is structured around viewpoints and photo moments. The cart route isn’t just transport; it’s part of the story of Scottsdale. And because the group is small, you don’t feel like a passenger in a big bus shuffle.

Scottsdale sightseeing by golf cart: Old Town stops and the Paradise Valley contrast

The route gives you a satisfying “mood change” as you move through the city. You begin with Old Town Scottsdale, then head toward Camelback, and later you swing through Paradise Valley on the way back.

Here are the types of stops you can expect, and why they’re worth your attention:

The spring-training stadium stop

You’ll pass the stadium where the Giants play during spring training. Even if you’re not catching a game, it’s a great quick introduction to Scottsdale’s sports-season rhythm and the way the city comes alive when the temperatures are friendly.

Old Town Scottsdale: saloon vibe, art galleries, and cowboy energy

Next comes that classic Old Town mix of Southwestern-style saloon architecture, cowboy bars, and art galleries. This is the part where Scottsdale often feels most like a destination and less like a suburb.

If you like street-level atmosphere, you’ll appreciate the way the tour keeps you moving at a “look and photo” pace rather than forcing long walks between stops.

The landscaped Old Town pocket with water, palms, and statues

You also get a pass through an Old Town green space with running water, palm trees, flowers in bloom, and manicured grounds, plus statues and a few bars nearby. This is the kind of scene that makes sense in Arizona: neat landscaping, shady-looking elements, and that curated downtown feel.

Boutique shops and restaurant area

From there, you’ll see a beautiful stretch of Scottsdale known for boutique shops and restaurants. It’s not meant to be a shopping tour, but it helps you spot where you might want to eat later—especially if you’re trying to plan meals after your hike.

Paradise Valley: the expensive zip code energy

After the mountain portion, the tour shifts into Paradise Valley, including areas associated with celebrity homes and mansions. This is where the architecture and residential scale get noticeably bigger, and the vibe feels more upscale and high-design.

You’ll also pass through parts of Scottsdale described as the most expensive zip code in the state, with multimillion-dollar mansions and architecture that can feel almost otherworldly up close.

Residential street beauty

You’ll have a stop for one of the gorgeous residential streets in Scottsdale. For me, these “street-view” moments are where you truly get a sense of the neighborhoods you’re seeing—especially if it’s your first time here.

Camelback Mountain and the Cholla Trail: what “easy” means and why the incline is the real test

Camelback’s Cholla Trail is the star of the tour, but it’s important to understand the difficulty in plain terms.

Most people find the hiking portion manageable, but local rangers rate the first portion as moderate because of incline and terrain. In other words: it’s not technical climbing, but it is uphill. If you’re older or you’re currently out of shape, that early incline is what tends to catch people off guard.

A good self-check is how you handle hills. If you can comfortably tackle a sustained 15-minute incline that equals roughly 10 to 12 flights of stairs, you’ll likely be fine. If not, plan to take it slower and be ready to pause.

Your hiking goal: marker #7 or #11

The plan is for you to hike to marker #7 or #11, depending on pacing that day. These markers are the turning points where the scenery starts to deliver real Southwest payoff.

The guide’s approach is designed to keep you moving enough to reach the view, but not so aggressively that you arrive winded and miserable. For many people, the hike is around 30 to 40 minutes total.

“Stations” you can tackle in pieces

One of the most practical details: the hike is set up in segments or “stations,” and you can climb up all or some for the duration. That means you can match the pace to your body instead of feeling trapped in a one-speed grind.

Coming back down is part of the challenge

Going back down matters. Even though it’s shorter, your legs still have to handle uneven terrain and the stop-start movement of getting back to the cart. This is where good shoes and steady footing make a bigger difference than people expect.

Why the guide matters on this tour (Max, Cody, and the safety factor)

This is not a “drop you off and hope” kind of outing. The guide is part storyteller, part traffic controller, and part safety manager—especially when you’re moving between viewpoints and then up to the trail.

You’ll likely hear city context in a way that helps you connect the dots: why certain areas look the way they do, what Old Town is known for, and how Paradise Valley differs once you’re there. Guides such as Max and Cody have been highlighted for being friendly, funny, and attentive on the road.

That matters because a golf cart can feel carefree, until traffic, pedestrians, and heat become real. A careful driver makes the whole experience feel smoother.

Also, the tour runs with an English guide, which is useful if you want to understand what you’re looking at instead of guessing.

Price and value: is $193 worth it for this mix?

At $193 for about two hours, this isn’t the cheapest thing you can do in Scottsdale—but it can be strong value if your time is limited and you want both the city + Camelback without planning.

Here’s where the value comes from:

• You get guided transportation via the golf cart, not just hike access.
• You get bottled water included, which matters in desert heat.
• You get a structured route through Old Town Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, with practical photo pacing.
• You get a short, goal-based hike aimed at specific view markers rather than a vague wander.

Where it may not feel worth it is if you’re the type who wants total control. The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, so if you need door-to-door convenience, you’ll have to account for getting to the meeting point yourself. Also, because the hike is designed to be short, super-experienced hikers may wish for more trail time.

For most first-timers, though, the $193 buys you less stress and more “Scottsdale in one block of time.”

What to bring and how to prepare for Camelback’s incline

The tour provides free bottled water, but you should still treat this like a real hike portion. The main preparation is footwear and heat awareness.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes with grip for trail terrain
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• A light layer or something for shade breaks, since conditions can shift quickly

Wear clothing you can hike in. Even though the hike segment is short, that uphill effort makes you sweat sooner than you expect.

Pace smart. The goal is marker #7 or #11, not a personal speed record. If you need to break the climb into the station-by-station rhythm, do it early. You’ll arrive calmer at the viewpoint instead of struggling at the top.

Who this tour fits best (and who should reconsider)

This experience fits best if you want:

• A first-time introduction to Scottsdale’s Old Town vibe
• A manageable hike that targets a view without taking over your day
• A small-group feel (max 7 people)
• An easy way to see the difference between Old Town Scottsdale and Paradise Valley

It’s also a good option for families who can meet the age requirement. The minimum age to ride is 10, and people under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Consider skipping or thinking twice if:

• You struggle with sustained uphill walking
• You’re expecting a very leisurely flat walk
• You need hotel pickup or fully private transport (since hotel pickup isn’t included)

Should you book this Camelback golf cart and hike tour?

Book it if your priority is efficiency: you want a golf cart tour that actually shows you the neighborhoods, plus a short hike on Camelback that leads to marker #7 or #11 views. It’s a solid pick when you don’t have hours to plan separate rides, route maps, and trail logistics.

Skip it or swap plans if your fitness level makes inclines hard, or if you want a longer hike experience with more trail time. In that case, you’ll likely feel rushed or tired before the viewpoint—exactly the opposite of what this tour is designed to deliver.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Segway of Scottsdale Tours, 7330 E Earll Dr Suite #R, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 2 hours. Any remaining time is spent on travel.

How long is the hiking portion?

The hiking is planned around 30 minutes (often with a 15-minute hike up and 15-minute hike down).

Is the hike difficult?

Most people find it easy, but local rangers rate the first portion of Camelback’s Cholla Trail as moderate due to incline and terrain. If you can handle a 15-minute incline (about 10–12 flights of stairs), you should be fine.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes free bottled water and an English guide.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How many people are in a booking?

A booking has a maximum of 7 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, it isn’t refunded.