Explore Scottsdale’s Scenic Parks on a 15-Mile Guided Bike Tour

Read the full experience

Scottsdale, Arizona, offers more than just desert vistas and luxury resorts—it’s a city rich with lush green spaces and perfectly crafted recreational areas. The Scottsdale Parks System 15 Mile Ride is a guided, two-hour biking adventure that meanders through some of the city’s most celebrated parks and renowned golf courses. This ride presents a blend of gentle exercise and vibrant scenery, making it an ideal outing for visitors looking to combine nature, fresh air, and Scottsdale’s distinctive outdoor lifestyle. Starting at 7901 E Thomas Rd, the tour leads you along the city’s award-winning Greenbelt, a stretch of verdant parks connected by smooth paved paths that invite riders of all skill levels. You’ll glide past manicured lawns, vibrant plantings of desert-adapted flora—including towering palms and flowering cacti—and sparkling lakes that serve as watering holes for local wildlife, including herons and turtles. The route offers ample photo opportunities with peaceful pond reflections and sculpted golf fairways as a backdrop. What sets this tour apart is its expert guide, well-versed in Scottsdale’s history and green initiatives. As you pedal, you’ll gain insight into how these parks transformed formerly neglected urban areas into community treasures. The Greenbelt itself is an engineered marvel, channeling the Arizona canal system through the city to provide irrigation and recreational space. Riders will also hear about local efforts to balance desert ecology with urban growth, making this ride a subtle lesson in sustainability. This journey is not just about the physical ride—it’s an immersive way to understand Scottsdale’s commitment to outdoor living and environmental stewardship. Whether you stay in Scottsdale or nearby Phoenix, this 15-mile bike ride offers a fresh perspective on a city better known for glitz than green spaces. The flat terrain and well-maintained trails ensure an easy to moderate fitness challenge, perfect for families, casual cyclists, and nature lovers alike. With frequent stops to absorb the parks’ unique atmospheres and an inviting social vibe, this ride makes for an unforgettable exploration. For those craving more adventure, consider extending your stay to explore Scottsdale’s hiking trails and desert preserves, or enjoy nearby winter sports in the surrounding mountains. The Scottsdale Parks System ride is an exemplary introduction to how vibrant urban green spaces can redefine a city’s outdoor character.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for casual riders and those in general good health; no advanced skills required.

Frequently asked questions

Is this bike tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, the route is mostly flat and on paved paths, making it accessible for riders of all levels.

Are bikes provided or do I need to bring my own?

The tour provides well-maintained bikes and helmets for all participants.

What should I wear for the bike tour?

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for biking and weather-appropriate layers, including sun protection.

Are rest stops included during the ride?

Yes, there are planned stops to hydrate, take photos, and learn about the local parks.

Can I bring children on this tour?

Children are welcome if they can comfortably ride 15 miles—check with the tour operator regarding age minimums.

Is there parking available at the meeting point?

Yes, there is ample parking available at 7901 E Thomas Rd where the tour begins.

Local insights

Wildlife

Great Blue Heron
Desert Tortoise

History

The Scottsdale Greenbelt was developed in the late 20th century as a community revitalization effort, converting canal corridors into vibrant parklands.

Conservation

The city promotes water conservation through desert-adapted landscaping and encourages biking as a zero-emission transport alternative.

About Arizona Recreation Tours

Arizona Recreation Tours is a Scottsdale-based outfitter specializing in guided e-bike and mountain-bike experiences, rentals, and combined bike-and-walking tours across Scottsdale, Tempe Town Lake, Papago Park and Flagstaff. The company’s offerings span short, 2-hour park rides to longer 10–20 mile e-bike adventures, plus equipment rentals for independent exploration. Tours include photo-friendly routes and local-history stops — for example, Ride in the Pines climbs more than 800 feet, passes towering pines and a century-old gas station on Route 66. The Scottsdale Parks ebike & Old Town Scottsdale Walking Tour pairs a scenic 10-mile e-bike ride with a guided walking tour led by local expert Todd Davis, who provides a complimentary copy of his book. Safety and support are part of the experience: tours provide training, helmets, and guide assistance where noted, and the mountain bike rental includes quality bikes and safety gear. Signature experiences range from the Scottsdale Greenbelt E‑Bike 20 Mile Ride and the Scottsdale Parks System 15 Mile Ride to a Hole in the Rock hike, a Girls Trip Pink eBike & Hike option, and a Flagstaff E‑Bike Brewery Tour visiting breweries like Dark Sky Brewing, Mother Road Brewing, and Historic Brewing Barrel + Bottle House. Arizona Recreation Tours appeals to above-average riders seeking varied terrain, families and groups looking for relaxed park rides, and travelers wanting guided local insight. With equipment provided on many tours and multiple guided options, the outfitter makes it straightforward to explore Arizona’s parks, lakes and desert landmarks by bike. Tours vary by season locally.

Base locationScottsdale, Arizona

Tours offered10+

Specialty

Adventure tips

Bring a Reusable Water BottleHydration is key on this 15-mile ride; refill stations are available at select parks.

Wear Sun ProtectionArizona’s sun can be intense even in cooler months—bring sunscreen and a hat.

Check Your Bike TiresEnsure your bike tires are inflated properly for a smooth ride on paved paths.

Follow Trail EtiquetteStay right and signal when passing to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

Recommended gear

Comfortable Bike Helmet: Protects your head and is required for safety on this tour.
Lightweight Cycling Gloves: Improves grip and reduces hand fatigue during the ride.
UV-Protection Sunglasses: Shields your eyes from bright sunlight and dust.
Water Bottle With Holder: Keeps you hydrated during the 15-mile ride with easy access.