Scottsdale Greenbelt: E-Bike Tour, Tempe Town Lake & Papago Park

Summary

Ride the Scottsdale Greenbelt to Tempe & Papago with local stories

You’ll feel the desert air as you ride nearly 20 miles by e-bike through Scottsdale’s greenbelt paths, pause at Tempe Town Lake for stories with your guide, and catch wide-open views from Papago Park’s rocky trails. Expect friendly locals, unexpected art along the way, and enough fresh air to clear your head for days after.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out from Scottsdale just after the sun started to take the edge off the morning. Our guide, Mike, handed me a helmet and grinned—he said something about “Arizona legs” and I laughed because mine definitely aren’t. The e-bike felt heavier than my old one at home but honestly, once we hit that first stretch of the Scottsdale Greenbelt, it was just smooth. You could smell cut grass in some spots, then suddenly desert dust and creosote when we’d pass under those low bridges. Mike kept up this steady pace but always slowed down if someone drifted behind. He pointed out these odd little art installations I’d probably never notice on my own—one looked like a giant metal fish? Not sure what that was about.

Somewhere near Tempe Town Lake, we stopped for water. There was this breeze coming off the water that almost made me forget we were in Arizona. A couple of locals jogged by and waved; one had a dog wearing sunglasses (I swear). We talked about how the city built this whole greenbelt back in the ‘60s to keep floods away—never thought much about urban planning before but it’s wild to see how it all connects now. The main keyword here is e-bike tour Scottsdale (see what I did there?), but honestly, it didn’t feel like a “tour” in that stiff way. More like riding with friends who actually know where they’re going.

Papago Park was next—a bit of a climb but nothing crazy thanks to pedal assist. The rocks are this weird pinkish color and you can see forever from Hole in the Rock if you squint past all the families taking selfies. Mike told us about some governor buried nearby—I only half caught that because I was distracted by some giraffes poking their heads over at the zoo fence (didn’t expect that). My hands were dusty by then; I wiped them on my shorts without thinking. On the way back, we coasted past golf courses and cactus gardens, and I kept thinking how different everything smells here compared to back east. It’s dry but not empty.

I still think about that view over Tempe Town Lake—kind of hazy but bright, if that makes sense—and how everyone seemed just happy to be outside for once. If you’re looking for a day trip around Scottsdale or want an e-bike tour that actually covers ground (and gives your legs a break), this is it. Just don’t try to race Mike unless you’ve got those Arizona legs he joked about.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — E-bike tour of Scottsdale Greenbelt

• Learn to ride and operate e-bike
• Ride Greenbelt bike pathways
• Tour Tempe Town Lake area
• Explore Papago Park by e-bike
• Stop at Hole in the Rock viewpoint
• See wildlife near Phoenix Zoo
• View A Mountain and Mill Avenue
• Visit first Governor's burial site

Top questions

How long is the Scottsdale Greenbelt e-bike tour?

The tour covers 18–20 miles and usually lasts 2–3 hours.

What cities do you visit during this e-bike tour?

You’ll ride through four cities: Scottsdale, Tempe, Phoenix (Papago Park), and areas near Mesa.

Is pickup included for this Scottsdale e-bike tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at the starting location in Scottsdale.

Are helmets provided on this e-bike tour?

Yes, helmets are provided as part of your booking.

Do I need experience to join this e-bike tour?

This tour is designed for confident adult riders with moderate fitness; not recommended for beginners or those with balance issues.

What attractions will I see on this route?

You’ll visit Scottsdale Greenbelt paths, Tempe Town Lake, Papago Park (including Hole in the Rock), golf courses, canals, public art spots, and possibly spot animals at Phoenix Zoo.

Is lunch included on this e-bike ride?

No lunch is included; bring snacks or eat before/after your ride.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a fat tire pedal-assisted e-bike with helmet and face guard for riding. A local guide leads you across scenic bike paths through parks and waterways between Scottsdale Greenbelt, Tempe Town Lake, and Papago Park—with several stops for stories or photos before returning to your starting point.