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

If you’re visiting Scottsdale and want a quick, engaging way to see some of its most iconic sights, this 2-hour E-bike tour might just be your best bet. Starting from Old Town Scottsdale, you’ll pedal your way through scenic bike paths, past golf courses, along canals, and to striking attractions like Tempe Town Lake and the Hole in the Rock. With a manageable pace and a knowledgeable guide, this tour balances fun with ease, making it perfect whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone wanting a light, active sightseeing experience.

What we really love about this tour is how flexible and laid-back it is — it’s a great way to cover a lot of ground without breaking a sweat. Plus, the small group size ensures personal attention and plenty of chances to ask questions or get recommendations. The easy-to-ride E-bikes and included safety gear help even novice riders feel confident. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that this tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

This experience is ideal for active travelers, families with teenagers, or anyone curious about Scottsdale’s diverse landscapes and local highlights. If you’re looking for an accessible adventure that combines sightseeing, light exercise, and fun photo opportunities, this tour is a strong contender.

Key Points

• Balanced Duration: Just 2 hours, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule or combine with other activities.
• Personalized Experience: Small group size (up to 8 people) means more attention from guides.
• All-Inclusive: E-bike, helmet, and bottled water are provided, so you only need to wear comfortable clothes and bring sunglasses.
• Iconic Stops: Highlights include the Hole in the Rock, Tempe Town Lake, and scenic canals.
• Expert Guides: Visitors frequently praise guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and safety concerns.
• Great Value: Considered by many as a worthwhile expense for the memorable vistas and insider tips.

An Overview of the Experience

This scenic 2-hour tour begins in Old Town Scottsdale, a lively hub filled with art galleries, shops, and restaurants. From there, the guide leads you onto the Greenbelt bike path, a well-maintained route that takes you through some of the area’s most picturesque spots. The tour is designed to be light and manageable, with all equipment and safety gear included, making it accessible even for first-time E-bike riders.

What makes this trip appealing is its versatility — you won’t spend hours on the bike, but rather, you’ll get a broad overview of Scottsdale and nearby Tempe, including a visit to Tempe Town Lake, a major local attraction with its tranquil waters and bustling marina. The tour then ventures into Papago Park, famous for its distinctive desert landscapes and geological formations. Here, you’ll stop at the Hole in the Rock, a natural sandstone formation with an impressive opening that offers excellent photo opportunities and a short, easy hike to a lookout point.

Throughout the ride, guides like Jackson and Teague earn praise for their friendly demeanor, local insights, and safety-conscious attitude, making the experience fun and informative. Many reviews highlight how guides are eager to share their knowledge, making the trip more than just a ride — it’s a mini-lesson in the area’s sights and history.

What You’ll See and Do

Starting Point: Old Town Scottsdale

The tour kicks off in the heart of Old Town, a vibrant district with a lively art scene, boutique shops, and a welcoming atmosphere. From here, you’ll access the bike path along the Greenbelt, which runs parallel to the Arizona Canal, offering a smooth, scenic ride away from city traffic. This initial stretch is perfect for acclimating to your E-bike, especially if you’re new to riding.

Tempe Lake and Marina

Next, your group heads toward Tempe Town Lake, a favorite local spot where water meets city life. You’ll stop at a lookout point to absorb the views of the lake, skyline, and the surrounding park. Many reviewers mention how the ride along the canals offers a unique perspective of Scottsdale’s lush, landscaped areas, only accessible by bike or foot.

Papago Park and Hole in the Rock

From the lake, the route takes you through Papago Park, a designated desert landscape filled with iconic red rock formations and desert flora. Here, you’ll visit the Hole in the Rock, an impressive geological feature that’s a favorite among visitors. The short hike to the viewpoint provides panoramic vistas and a memorable photo op. The admission is free, and many comment on how accessible this hike is — not strenuous but very rewarding.

Hunts Tomb and Desert Botanical Gardens

From the Hole in the Rock, the tour skirts past George W.P. Hunt’s tomb, easy to spot from the bike path. You’ll also pass by the Desert Botanical Gardens — a must-see for plant lovers — and ride past the back side of the gardens, giving a glimpse of desert flora and landscape design.

Canals and Scenic Views

The last stretch takes you along Scottsdale’s scenic canal system, a unique feature of the area. Riding along side the waterways offers a relaxing, almost peaceful way to see the city’s lush side. As you cycle back towards Old Town, you’ll enjoy views of Camelback Mountain, a striking natural landmark that many reviews highlight as a favorite sight.

The Ride and the Group Dynamic

The entire journey is designed to be relaxed and safe. The safety orientation before departure ensures everyone feels comfortable, even if it’s your first time on an E-bike. The small group setting (maximum 8) enhances the experience, allowing guides to tailor the commentary and help out if needed.

The E-bikes themselves are praised for their ease of use — many reviewers mention how effortless it was to navigate, even for those with limited cycling experience. The included helmets and bottled water add a touch of care that makes the ride comfortable.

Highlights from Reviews

Multiple reviewers emphasize the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. Marianne G notes, “Our guide was very nice and full of the surrounding history,” while Tina S mentions, “Jackson was great — very knowledgeable and friendly.” Many also comment on how guides go out of their way to ensure safety and enjoyment.

The scenic views receive consistent praise. Whether it’s the Hole in the Rock, the lakeside vistas, or the desert landscapes, the photos and comments from past travelers suggest this tour provides plenty of picture-perfect moments.

Tour Value and Price

At $89 per person, this tour offers good value considering all the included gear, the personalized attention, and the opportunity to see a variety of sights in just two hours. Compared to longer or more complicated tours, this quick jaunt hits the sweet spot for travelers seeking a brisk, scenic overview.

What Could Be Better?

While many reviews are glowing, one point to consider is the lack of hotel pickup and drop-off. For visitors without a car or those staying far from the meeting point, transportation logistics might require extra planning. Also, the tour’s short duration means it’s best viewed as an introduction rather than an exhaustive exploration.

This E-bike tour suits active travelers who want a flexible, low-stress way to explore Scottsdale and Tempe. It’s perfect for families with teenagers, especially since the bikes are suitable for riders over 80 lbs (45 kg). If you’re a first-timer to the area but want to see iconic landmarks without the hassle of walking long distances, this tour is a smart choice. It also appeals to those who enjoy small group experiences and personal interaction with guides.

If you’re short on time, this brisk ride packs in a variety of sights without feeling rushed. And if you’re curious about the desert landscape, lakeside views, or geology, you’ll find plenty to love.

The Hole in the Rock & Tempe Lake E-bike Tour is a practical, enjoyable way to get the lay of the land in Scottsdale and Tempe. It balances sightseeing with light activity, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers. With friendly guides, stunning views, and a relaxed pace, it offers good value for those wanting a quick yet memorable introduction to Arizona’s desert city.

The tour’s highlights — like the Hole in the Rock, the lakeside vistas, and the scenic canals — make it more than just a ride; it becomes a fun and informative experience that leaves you with plenty of photos and stories. While it doesn’t include transportation to the meeting point, its overall convenience and the quality of the guides make it a strong choice for active explorers.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local wanting a new perspective, this tour combines the best of Scottsdale’s natural beauty and urban charm into a compact, fun package. It’s a good reminder that sometimes, the best way to see a city is on two wheels.

Is this tour suitable for beginners? Yes, the bikes are described as easy to ride, and a safety orientation is provided beforehand. Many reviews mention how accessible the ride is for first-timers.

What should I wear? Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for cycling. Bring sunglasses for sun protection, especially since you’ll be outdoors most of the time.

Are helmets provided? Yes, helmets are included and required for all participants to ensure safety.

Can I participate if I have limited cycling experience? Absolutely. Many reviewers note how easy the bikes are to operate — perfect for those new to e-biking.

Does the tour include hotel pickup? No, the tour starts at the designated meeting point in Scottsdale, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation.

What is the maximum group size? The tour is capped at 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience and plenty of interaction with your guide.

What are the main sights I will see? Expect to visit Tempe Town Lake, Papago Park, the Hole in the Rock, George W.P. Hunt’s tomb, and scenic canals along with views of Camelback Mountain.

Is there any flexibility in the itinerary? The tour follows a set route, but guides are friendly and accommodating, ready to answer questions and adjust slightly if needed.

In all, if you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and engaging way to see Scottsdale and Tempe’s highlights, this E-bike tour offers a well-rounded experience. It’s about making the most of a short timeframe, with enough sights and stories to leave you feeling both informed and energized.