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

Two hours can cover a surprising amount. This Scottsdale e-bike ride links Old Town, Tempe Lake, Papago Park, the Phoenix Zoo, desert canals, and Hole in the Rock without demanding a full day. I especially like the easy-to-use electric bikes and the way the route mixes city paths with classic Sonoran Desert scenery. The small groups, capped at eight people, also give you a better chance to hear your guide and ask questions. The main consideration is the pace: two hours leaves time for highlights, not long stops or a slow, wandering ride.

I also like that the tour begins and ends at the same Old Town Scottsdale address, with a helmet, bike, and bottled water included. Guides such as Allie, Jonathan, Nick, Anthony, Jackson, and Jayce have earned praise for clear safety instructions, local stories, and a friendly pace. Still, bring comfortable shoes and sunglasses, and remember that one person had trouble hearing the guide, so staying close to the group matters.

Key points to know before you book

• Hole in the Rock is the main prize: You park at the base, then take a short, easy hike to an ancient lookout with broad views and excellent photo angles.
• The electric bikes do the heavy work: You can pedal as much or as little as you like, making the ride approachable for many first-time e-bike users.
• The route covers several districts: Old Town Scottsdale, the Greenbelt, Tempe Lake, Papago Park, the Phoenix Zoo area, desert canals, and Camelback Mountain all fit into the two-hour trip.
• The group is small: A maximum of eight people allows for closer supervision, which is useful on shared paths and for anyone new to an e-bike.
• It is short but active: You will ride for most of the tour, with a roughly 20-minute stop at Hole in the Rock and a brief uphill walk.
• The price is $89: That is fair if you value equipment, a guide, and a quick orientation to the area, though independent cyclists can see parts of the route for less.

Why this short ride works so well in Scottsdale

Scottsdale and nearby Tempe can feel spread out when you first arrive. Old Town has its shops and restaurants, Tempe has its lake and paths, and Papago Park offers the desert scenery that many people came to Arizona to see. This tour connects those pieces in one tidy outing.

I like the route because it does not trap you on city streets for two hours. Much of the ride uses paths, including the Greenbelt and canal routes, so you get a more relaxed look at the area. You also see the change from developed Scottsdale to open desert rock, which gives the trip a clear sense of place.

The e-bike matters here. The ride is described as easy, and the motor lets you manage the effort. Several people who had never used an e-bike found the controls simple, while others liked being able to let the bike do most of the work. You still need to be comfortable steering, braking, and sharing a path, but you do not need strong cycling fitness.

This is also a useful first activity in town. Your guide can point out places you may want to revisit, including restaurants and other local sights. It is not just transport between landmarks. The commentary helps you understand how Scottsdale, Tempe, and Phoenix fit together.

Starting in Old Town and joining the Greenbelt

The meeting point is Segway of Scottsdale Tours at 7330 E Earll Drive, Suite R, in Scottsdale. The tour returns there at the end, so you do not need to arrange a one-way ride back from Tempe or Papago Park. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your own way to the starting address.

The first section uses the Greenbelt bike path. This is a sensible place to begin because it lets you get used to the bike before the route reaches its more scenic points. Your guide can explain the controls, set expectations, and cover safety before the group gets moving.

That first briefing is important even if you ride bikes often. An e-bike is familiar in some ways, but the motor gives you extra speed with less effort. The guides praised most often, including Jonathan, Anthony, Allie, and Jayce, were described as patient and careful about safety.

The group size helps here. With no more than eight people, the guide can watch the pace and give more direct help than you would get on a large coach-style outing. If you are new to electric bikes, tell the guide early that you want a little extra time to settle in.

Tempe Lake brings the first big pause

The route continues toward Tempe Lake, where you stop at a lookout spot. This gives you a chance to rest, take in the water, and see how quickly the surroundings shift from Old Town streets to open recreation areas.

Tempe Lake is not treated as a long sightseeing stop. It is part of the ride’s rhythm, a place to pause before continuing into Papago Park. That works well for a two-hour tour, but you should keep your expectations in check. If you want extended time by the lake, this outing may feel brisk.

The lake section also shows why an e-bike is useful. You cover more ground than you might on foot, yet the ride remains manageable. One of the best features of the tour is this balance: you see several places without spending the day in a vehicle.

Listen closely during the stops. The guide’s commentary is part of what you are paying for, and one person found it difficult to hear. Staying near the guide and asking for a repeat when needed is sensible, especially if the path is busy or the group stretches out.

Papago Park delivers the desert scenery

From Tempe Lake, you ride through Papago Park toward Hole in the Rock. This is the section for visitors who want recognizable Arizona scenery without planning a separate desert excursion.

Papago Park is known here for its unusual red rock formations and open desert views. Cacti and other desert plants add visual interest along the path, and the setting feels very different from the resort areas and commercial streets nearby. You get a genuine taste of the region in a short time.

The route also passes Hunts Tomb from the bike path. This is the burial place of Arizona’s first governor, making it a quick but distinctive historical detail along the way. You do not stop for a long visit, so think of it as a point of interest your guide brings to life while the group rides past.

The path then runs near the Phoenix Zoo before reaching Hole in the Rock. This part gives you a sense of how closely the city’s attractions sit beside the desert parkland. It is one reason I would choose this tour early in a Scottsdale stay. You get a useful orientation before deciding which places deserve more of your time.

The 20-minute stop at Hole in the Rock

Hole in the Rock is the centerpiece. The guide parks the e-bikes at the base, and you walk up a short, easy trail to the natural opening and lookout point. The climb is not presented as a strenuous hike, but it is still a rocky uphill walk, so proper shoes matter.

The formation makes a strong photo stop. You can frame the opening, the surrounding rock, and wide views across the valley. The stop lasts about 20 minutes, which is enough for photos and a look around, but not enough for a long exploration of the area.

I like the way the tour handles this site. You ride directly to the base, secure the bikes, and walk only the final section. That keeps the visit accessible for people who want a scenic payoff without signing up for a serious hike.

Do not arrive expecting solitude. The site is a popular attraction, and the short stop means you will need to use your time well. Take your photos first if that is your priority, then listen to the guide and enjoy the view.

The combination of an easy ride and a brief hike is one of the tour’s strongest features. You get both movement and a little time on foot, rather than spending the entire outing seated on a bike.

Canals, Camelback Mountain, and the return to Scottsdale

After Hole in the Rock, the route passes the back side of the Desert Botanical Garden. You do not enter the garden, so this is a passing view rather than a garden visit. Still, it adds another major local attraction to the route and helps you see where the city’s desert plant collections are located.

The ride then follows canals back toward Old Town Scottsdale. This is one of the more unusual parts of the trip. Canal paths are practical routes for cycling, but they also give you a different view of the area than roads and sidewalks do.

As you ride, you get views of Camelback Mountain. The mountain is one of the most recognizable natural features in the Phoenix area, and seeing it from the canal route gives you a strong closing image. The ride back is not simply a repeat of the way out. It shows another side of Scottsdale and makes good use of the local path system.

Because the tour ends where it starts, you can continue into Old Town afterward for food, shopping, or another activity. That makes the morning or midday timing especially useful. You get an active introduction to the area without losing an entire day.

What $89 gets you

The price is $89 per person. That includes the two-hour guided ride, an e-bike, a helmet, and bottled water. You pay for the equipment, route planning, local commentary, safety support, and the chance to cover several areas without arranging separate rentals or navigation.

I consider that reasonable for visitors who are short on time or unsure about riding in the area. The value is strongest if you are new to Scottsdale, want an active outing, or prefer a guide to handle the route. The small group also makes the price easier to justify than a large, impersonal group ride.

The value is less clear for experienced cyclists who already have a bike and know the paths. You will not have long visits at Tempe Lake, the Desert Botanical Garden, or the Phoenix Zoo, and the Hole in the Rock stop is brief. Independent riders could spend more time at each place.

Still, the tour removes several hassles. You do not need to choose a bike, carry water, map the route, or work out how to connect Scottsdale with Tempe and Papago Park. For many visitors, that convenience is the real reason to book.

The tour is often booked around two weeks ahead, so popular departure times may fill. If your schedule is fixed, booking early is sensible. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that window, the payment is not refunded, and a minimum group requirement can affect whether the activity operates.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would recommend this tour to first-time Scottsdale visitors who want a broad introduction in a compact format. It suits couples, solo visitors, and families with older children who can follow cycling instructions and handle a short rocky walk.

The e-bikes are also a good choice if you are concerned about hills, heat, or tiring your knees. The motor can reduce the physical strain, but this is still an outdoor activity. You need to ride, stop, balance, and pay attention to the path.

Children under 16 must ride with an adult. Riders must weigh at least 80 pounds, or 45 kilograms, and everyone must wear a helmet. The available information says most people can participate, but you should consider your own comfort with biking and uneven ground.

You will enjoy it less if you want a slow photography tour or a long visit at one attraction. The route is designed to show you many highlights quickly. That is its strength, and also its limit.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Bring sunglasses, and take advantage of the provided water. One person also found a sports hydration drink useful, though that is not supplied as part of the tour.

A word about the guides

The guide can make or break a short tour, and this experience receives strong praise for its staff. Allie was credited with a good pace and lively local information. Jonathan was described as patient, friendly, and full of useful details. Anthony received praise for safety and area knowledge, while Nick was noted for his good energy and helpful suggestions for restaurants and other sights.

Jayce was especially praised for setting expectations clearly and making safety a priority. Jackson was described as friendly and informative. These details matter because a two-hour tour leaves little room for confusion or a poorly managed group.

The headsets used on at least one outing helped with commentary, but you should still stay close enough to hear. If something is unclear, ask the guide to repeat it. You are there for the stories as well as the scenery.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want an easy, active way to get your bearings in Scottsdale and nearby Tempe. The strongest reasons are the simple e-bikes, small group, desert scenery, Hole in the Rock stop, and the number of sights packed into two hours.

Skip it if you already know the area, have your own bike, or want extended time at Papago Park, Tempe Lake, or the Desert Botanical Garden. At $89, the price pays for convenience and guidance more than for admission tickets.

For most first-time visitors, I think it is a smart opening activity. You get a feel for the paths, see classic Arizona scenery, hear local context, and finish back in Old Town with the rest of your day still free.

FAQ

Where does the Hole in the Rock and Tempe Lake E-Bike Tour begin?

The tour begins at Segway of Scottsdale Tours, 7330 E Earll Drive, Suite R, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Scottsdale.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours.

What is included in the price?

The $89 price includes the two-hour e-bike tour, use of an e-bike, a helmet, and bottled water.

Is the hike to Hole in the Rock difficult?

The walk is described as short and easy, but it leads uphill over rocky ground. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Are there age or weight requirements?

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

What happens if I need to cancel?

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