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

4.91

(136 reviews)

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.