Hole in the Rock & Tempe Lake E-Bike Tour – 2 Hours

The best part of this two-hour e-bike ride is how much ground you cover without turning the morning into a workout. From Old Town Scottsdale, you follow the Greenbelt to Tempe Lake, pass desert scenery in Papago Park, stop at Hole in the Rock, and return beside canals with Camelback Mountain in view. I like the mix of city paths, desert rock, water, and local history. I also like that guides such as Allie, Jonathan, Anthony, and Jackson have been praised for clear safety instructions and lively stories.

The main thing to consider is the heat. The ride is designed to be easy, but you still spend two hours outdoors and make a short uphill walk to Hole in the Rock. Bring sunglasses, comfortable clothes, good walking shoes, and extra hydration, especially in warm weather. The supplied bottled water helps, but it may not be enough for everyone.

Key points to know before you book

• Hole in the Rock is the main payoff: You park at the base and make a short, easy climb to an old lookout point with broad views and good photo angles.
• The route links several different sights: You see Tempe Lake, Papago Park, Hunts Tomb, the Phoenix Zoo area, canal paths, and Camelback Mountain.
• E-bikes keep the ride manageable: You can pedal as much or as little as you like, making this friendly to many first-time e-bike riders.
• The group is kept small: Bookings and tours are limited to eight people, which gives your guide room to help with riding and questions.
• The tour is easy to fit into a morning: It lasts about two hours and returns to the same Old Town Scottsdale meeting point.
• The $89 price includes the essentials: Your e-bike, helmet, and bottled water are included, but hotel transport is not.

A fast way to see Scottsdale and Papago Park

This ride works because it is not only a Scottsdale tour. It also reaches nearby Tempe and Phoenix sights that are spread out across the valley. In two hours, you get a useful first look at the area without spending half a day in a vehicle.

I see this as an orientation ride with real scenery, not a serious cycling expedition. You are not simply circling Old Town. You are moving through greenbelt paths, canals, desert parks, and open viewpoints. The route gives you a feel for how Scottsdale, Tempe, and Phoenix fit together.

The pace appears suited to people who want to look around rather than race. Several guides, including Jonathan, Nick, Anthony, and Jayce, have been singled out for setting a comfortable pace, explaining safety rules, and sharing local facts along the way. That matters on an e-bike. You want enough guidance to feel secure, but not so much stopping that the ride loses its rhythm.

The tour begins at Segway of Scottsdale Tours, 7330 E Earll Drive, Suite R. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the meeting point. The ride ends there as well, which makes planning easier if you have a car, a rideshare, or another activity nearby.

Getting comfortable on the e-bike

If you have never used an e-bike, the first few minutes are important. The bikes are described as easy to operate, and several people have found them suitable for beginners. You can pedal normally or let the motor provide much of the assistance, which is especially helpful on a warm day or if your knees do not enjoy long rides.

Still, an e-bike is not a bicycle-shaped sightseeing chair. You must be comfortable steering, braking, and staying aware of other path users. Helmets are required for everyone. A guide such as Jonathan or Jayce can help set expectations and keep the group together, but you remain responsible for riding safely.

The maximum group size is eight. That is small enough for direct help with the bike and a more personal feel than a large cycling convoy. The supplied information does not promise a headset on every departure, though one person specifically appreciated having headsets and being able to follow the commentary. If hearing the guide clearly is important to you, ask about the day’s setup before setting off.

The minimum rider weight is 80 pounds, or 45 kilograms. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can take part, but you should be able to ride and control the bike on a shared path.

From Old Town Scottsdale to Tempe Lake

The route starts in Old Town Scottsdale and quickly reaches the Greenbelt bike path. This is a smart opening because you get away from the feel of a normal street ride and settle into the bike before the major sights arrive.

The Greenbelt helps the tour feel active without being demanding. You can watch the surroundings change as the route moves toward Tempe. The ride is not built around long stops here, so expect a moving introduction rather than a guided walk through Old Town.

Tempe Lake is a useful pause point. You stop at a lookout and have time to rest, take in the water, and listen to the guide. This change from dry desert scenery to an urban lake gives the route welcome variety.

The lake stop also breaks up the ride before Papago Park. If you are new to e-bikes, this is a good point to settle into the controls and decide how much pedal assistance feels right. The tour is short enough that you do not need to conserve energy as if you were on an all-day trip, but keeping a steady pace makes the experience more comfortable.

Papago Park and the desert scenery

Papago Park is where the scenery begins to feel distinctly central Arizona. You ride through the park toward Hole in the Rock, passing the rounded red formations and open desert views that make this area easy to recognize.

I like this portion because it gives you a taste of the desert without requiring a remote excursion. You see cactus-filled terrain and unusual rock shapes while staying close to the city. For a first visit to Scottsdale, that is valuable. You can get a quick sense of the region’s plants, stone, and light before deciding if you want a longer desert outing later.

The route also passes Hunts Tomb, the resting place of Arizona’s first governor. You see it from the bike path rather than making it a long formal stop. That keeps the tour moving while adding a small piece of state history to the ride.

You also ride past the Phoenix Zoo and toward Hole in the Rock. This part is more about the sequence of sights than a single major visit. Your guide supplies context as you move, so pay attention to the short explanations rather than expecting long talks at each location.

The short climb to Hole in the Rock

Hole in the Rock is the tour’s clearest centerpiece. The e-bikes are parked at the base, and you make a short walk up to the natural opening and lookout point. The climb is described as easy, but it is still uneven and uphill, so good shoes matter more here than on the bike.

Allow about 20 minutes for this stop. That is enough time to climb, look through the opening, enjoy the valley views, and take photographs without turning the visit into a long hike. The rock formation gives you a strong visual change from the smooth bike paths and lake shore.

This is also the point where the tour feels most like a desert sightseeing trip rather than simply a ride between neighborhoods. You get the memorable rock setting, elevated views, and a chance to stretch your legs. If you are bringing a phone or camera, this is the place to have it ready.

Do not expect a strenuous trail or a full hike in Papago Park. The stop is brief and accessible to many people, but the footing can still require care. Anyone who is uncomfortable walking uphill should ask the guide for a clear description before starting.

The return beside canals and Camelback Mountain

After Hole in the Rock, you ride past the back side of the Desert Botanical Garden. The tour does not include admission or a visit inside the garden, so think of this as a passing view along the route, not a botanical garden tour.

The return follows canals toward Old Town Scottsdale. This is one of the more distinctive parts of the ride. Canal paths give you a different view of the area, and the steady route makes it easy to enjoy the surroundings without dealing with a long road transfer.

Camelback Mountain comes into view as you travel back. The mountain provides a strong visual marker and helps tie the route together. You have seen water, desert rock, city edges, and now one of the area’s best-known peaks.

The canal section also gives the guide another chance to share local details. Past guides have been praised for pointing out restaurants and other places to visit, which can be useful if this is your first morning in town and you have not planned every meal or stop.

What $89 gets you

At $89 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend two hours in Scottsdale. The value comes from combining equipment, a guide, route planning, and several sights that would be awkward to link on foot.

Your fee includes the e-bike, helmet, and bottled water. You are also paying for the guide’s local knowledge, safety support, and the convenience of following a tested route through Scottsdale, Tempe, and Papago Park. Renting a bike alone might cost less, but it would not give you the same ready-made route or commentary.

The price makes the most sense if you want an introduction to the area. You see enough in two hours to decide where you want to return later, and you avoid spending time working out bike paths and connections yourself.

It is less compelling if you already know the area well or want a long, quiet ride with no narration. The tour follows a set route and includes several planned stops, so it is built for sightseeing and orientation rather than independence.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would recommend it to first-time Scottsdale visitors, couples, families with older children, and solo visitors who want an active introduction without committing to a full-day excursion. It is also a good choice if you have only one free morning.

Families should note the age and weight rules. Riders under 16 need an adult with them, and riders must weigh at least 80 pounds. A 12-year-old who can safely handle a bike may enjoy the outing, but the adult should be ready to monitor comfort and traffic awareness.

The tour can also suit people who are unsure about their cycling fitness. The electric assistance reduces the effort, and the ride is repeatedly described as easy to handle. That does not remove the need for balance and steering, but it can make the difference between a pleasant outing and an exhausting one.

If you dislike heat, cannot comfortably ride a bicycle, or want extensive time inside a museum or garden, choose another activity. The tour is outdoors, and the Hole in the Rock stop adds walking on top of the ride.

Practical advice for a smoother morning

Wear closed-toe shoes that work for both cycling and a short rocky climb. Comfortable clothes, sunglasses, and sun protection are sensible choices. Bring additional water if you normally drink a lot outdoors, since the tour provides one bottled drink.

Book ahead if your schedule is fixed. The experience is often reserved about two weeks in advance, and the small eight-person limit can reduce last-minute availability. Confirmation is provided when you book, and mobile tickets make it easy to keep the details on your phone.

Guides vary by departure. Allie, Ali, Nick, Jonathan, Anthony, Jayce, Jackson, Keegan, and Andrew have all led recent rides, with repeated praise for friendly instruction, local stories, safe pacing, and good energy. You should expect the guide to shape the feel of the morning, but the route and main sights remain the same.

If you need to cancel, you receive a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations inside 24 hours are not refunded, and changes are not accepted during that period. The provider can also cancel if the minimum number of participants is not reached, in which case you are offered another option or a full refund.

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

Book it if you want a short, active introduction to Scottsdale that also reaches Tempe Lake and Papago Park. The route is varied, the e-bikes reduce the physical strain, and Hole in the Rock gives the morning a clear highlight.

I would be especially comfortable recommending it to first-time visitors, people traveling without a firm itinerary, and anyone who wants to see several area sights before choosing where to spend more time. Guides such as Allie, Jonathan, Anthony, and Nick have helped make the ride informative and relaxed.

Skip it if you want a long cycling workout, a full Desert Botanical Garden visit, or a tour with hotel transportation. For most people looking for an easy two-hour ride with desert views, local history, and a memorable rock formation, the $89 cost is reasonable.

FAQ

How long does the Hole in the Rock and Tempe Lake e-bike tour last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Segway of Scottsdale Tours, 7330 E Earll Drive, Suite R, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251.

What sights are included on the route?

The route includes Old Town Scottsdale, the Greenbelt bike path, Tempe Lake, Papago Park, Hunts Tomb, the Phoenix Zoo area, Hole in the Rock, the back side of the Desert Botanical Garden, canal paths, and views of Camelback Mountain.

Is the e-bike, helmet, and water included?

Yes. The tour includes use of an e-bike, a helmet, and bottled water.

Is hotel pickup provided?

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

Can children join the tour?

People under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Riders must also weigh at least 80 pounds, or 45 kilograms.

What happens if I cancel?

You receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted or refunded.