Scottsdale Parks System 15 Mile Ride

A 15-mile ride through Scottsdale's vibrant parks and gardens, offering a unique opportunity to explore the city's commitment to sustainability and natural beauty. Discover the...

The Scottsdale Parks System 15 Mile Ride offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant landscapes and recreational areas. This scenic route highlights the Xeriscape Gardens, showcasing the region’s drought-tolerant native plants, and the whimsical Horse Statues that invite photo ops. Riders can also challenge themselves at the Disc Golf Park while immersed in the tranquil surroundings of Indian Bend Wash. Whether seeking an active adventure or a leisurely excursion, this ride promises to showcase Scottsdale’s commitment to sustainability and natural beauty.

Key Points

scottsdale-parks-system-15-mile-ride

  • The e-bike tour explores a 13-mile round-trip route along Indian Bend Wash, visiting Xeriscape Gardens, Horse Statues, and Disc Golf Park.
  • The tour is suitable for participants with moderate physical fitness, good balance, and bike riding ability, but not for those with limited mobility.
  • The cost is $75 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, and the tour departs from Greenbelt Bike Tours in Scottsdale.
  • Scenic highlights along the route include the Xeriscape Gardens, Horse Statues, Disc Golf Park, and the natural beauty of the Indian Bend Wash.
  • The tour features sustainable landscape elements and informative signage, showcasing Scottsdale’s commitment to water-wise gardening and park system design.

Tour Overview

scottsdale-parks-system-15-mile-ride

The Scottsdale Parks System Ride is a small group e-bike tour that allows visitors to explore the 13-mile (21 kilometers) round-trip route along the Indian Bend Wash.

During the tour, guests will visit notable attractions, including the Xeriscape Gardens, Horse Statues, and Disc Golf Park.

With a maximum group size of 12 travelers, the tour provides an intimate experience to appreciate the natural beauty and recreational amenities of the Scottsdale park system.

The e-bikes make the journey accessible, and the tour’s duration of approximately 3 hours allows ample time to cover the scenic route.

Tour Details

scottsdale-parks-system-15-mile-ride

The Scottsdale Parks System Ride tour lasts approximately 3 hours and accommodates a maximum group size of 12 travelers.

The cost is from $75.00 per person, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The tour costs $75.00 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Participants should have a moderate physical fitness level, good balance, and bike riding ability. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

The minimum height requirement is 5’2".

  • Electric bike

  • Helmet

  • Bottled water

  • 5.0 rating based on 2 reviews

  • Confirmation received within 48 hours of booking

Meeting and Pickup Information

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Where’s the meeting point for the Scottsdale Parks System Ride tour?

The tour meets at Greenbelt Bike Tours, located at 7901 E Thomas Rd #106, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.

The meeting point is two miles west of Thomas and the 101 freeway, and three miles north of Loop 202 and Hayden Road.

Nearby landmarks include a Dunkin’ Donuts and a CVS.

Travelers should arrive at the meeting point, as the tour departs from there to explore the 13-mile round-trip route along the Indian Bend Wash and visit attractions such as the Xeriscape Gardens and Disc Golf Park.

Requirements and Recommendations

scottsdale-parks-system-15-mile-ride

Although the Scottsdale Parks System Ride isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s generally recommended for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level and good balance and bike riding ability.

This e-bike tour may not be suitable for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

Key requirements include:

  • Minimum height of 5’2"

  • Good balance and bike riding capability

  • Moderate physical fitness level

  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions

  • Not wheelchair accessible

Scenic Highlights Along the Route

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Along the 13-mile round-trip route, travelers can expect to be captivated by the diverse natural landscapes and carefully curated attractions of the Scottsdale Park System. One highlight is the Xeriscape Gardens, showcasing drought-tolerant plants native to the region. Another is the whimsical Horse Statues, a popular photo op. The Disc Golf Park offers a fun challenge for enthusiasts, while the scenic Indian Bend Wash provides a peaceful respite. Throughout the tour, riders will be immersed in the natural beauty and thoughtful design that define Scottsdale’s acclaimed park system.

| Attraction | Highlights |

| — | — |

| Xeriscape Gardens | Drought-tolerant native plants |

| Horse Statues | Whimsical photo opportunity |

| Disc Golf Park | Fun challenge for enthusiasts |

| Indian Bend Wash | Scenic natural respite |

Exploring the Xeriscape Gardens

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As visitors approach the Xeriscape Gardens, they’ll be captivated by the vibrant display of drought-tolerant plants native to the region.

The gardens showcase:

  • Towering agave and yucca plants

  • Colorful clusters of prickly pear and cholla cacti

  • Delicate desert wildflowers in bloom

  • Meandering pathways lined with gravel and stone

  • Informative signage highlighting the sustainable landscape

Exploring the Xeriscape Gardens provides a glimpse into the arid beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

Travelers can stroll through the tranquil oasis, learning about the region’s diverse flora and the benefits of water-wise gardening.

Discovering the Horse Statues

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After exploring the serene Xeriscape Gardens, the tour continues toward the whimsical Horse Statues. The group pedals along the lush greenway, catching glimpses of the iconic bronze sculptures in the distance. As they draw nearer, the details of the horses come into focus – their powerful musculature, their graceful poses, their expressions of strength and vitality. The tour guide provides insights about the artwork, its creator, and the significance of the horse in Scottsdale’s cultural heritage.

| Statue Name | Artist | Year Installed | Material |

|————-|——–|—————–|———-|

| Running Horses | Ed Mell | 2008 | Bronze |

| End of the Trail | James Earle Fraser | 1996 | Bronze |

| Spirit of the Saguaro | Joe Beeler | 1997 | Bronze |

| Mustang Family | Fred Hoppe | 2004 | Bronze |

Challenging the Disc Golf Course

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Having explored the captivating horse statues, the group now turns its attention to the Disc Golf Park. The lush greenery and rolling hills set the stage for an exciting challenge.

The group navigates the:

  • Varied tee pads

  • Sculpted baskets

  • Scenic water hazards

  • Tight fairways

  • Undulating terrain

As they tee off, the riders’ skills are put to the test. The disc golf course offers a unique blend of strategy, precision, and outdoor adventure, providing a refreshing change of pace from the bike ride.

The group embraces the opportunity to test their disc golf prowess amidst the serene Scottsdale landscape.

The Sum Up

The Scottsdale Parks System 15 Mile Ride offers an engaging outdoor experience that showcases the city’s commitment to sustainability and natural beauty. Riders can explore vibrant Xeriscape Gardens, discover whimsical Horse Statues, and challenge themselves at the Disc Golf Park, all while immersed in the tranquil surroundings of the Indian Bend Wash. This scenic route provides a delightful way to experience Scottsdale’s beautifully designed landscapes.