30 Min. Camelback Hike & Sightseeing Scottsdale Golf Cart Tour

This review covers a popular Scottsdale adventure that combines a brief but scenic hike on Camelback Mountain’s Cholla Trail with a lively golf cart tour around the city’s top sights. Rated a perfect 5.0 based on 13 reviews, this tour offers an engaging way to see Scottsdale’s natural beauty and its vibrant neighborhoods in just a couple of hours.

What we love most is how this experience balances easy access to stunning panoramic views with the relaxed pace of a golf cart ride through iconic locations. It’s especially appealing for those who want a quick, yet memorable glimpse into Scottsdale’s outdoors and urban charm. However, it’s worth noting that the hiking, though mostly easy, involves some incline rated as moderate by local rangers — so it’s best suited for travelers in reasonably good shape.

If you’re looking for a well-rounded, fun introduction to Scottsdale that can be enjoyed in a short time and offers great value, this tour might be your ideal choice. It’s perfect for visitors who prefer a blend of outdoor activity and city sightseeing without the hassle of planning multiple excursions.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines a short hike with a city sightseeing tour in one package.
• Scenic Views: Offers stunning vistas from Camelback Mountain’s Cholla Trail.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Max, Cody, and others enhance the experience.
• Comfortable Group Size: Limited to 7 travelers, ensuring a more personalized feel.
• Value for Money: Includes bottled water and an English-speaking guide at a reasonable price.
• Accessibility: Suitable for travelers with moderate fitness levels, but not ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itself

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $193 per person, this tour provides a comprehensive snapshot of Scottsdale’s highlights. The price covers your guided hike, sightseeing stops, bottled water, and the use of a mobile ticket for easy access. However, it doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to arrange your transportation to the meeting point at Segway of Scottsdale Tours.

Meeting Point

You’ll start at 7330 E Earll Dr Suite R in Scottsdale, which is near public transportation options. The tour ends back at the same location, making it convenient if you’re staying nearby or plan to explore the area afterward.

Duration and Group Size

Spanning around 2 hours, the tour is ideal for travelers short on time but eager to experience both outdoor and urban Scottsdale. The group is limited to a maximum of 7 people, allowing for a more personalized experience and easier interaction with guides like Max and Cody, who are praised for their friendliness and knowledge.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Scottsdale City Highlights

The tour kicks off with a rapid-fire tour of Old Town Scottsdale. Expect to pass by the stadium where the Giants play during spring training, and see the mix of iconic Southwestern architectural styles, cowboy bars, and art galleries. Guides often mention the “gem in Old Town,” a lush green space with water features, statues, and blooming flowers, perfect for a quick photo or just soaking in Scottsdale’s lively vibe.

Guests note that guides like Cody provide plenty of local insights, adding a personal touch that makes the city’s history and culture more approachable.

Stop 2: The Scenic Drive Through Paradise Valley

Next, the tour takes you past celebrity homes and mansions, showcasing some of the most expensive zip codes in Arizona. The architecture here often leaves visitors stunned, and the knowledgeable guides point out interesting features of the multimillion-dollar properties.

This part of the tour is great for those interested in Scottsdale’s affluent neighborhoods or just enjoying a leisurely drive through stunning residential streets. One reviewer called it “beautiful” and “mind-blowing,” noting how the grandeur of the homes adds to the appeal.

Stop 3: Camelback Mountain Hike

The highlight for many is the hike on Camelback Mountain’s Cholla Trail. It is designed to be accessible yet rewarding. The first part of the trail is rated as easy by the guides and local authorities, with most guests hiking between 15 to 20 minutes up to markers #7 or #11, which offer extraordinary views.

Guest reviews often mention that the initial incline is manageable for those in decent shape, equating it to climbing the equivalent of 10-12 flights of stairs. One reviewer, Tonya, admitted the hike was a bit of a challenge, but felt triumphant after completing it, saying, “I’m glad I did it.” This hike offers a perfect opportunity to take in breathtaking views of Scottsdale and the surrounding desert landscape—truly worth the effort.

Post-Hike Scenic Drive and Final Sightseeing

After the hike, the tour continues to explore Scottsdale’s most charming neighborhoods, including beautiful boutique shopping streets and architecturally stunning homes. The last stops allow you to soak in the local atmosphere, take photos, and get tips from your guide on where to eat or relax afterward.

The Experience from a Traveler’s Perspective

Reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides like Max and Cody, who are both called friendly, personable, and full of interesting facts. Reviewers mention that Max made the golf cart tour especially fun, blending humor with a wealth of local knowledge, ensuring everyone felt engaged and informed.

The scenic views from the hike are frequently highlighted as the main draw. Guests note that the trail offers “amazing views” and photo opportunities that are perfect for social media. The combination of a quick outdoor activity with city sightseeing makes it a flexible option for many travelers.

The Hiking Experience

Most guests find the hike manageable, especially if they are in moderate physical shape. However, some older or less active travelers might find the incline challenging. It’s worth noting that the trail involves a “moderate” rating from local rangers, which suggests that hikers should be prepared for a few uphill sections, particularly if they’re not accustomed to desert terrain or inclines.

The Golf Cart Ride

Riding in a golf cart through the city is surprisingly enjoyable. It allows you to cover more ground comfortably and see Scottsdale’s highlights without feeling rushed. Plus, the open-air nature of the carts makes it easy to take photos and enjoy the sunshine.

Practical Aspects

The tour lasts roughly two hours, including both the hike and sightseeing stops, which makes it ideal for travelers with limited time. The small group size ensures you won’t be lost in a crowd, and guides like Cody and Max are praised for their personable approach.

Assessing the Value

While $193 might seem steep at first glance, considering it includes a guided hike, sightseeing, bottled water, and personalized attention, it’s quite reasonable. The experience of combining outdoor activity and city exploration in such a compact timeframe is quite efficient, especially given the scenic payoff and insider tips you’ll receive.

For travelers who want a blend of adventure and urban charm, this tour offers genuine value. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy light hiking, scenic drives, and learning about Scottsdale’s neighborhoods from friendly guides.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits active travelers who are comfortable with a 15-minute incline and are eager to see both natural and urban Scottsdale. It’s perfect for visitors short on time but wanting a well-rounded introduction to the city’s highlights and its iconic desert landscape.

It’s ideal for those who appreciate guided experiences with local insights, as the guides go beyond just pointing out sights—they share stories and tips that enrich the visit.

Travelers with young teens (minimum age 10) and those traveling in small groups will find the tour both intimate and engaging. Keep in mind that the hiking, while relatively easy, does involve some effort, so casual walkers or those with mobility issues might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

This Scottsdale tour offers a unique mix of outdoor adventure and urban sightseeing, all in just a couple of hours. The combination of a manageable hike with breathtaking views and a fun golf cart tour through the city’s most attractive neighborhoods makes it a compelling choice for many visitors.

The guides’ friendly demeanor and extensive local knowledge add a layer of authenticity to the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing trip. The inclusion of bottled water and the small group size ensure comfort and a personal touch.

The main draw is undoubtedly the scenic views from Camelback Mountain, which make the effort worthwhile, and the relaxed, entertaining city tour in between. This experience strikes a good balance for those wanting a taste of Scottsdale’s natural beauty without dedicating an entire day.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, engaging, and visually stunning way to explore Scottsdale, this tour fits the bill perfectly — especially if you appreciate a touch of outdoor activity combined with city charm.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to meet at the designated starting point at Segway of Scottsdale Tours.

How long does the hike typically take?
Most guests hike for about 15-20 minutes up to the designated markers on Camelback Mountain, with the entire hike lasting around 30-40 minutes.

What is the hiking difficulty?
The hiking portion is rated as easy by most guests, but the first part of the trail is considered moderate due to the incline. It’s suitable for those in good shape and comfortable with some uphill walking.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable footwear suitable for light hiking, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and water, which is provided.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 10 years old, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 7 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Are guides bilingual or only English-speaking?
The tour includes an English guide, with no mention of other languages.

What are the main highlights of the sightseeing stops?
Stops include Scottsdale’s Old Town, celebrity neighborhoods, architecturally stunning homes, and scenic streets with boutique shops and restaurants.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
The hike involves some incline and terrain; those with mobility issues should consider their comfort level before booking.

What is the price of this tour, and does it represent good value?
At $193, the price covers guided outdoor and city experiences, bottled water, and a small group. Given the scope and the quality of guides, it’s a reasonable investment for a memorable Scottsdale adventure.

To sum it up, this tour offers a thoughtfully curated taste of Scottsdale’s outdoors and city life, led by guides who know how to make it both fun and informative. It’s best suited for active travelers seeking a quick but rich experience, with stunning views and insider knowledge to take home.