Discover the dynamic mix of Scottsdale’s greenbelt parks and Tempe Town Lake on an invigorating e-bike and hike tour. Ascend the famed Hole in the Rock for sweeping desert views while exploring the region’s distinctive history and landscape.
Discover the dynamic mix of Scottsdale’s greenbelt parks and Tempe Town Lake on an invigorating e-bike and hike tour. Ascend the famed Hole in the Rock for sweeping desert views while exploring the region’s distinctive history and landscape.
The sun hovers just above the horizon, casting long shadows over the jagged sandstone formations of Papago Park as your e-bike hums softly beneath you. Starting from the Scottsdale Greenbelt, this 12-mile loop weaves a path through striking desert landscapes, urban parks, and along the rippling waters of Tempe Town Lake. As you pedal eastwards, the bustling pulse of the Valley of the Sun gives way to quiet stretches of the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area, where the salt river dares the desert to reclaim its territory.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Greenbelt Bike Tours of Scottsdale · Scottsdale, Arizona
The sun hovers just above the horizon, casting long shadows over the jagged sandstone formations of Papago Park as your e-bike hums softly beneath you. Starting from the Scottsdale Greenbelt, this 12-mile loop weaves a path through striking desert landscapes, urban parks, and along the rippling waters of Tempe Town Lake. As you pedal eastwards, the bustling pulse of the Valley of the Sun gives way to quiet stretches of the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area, where the salt river dares the desert to reclaim its territory.
Papago Park’s rugged “Hole in the Rock” stands as a natural amphitheater carved by millennia of wind and rain, offering panoramic views that frame Phoenix’s sprawling skyline beneath an endless blue sky. This short hike atop the sandstone formation rewards with sweeping vistas across the valley, the distant spires of the Sonoran Desert foothills, and the placid water’s edge of Tempe Town Lake shimmering in the distance.
The surrounding parklands and bike paths trace the story of this region—from the Hohokam Indians who once farmed these lands along the Salt River to recent river restoration projects turning arid channels back into thriving riparian habitats. Along the route, the Scottsdale Greenbelt reveals a mosaic of recreational spaces including championship disc golf courses and well-maintained trails shaped by the desert’s resilient flora.
Covering flat to gently rolling terrain, the mixture of paved and dirt paths offers riders with moderate cycling skills a dynamic experience that blends moderate physical challenge with accessibility. The hike focuses on that iconic rock formation, an easy climb with rocky footing but no technical scrambling, perfect for a mid-ride stretch and photo opportunity.
Starting and ending at the Arizona E-bike Tours base in Scottsdale, the guided tour balances history, ecology, and recreation over just under two hours. Helmet, backpack, and neck gaiter are provided to keep you prepared and comfortable under Arizona’s sun, where hydration and sun protection are essential. The best times to embark are early mornings or late afternoons when temperatures are cooler and the desert light brings the landscape alive.
This combined e-bike and hike adventure offers an immersive way to engage with the distinct geography and culture of the Valley, accessible to explorers seeking a blend of urban connection and desert escape within one seamless ride-and-stride experience.
moderate.
1.5–2 hours.
Riders should have moderate fitness and good bike handling skills; hike requires basic mobility and comfort on rocky terrain.
This tour requires moderate bike handling skills, especially on some dirt sections, so beginners with basic cycling ability may manage but should be confident on uneven terrain.
The hike is short and easy, involving some rocky footing but no technical climbing, suitable for most people with basic mobility.
Yes, the tour includes use of a bicycle, helmet, backpack, and neck gaiter for your comfort and safety.
Bring water, sun protection like sunscreen and sunglasses, and wear comfortable shoes suitable for biking and light hiking.
Restrooms are available at the tour start location and at park facilities en route including Papago Park and Tempe Town Lake areas.
This tour is recommended for adults and older teens with moderate cycling ability due to mixed terrain and pace.
Tempe Town Lake was created as part of a major urban redevelopment project transforming the Salt River into a recreational water body, revitalizing the area after decades of dry riverbed.
The Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Project works to restore native vegetation and wildlife corridors along the Salt River channel, improving sustainability within the urban desert environment.
Greenbelt Bike Tours of Scottsdale operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The sun hovers just above the horizon, casting long shadows over the jagged sandstone formations of Papago Park as your e-bike hums softly beneath you. Starting from the Scottsdale Greenbelt, this 12-mile loop weaves a path through striking desert landscapes, urban parks, and along the rippling waters of Tempe Town Lake. As you pedal eastwards, the bustling pulse of the Valley of the Sun gives way to quiet stretches of the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area, where the salt river dares the desert to reclaim its territory.
The sun hovers just above the horizon, casting long shadows over the jagged sandstone formations of Papago Park as your e-bike hums softly beneath you. Starting from the Scottsdale Greenbelt, this 12-mile loop weaves a path through striking desert landscapes, urban parks, and along the rippling waters of Tempe Town Lake. As you pedal eastwards, the bustling pulse of the Valley of the Sun gives way to quiet stretches of the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area, where the salt river dares the desert to reclaim its territory.
Papago Park’s rugged “Hole in the Rock” stands as a natural amphitheater carved by millennia of wind and rain, offering panoramic views that frame Phoenix’s sprawling skyline beneath an endless blue sky. This short hike atop the sandstone formation rewards with sweeping vistas across the valley, the distant spires of the Sonoran Desert foothills, and the placid water’s edge of Tempe Town Lake shimmering in the distance.
The surrounding parklands and bike paths trace the story of this region—from the Hohokam Indians who once farmed these lands along the Salt River to recent river restoration projects turning arid channels back into thriving riparian habitats. Along the route, the Scottsdale Greenbelt reveals a mosaic of recreational spaces including championship disc golf courses and well-maintained trails shaped by the desert’s resilient flora.
Covering flat to gently rolling terrain, the mixture of paved and dirt paths offers riders with moderate cycling skills a dynamic experience that blends moderate physical challenge with accessibility. The hike focuses on that iconic rock formation, an easy climb with rocky footing but no technical scrambling, perfect for a mid-ride stretch and photo opportunity.
Starting and ending at the Arizona E-bike Tours base in Scottsdale, the guided tour balances history, ecology, and recreation over just under two hours. Helmet, backpack, and neck gaiter are provided to keep you prepared and comfortable under Arizona’s sun, where hydration and sun protection are essential. The best times to embark are early mornings or late afternoons when temperatures are cooler and the desert light brings the landscape alive.
This combined e-bike and hike adventure offers an immersive way to engage with the distinct geography and culture of the Valley, accessible to explorers seeking a blend of urban connection and desert escape within one seamless ride-and-stride experience.