Scottsdale & Camelback: E-Bike Tour with Cholla Hike

Summary

Ride quiet streets past Paradise Valley mansions then hike Camelback’s sunlit Cholla Trail with a local guide

You’ll ride an e-bike through Scottsdale’s peaceful Greenbelt and exclusive Paradise Valley before hiking partway up Camelback Mountain’s Cholla Trail with a local guide. Expect cool canal views, glimpses of celebrity homes, and moments of desert quiet you might not get on your own. It’s active but not exhausting—and leaves you with more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to be nervous about an e-bike, but there I was in Old Town Scottsdale, helmet on crooked, trying not to look like a total beginner. Our guide—her name was Jamie—grinned and said, “Don’t worry, you’ll get it in two minutes.” She was right. The first stretch along the Greenbelt bike path felt easy, almost too easy. There was this faint smell of cut grass from the golf course and the kind of morning air that makes you squint a little. Jamie pointed out the canal—apparently riding alongside it is a big local thing. I’d never have guessed.

Paradise Valley looked exactly like its name sounds: palm trees, huge houses behind gates, and not much noise except for our tires on the pavement. Jamie told us some pro baseball player lived nearby but wouldn’t say who. We parked our e-bikes at the Cholla Trailhead (there are restrooms there if you’re wondering), grabbed some water—free and cold—and started up Camelback Mountain. The Cholla Trail is supposed to be the “easy” one, but I still felt my legs wake up by marker #7. There were locals jogging past us (how?) and someone’s dog that looked happier than anyone else on the trail.

The view from halfway up… I still think about that sky—blue but kind of washed out by the desert sun, with Phoenix just stretching out below. Jamie shared a story about how some people try to run the whole trail for fun; we all agreed we’d stick to walking. On the way back down, my hands were dusty and I realized how quiet it got when nobody talked for a minute. Then someone’s phone dinged and we all laughed.

We hopped back on our bikes toward McCormick Ranch—honestly by then my legs were grateful for the electric boost again. If there’s time you might see Lake Marguerite (we did), which has these weirdly perfect ducks floating around like they own the place. Back in Old Town Scottsdale, I felt tired but sort of proud—not something I expected from a 2.5 hour tour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — E-Bike and hike Camelback Mountain

• Start at Old Town Scottsdale office
• Ride 3 blocks to Greenbelt Bike Path
• Bike alongside Continental Golf Club
• Cross Arizona Canal towards Paradise Valley
• Ride slow streets past luxury homes
• Stop at Cholla Trail head and park bikes
• Hike easy Cholla Trail to marker #7 or #11
• Return to bikes and ride along Arizona Canal
• Bike alongside McCormick Ranch golf club
• Visit Lake Marguerite if time allows
• Return to Old Town Scottsdale store

Top questions

How long does the Camelback E-Bike & Hike Tour take?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours from start to finish.

Is pickup included for this Scottsdale e-bike tour?

No hotel pickup is included; tours start at the office in Old Town Scottsdale.

What is the minimum age for participants?

The minimum age required is 12 years old.

How difficult is hiking the Cholla Trail on Camelback Mountain?

The hike is considered easy and suitable for most fitness levels; you’ll go as far as marker #7 or #11.

Are restrooms available during the tour?

Yes, there are restrooms at the Cholla Trailhead where you park your e-bike before hiking.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Yes, free bottled water is included for all participants.

Do I need prior experience with e-bikes?

No experience is necessary; guides provide instruction at the start.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an e-bike and safety helmet, free bottled water throughout, an audio receiver so you can hear your guide’s stories as you ride or hike, plus restroom access at Cholla Trailhead before heading up Camelback Mountain together.