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

The best part of this ride is how quickly it moves you from Old Town Scottsdale into open desert scenery. In two hours, you reach Tempe Lake, Papago Park, Hunt’s Tomb, the Phoenix Zoo area, and Hole in the Rock without spending the morning in a car. I like the easy route and the small group, capped at eight people, which gives your guide room to set a comfortable pace.

I also like that the e-bike does the heavy work. You can pedal as much or as little as you want, and guides such as Allie, Jonathan, Nick, Anthony, and Jackson have been praised for clear local stories and careful safety instructions. The main drawback is the short schedule: Hole in the Rock gets about 20 minutes, so this is an overview, not a slow visit to every corner of Papago Park.

Key points to know before you book

• Hole in the Rock is the tour’s main payoff: Park your bike and take a short, easy hike to an old lookout point with broad valley views.
• The route links several Scottsdale and Tempe sights: You ride beside canals, through the Greenbelt, past Tempe Lake, and into Papago Park.
• E-bikes make the ride friendly to beginners: You can pedal lightly or let the motor assist, though you still need to be comfortable riding a bike.
• The group stays small: A maximum of eight people allows more direct help with bike handling, questions, and pace.
• The tour fits neatly into a morning: Two hours is enough for a useful first look without taking over your day.
• Come ready for sun and a short climb: Wear walking shoes, sunglasses, and comfortable clothes, and use the provided water.

A fast route from Old Town to desert scenery

The ride begins at Segway of Scottsdale Tours, 7330 E Earll Drive, Suite R, in Scottsdale. From there, you access the Greenbelt bike path, leaving the feel of Old Town behind fairly quickly.

That change is the reason to choose an e-bike tour instead of a standard city ride. You are not simply circling downtown streets and checking off buildings. The route connects Scottsdale’s paths with Tempe’s lakefront and Papago Park’s red rock formations, giving you a clearer sense of how the communities fit together.

The tour lasts about two hours and ends where it starts. That makes it easy to schedule before lunch, an afternoon activity, or an evening reservation. It also means the guide needs to keep moving. You will stop for views and stories, but this is not a stop-and-stroll excursion.

The small-group format helps here. With no more than eight people, a guide can watch the group at crossings, answer questions, and help a new rider get comfortable. The guide also sets expectations at the beginning, an important detail if you have never used an e-bike.

What riding the e-bike feels like

The e-bikes are supplied along with helmets and bottled water. You need to weigh at least 80 pounds, or 45 kilograms, to ride, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Helmets are required for everyone.

The strongest theme in the feedback is ease of use. Riders describe being able to pedal as little or as much as they like, and several first-time e-bike users found the bikes simple to operate. That makes this a good choice if you are curious about e-bikes but do not want to commit to a full-day rental.

Still, an e-bike is not a sightseeing bus. You need to know how to ride a bicycle and remain alert on the path. The guide’s safety talk matters, especially when the group is moving through shared paths and public areas.

One practical issue deserves attention: hearing the guide. Most of the comments praise the narration, and one rider specifically enjoyed using headsets. Another found it hard to hear the guide. Stay near the group, ask for a repeat when needed, and do not let a missed story pass if the local background matters to you.

Tempe Lake gives you a useful pause

The route continues to Tempe Lake, where the group stops at a lookout spot. This is a good early break because it gives you time to settle into the bike and take in a different side of the area.

Tempe Lake is not treated as a long waterfront visit. Think of it as a scenic rest and orientation point. You get a pause, a view, and a chance to listen while the guide explains what you are seeing.

The lake also helps break up the ride before the desert portion. If you are new to the area, this sequence is useful: developed paths first, then open desert and rock formations. You get a quick feel for the variety around Scottsdale and Tempe without a long transfer between separate attractions.

Papago Park brings the desert close

From Tempe Lake, the group rides through Papago Park toward Hole in the Rock. This is where the scenery becomes more distinctly Arizona, with desert plants, red rock, and open views replacing the more urban sections of the ride.

Papago Park is one of the tour’s strongest sections because you see the desert while staying on a route that is manageable in a short outing. The cactus features and plant life add interest even when you are not stopping for a formal nature walk.

You also pass near Hunt’s Tomb, the resting place of Arizona’s first governor. The route views it from the bike path, so do not expect a long visit or an interior tour. It is a quick historical detail that adds context to the ride and gives your guide another useful story to share.

The route then passes the Phoenix Zoo before reaching the rock formation. These landmarks help you keep track of where you are, and they make the ride feel like a connected tour rather than a single trip to one viewpoint.

Hole in the Rock is the main event

At Hole in the Rock, you park the e-bikes at the base and take a short hike to the opening and lookout point. The walk is described as easy, but it is still a rocky uphill section, so comfortable walking shoes are a smart choice.

You have about 20 minutes here. That is enough time for the climb, photographs, and a look across the valley, provided you keep moving. It is not enough for a leisurely exploration of every rock surface or a long quiet sit at the top.

The setting earns its place on the route. The ancient rock opening creates a natural frame for photographs, and the higher position gives you a broad view of the surrounding area. Bring sunglasses, and keep water close, even on a short tour.

This stop is also where the ride becomes more than a simple city orientation. You are not just hearing about the desert. You are standing on a distinctive formation and looking out across the terrain that the guide has been describing.

The ride home follows canals and Camelback views

After Hole in the Rock, the group rides past the back side of the Desert Botanical Gardens. The tour does not include admission or a visit inside the gardens, so keep that distinction clear when planning your day.

The return route follows canals toward Old Town Scottsdale. Canal riding is one of the more unusual parts of the experience. It gives you a different view of the area and replaces the traffic-heavy feel you might expect from a city tour.

Along the way, you get views of Camelback Mountain. The mountain is a strong visual reference point, and the canal route gives you time to enjoy it while continuing toward the starting point.

This final section is less about checking off another attraction and more about the pleasure of the ride. The e-bike assistance helps you finish without a tiring push, and the canals provide a calmer setting for the last stretch.

How much value do you get for $89?

At $89 per person, the tour costs more than simply renting a bike for two hours. The value comes from the route and the guide. You receive the e-bike, helmet, bottled water, local commentary, route planning, and a short hike to Hole in the Rock.

I think the price makes the most sense for a first visit to Scottsdale, especially if you want to get oriented quickly. You cover parts of Scottsdale, Tempe, and Papago Park in one organized outing. A self-guided ride might cost less, but you would need to plan the route, find the paths, manage the timing, and supply your own local background.

The value is weaker if you want a long stop at Hole in the Rock, a detailed visit to the Desert Botanical Gardens, or a full tour of Tempe Lake. None of those is the focus. This is a compact introduction to several sights.

The tour earns strong marks overall, with a 4.9 rating from 173 reviews and 99 percent of participants recommending it. The most praised elements are the friendly guides, simple bikes, safe pacing, and ability to see a lot in a short time. One weak point is the occasional difficulty hearing commentary, so that is worth keeping in mind.

Which guide style should you expect?

The guide can shape the feel of a small-group ride. Allie is praised for knowing the area, keeping a good pace, and making the history interesting. Jonathan is described as patient, informative, and friendly, with a talent for sharing useful details along the route.

Nick is noted for a pleasant manner and good local suggestions, while Anthony receives praise for both area knowledge and attention to safety. Jackson is described as friendly and helpful with history, restaurants, and other places to see. Jayce is credited with good energy and clear expectations.

You cannot choose a particular guide from the information provided, so book for the route rather than a specific person. Still, the repeated comments about guide quality suggest that the experience depends on more than simply following a path. Ask questions, stay close enough to hear, and let the guide know if you need a slower explanation of the bike controls.

Who will enjoy this Scottsdale e-bike tour?

I would recommend it most strongly to first-time Scottsdale visitors who want a quick introduction without giving up half a day. It also suits couples, solo visitors, and families with older children who meet the age and weight requirements.

It is a good fit if you are unsure about e-bikes. The ride is repeatedly described as suitable for beginners, and the motor assistance can be helpful if your knees are not fond of long rides. You still need basic bicycle confidence, but you do not need to be an experienced cyclist.

Families should note the under-16 rule: anyone younger than 16 must ride with an adult. The group size limit also helps keep a family outing manageable, though parents should be prepared for shared public paths and the short rocky walk at Hole in the Rock.

You may want another activity if you dislike riding outdoors, need a fully seated tour, or want a slow nature visit. The route is easy compared with a strenuous cycling trip, but it is still active. You ride for most of the two hours and walk uphill briefly at the main stop.

Practical details that make the ride smoother

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can handle both bike pedals and a short rocky hike. Sunglasses are specifically recommended, and bottled water is supplied, though the desert sun can still make hydration important.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to reach the meeting point at 7330 E Earll Drive in Scottsdale, and the activity finishes there.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and mobile tickets are accepted. The tour is offered in English. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and changes are not accepted.

Because the activity requires a minimum number of participants, the operator may cancel if that number is not reached. In that case, you are offered another date or experience, 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 effort, and the stop at Hole in the Rock gives the morning a clear highlight.

I would especially choose it for a first day in the area, when you want to learn the layout before deciding where to spend more time. I would skip it only if you want a long visit at one attraction or prefer not to cycle outdoors.

At $89, you are paying for more than two hours of bike use. You are paying for a planned route, local guidance, safety support, equipment, and a chance to see several Arizona sights in one compact outing. For that purpose, it is a sensible choice.

FAQ

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

The tour lasts approximately two hours.

Where does the tour begin?

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

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the starting meeting point.

What is included in the price?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

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

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $89 per person.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

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.

Is the hike to Hole in the Rock difficult?

The hike is described as short and easy, but it goes up to the rock lookout. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring sunglasses. A helmet and bottled water are provided.

How many people can join one booking?

The maximum is eight people per booking, and the activity also has a maximum group size of eight.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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