If you want Arizona views fast, do this ride. In two hours, you’ll glide from Old Town Scottsdale into the Greenbelt bike path, pause at Tempe Lake, then pedal through Papago Park desert scenery before topping it off at Hole in the Rock.

I love how this is built for first-timers: e-bikes + helmets + bottled water mean you can focus on the route, not the logistics. I also like the small group size (max 8), which keeps the pace friendly and makes it easier to ask questions as you go—whether you’re with guides like Allie, Nick, Jonathan, Anthony, or Jayce. One thing to consider: if you rely on hearing every word, double-check that your headset audio is loud enough, because there’s at least one report of the guide being hard to hear.

Quick reasons this Scottsdale e-bike tour works

• Small group, max 8: more room for personal attention and a smoother ride pace
• Short, punchy format: about 2 hours, so you can still plan the rest of your day
• Real variety of scenery: Greenbelt path, Papago Park desert views, Tempe Lake, canals back to Old Town
• Hole in the Rock time that feels doable: a short, easy hike plus standout photo angles
• E-bike assistance helps beginners: you can pedal lightly or let the bike do the work

A smart way to see Scottsdale in just 2 hours

This is the kind of tour that fits real travel days. You’re not committing to a half-day expedition. You’re getting a focused loop that covers multiple famous stops without making you feel rushed or exhausted.

The route also has a “learning your bearings” vibe. You start in Old Town Scottsdale, then you move into the kind of bike-friendly corridors locals use. That matters, because it helps you understand how neighborhoods connect—so later, when you’re exploring on foot or by ride-share, you’ll feel less like you’re guessing.

Old Town Scottsdale to the Greenbelt bike path

Your tour begins at Segway of Scottsdale Tours at 7330 E Earll Dr Suite #R. From there, you head into the Greenbelt bike path, which is where the experience really starts to click.

Why this part is worth your time:

• Bike paths take you out of stop-and-go traffic mode.
• The ride feels steady, so your brain has bandwidth for scenery and guide narration.
• You get that classic desert-meets-city perspective without needing a car.

There’s also a practical win: you won’t need to “figure out where to park.” You show up, get the e-bike and helmet, and go.

Tempe Lake and the lookout break that resets your legs

After you settle in on the ride, you visit Tempe Lake and rest at a lookout spot. This is more than a random pause. It’s a chance to regroup, take photos, and recalibrate—especially if you’re new to e-bikes or just not used to Arizona sun.

That short break also makes the rest of the tour feel more comfortable. Instead of staying in constant movement for the full 2 hours, you get a natural mid-tour rhythm: ride, breathe, look, then keep rolling.

Papago Park: desert scenery you’ll remember

One of the biggest reasons to book this tour is Papago Park. You pedal through it as you work your way toward Hole in the Rock, and Papago is the place where the desert actually shows off.

You’ll see the iconic desert look up close: open views, rock-and-sky angles, and that classic Arizona feel that’s hard to replicate from a highway pullover. If you’re visiting for the first time and you want more than just resort scenery, Papago is where the tour delivers.

A small downside to flag: desert terrain can be mentally hot even when your bike is doing the work. Wear breathable clothing and sunglasses, and don’t treat it like a casual walk in a park shade.

Hunts Tomb and Phoenix Zoo passing views

As you continue, you’ll see Hunts tomb from the bike path—Arizona’s first governor’s resting place. Even if you only glance at it, the moment works because you’re seeing it from the flow of the ride, not in a separate detour.

You’ll also pass toward the Phoenix Zoo area. This helps the route feel like a “big picture” Scottsdale-to-Tempe connection, not just a straight shot to one attraction. It’s part of why people like this tour: it stitches together multiple landmarks in one smooth loop.

Hole in the Rock: short hike, big photo payoff

Then comes the main event: Hole in the Rock.

Here’s how it’s handled in a way that keeps it friendly:

• You park your e-bikes at the base.
• You do a short and easy hike up to an ancient look out point.
• You get around 20 minutes for photos and views.

That 20-minute window is a sweet spot. It’s long enough to take your time, but short enough that you’re not feeling spent at the end of the climb. And because it’s a look out point, your photos tend to look good even if you’re not “outdoorsy.”

One more practical note: the experience states admission ticket is free for this stop. So you’re not hit with an extra site fee on top of the tour price.

Desert Botanical Gardens backside and the canals back to Old Town

After Hole in the Rock, the tour continues with a ride past the back side of the Desert Botanical Gardens. You’re not walking through the gardens, but you still get the sense of what makes the area special: cactus features and desert plant energy, even from the bike path.

Then you head along the canals toward Old Town Scottsdale. This canal section is a big part of the fun. Riding beside water (even small stretches) turns the trip from “look at the desert” into “look at the desert with a change of pace.” It’s also a nice contrast to Papago—different textures, different lighting, and a more relaxed feel.

And as you ride the canals, you’ll catch amazing views of Camelback Mountain. It’s the kind of sight that makes you stop pedaling for a second, just to get the angle right.

What the e-bike feels like (and why it matters)

This tour includes use of an e-bike, a helmet, and bottled water. That trio matters because it changes who can enjoy the ride.

You don’t need to be a road cyclist. Many people find that e-bikes handle the hardest parts of the effort, so you can pedal as little or as much as you want. That’s especially helpful on a route that mixes bike paths with desert terrain.

A few reality checks from the rules you should know:

• Helmets are required.
• You must weigh at least 80 lbs (45 kg) to ride.
• Travelers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Also, the route is designed for a general audience, but you still need comfortable shoes. This isn’t a sit-and-glide ride the whole time. You’ll be walking a short stretch at Hole in the Rock.

Guide energy, safety focus, and that max-8 advantage

The tour is offered in English, and the guide role is a key part of the experience. You’re not just moving between viewpoints—you’re getting context about what you’re seeing as you roll.

You’ll also notice how the max of 8 people per booking shows up in real life. Smaller groups tend to move with less waiting and fewer “where are we?” moments. It also gives the guide a better chance to notice if someone needs a slower rhythm.

From the guide names people highlight—Allie, Nick, Jonathan, Anthony, Jayce, Jackson, Andrew, Anthony, and Keegan—you can expect narration that covers both sites and local details. Safety is also part of the instruction, and people specifically mention the guide setting expectations and keeping things orderly.

One caution: if you’re the type who needs every word, pay attention to headset volume. There’s at least one report of not being able to hear the guide, so verify your audio early.

Price and value: is $89 for 2 hours worth it?

At $89 per person for about 2 hours, this is priced like an active, guided experience—not a freebie, but not a luxury tour either.

Here’s what you get that justifies the cost:

• E-bike and helmet included (so you’re not renting gear elsewhere)
• Bottled water included
• A guided route that links multiple attractions efficiently
• A short hike at Hole in the Rock with about 20 minutes at the look out point
• Admission ticket is listed as free for the Hole in the Rock stop

Where you save time is arguably the biggest value. Instead of trying to connect Old Town Scottsdale to Tempe Lake, Papago Park, and Hole in the Rock on your own, you get a built-in path and pacing. That’s what makes $89 feel fair for many first-time visitors.

What to bring and when to go in Scottsdale sun

The tour asks for comfortable shoes and clothes and recommends bringing sunglasses. That’s exactly what you should plan for. Also think about sun protection beyond just eyewear—hat, sunscreen, and breathable layers make a difference when you’re spending time outdoors between stops.

A good strategy: bring a small water-support item for you personally if you run low on energy easily. The tour includes bottled water, but additional hydration helpers can still be helpful if you sweat a lot.

As for timing, the tour is popular enough that it’s often booked about 14 days in advance. If you’re flexible, you might snag a slot more easily. Some departures include late-morning options (people mention an 11 am ride), so check the schedule that matches your day plan.

Should you book the Hole in the Rock & Tempe Lake e-bike tour?

Book it if you want:

• A first-timer-friendly way to see Scottsdale and Tempe highlights quickly
• An easy-to-manage outdoor experience with an e-bike assist
• The best photo payoff stop in the area (Hole in the Rock) without a long hike commitment
• A route that includes both desert scenery (Papago Park) and a fun ride segment (canals) plus Camelback Mountain views

Skip it or reconsider if:

• You need every word of narration and you’re sensitive to audio issues—ask for headset volume adjustments right away
• You’re not comfortable walking a short hike at Hole in the Rock base-to-lookout

If your goal is getting oriented, seeing iconic sights, and still having energy for the rest of your vacation, this tour is a strong pick.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

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

How long is the Hole in the Rock & Tempe Lake e-bike tour?

The tour duration is about 2 hours.

Is admission included for Hole in the Rock?

The information provided lists admission ticket as free for the Hole in the Rock stop.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes the 2-hour e-bike tour, use of a helmet and e-bike, and free bottled water.

Do they provide hotel pickup or drop-off?

No—hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What are the rider requirements?

Helmets are required. Travelers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. You must weigh at least 80 lbs (45 kg) to ride.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring sunglasses.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.