Bike Scottsdale parks, Tempe Town Lake, and hike Hole in the Rock
2 Hours
Bike, helmet, guide
Ride 10–12 miles from the shop through Scottsdale Parks, Tempe Town Lake, and Papago Park, then take a short hike to Hole in the Rock. Learn local history along the way with a trained guide.
Riders are responsible for any damage to bikes.
Full refund with at least 48 hours' notice. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows are charged the full price.
Bring sunglasses, water, and comfortable clothes and shoes.
Your tour includes a bike, guide, training, a helmet, a face gaiter, and a water bottle holder or bag.
Yes. Riders are responsible for any damage to bikes.
7901 East Thomas Road #106, Scottsdale AZ 85251.
Hole in the Rock rises from the heart of Papago Park as one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in the Phoenix area, a weathered sandstone formation pierced by a wind and water carved opening that frames sweeping views of the Valley of the Sun. On this Scottsdale and Tempe bike tour, Hole in the Rock serves as the dramatic centerpiece, a place where the desert geology of central Arizona reveals itself in warm red and ochre tones. The Hohokam people once used this very formation to track the movement of the sun across the seasons, and standing inside the opening today, you get a tangible sense of how landscape and time intersect in the Sonoran Desert.
After cycling through the tree lined paths of Tempe and along the calm waters of Tempe Town Lake, you will park the bikes and take a short hike up the rocky slope to reach Hole in the Rock itself. The climb is brief but rewarding, with each step revealing more of the surrounding desert, distant mountain silhouettes, and the city skyline stretching out below. Inside the alcove, the temperature drops, the wind funnels through, and the framed view of Papago Park feels like a natural postcard. Your guide shares stories about the geology, the Indigenous history, and the small details most visitors miss, turning Hole in the Rock from a photo stop into a genuine moment of discovery.
This stop is perfect for active travelers, couples, families with older kids, and anyone who wants to combine easy cycling with a memorable short hike. Photographers love the light at Hole in the Rock, history lovers appreciate the cultural depth, and casual explorers simply enjoy the payoff of a great view earned with a little effort. If you want a Scottsdale and Tempe outing that blends scenic riding, desert scenery, and a truly iconic Arizona landmark, the ride out to Hole in the Rock delivers all three in one unforgettable afternoon.