From Saddle to Table: A Guide's Take on the Scottsdale E-Bike, Hike & BBQ Adventure
One Morning, Three Adventures
Most tours show you the desert from one angle. This one gives you three: from the saddle of a casual e-bike, on foot in one of the largest urban preserves in the country, and at the table. That's our Scottsdale E-Bike, Hike & BBQ Adventure - a full-day guided experience through North Scottsdale that ends the way the best desert days do: with a great local lunch.
The Ride
Your day starts at the Gateway Trailhead in North Scottsdale - exact meeting spot and directions arrive with your confirmation. After a pre-ride safety briefing and bike fitting, you'll roll out onto paved roads and pathways along the bajada of the McDowell Mountain foothills.
The pace is relaxed and the bikes do the hard work, so you can focus on the Sonoran Desert ecosystem rolling past - mountain views, desert vistas, and plenty of chances to spot the wildlife that calls the foothills home. Plan on 1.5-2 hours in the saddle.
The Nature Walk
Halfway through the morning, you'll trade the bike for boots. The tour stops for a guided nature walk in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve - 1.5-2 hours on foot, where your guides break down the otherworldly flora and fauna of the preserve. It's one thing to ride through the desert; it's another to have someone show you how it actually works.
The BBQ Finish
After the ride and the hike, you've earned what comes next: lunch at a unique local eatery. It's the kind of finish that turns a good morning into a story - and it's included in the tour price. All told, plan on approximately 4-4.5 hours from meet to meal.
What's Handled for You
- Professional safety-certified guides leading the ride, the hike, and the storytelling.
- Casual e-bike, helmet, and gloves - fitted at the trailhead before you roll out.
- Lunch at a unique local eatery - included in the tour price.
- Bottled water and snacks during the ride and the hike.
- Insurance, permits, and entry fees.
- Hotel transportation add-on - door-to-door service for an additional $295 per activity (up to 10 guests).
Guide Tips for the Day
- Closed-toe shoes are required - you'll be riding and hiking in them.
- Wear comfortable athletic clothing suited to both the bike and the trail.
- Respect the sun: sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
- Bring a camera - a secure mounting is recommended for the ride.
- Plan around the season: the tour runs October through April, with tours running from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM. It is not available May through September.
- Book in advance - reservations are required to ensure guide availability.
Who Is This Tour For?
Riders ages 12 and up (contact us for the height requirement) - the tour is beginner-friendly with no previous e-bike experience necessary, as long as you're comfortable with 1.5-2 hours of relaxed cycling and 1.5-2 hours of walking. Groups of 2 to 12 are welcome, at $249 per person for groups of 2-3 and $199 per person for groups of 4 or more (a 15% gratuity is added for groups of 8+). Private tours may be available for an additional $200 per activity.
Ready to Ride, Hike & Eat?
Head over to the Scottsdale E-Bike, Hike & BBQ Adventure page for full details and live availability, and browse the Scottsdale E-Bike, Hike & BBQ FAQ for answers to everything else - what to bring, how hotel transportation works, and what's on the menu. We'll see you at the trailhead.