Camelback, but make it easy-ish. This 2-hour tour pairs golf cart sightseeing in Scottsdale with a real view-chasing hike on Camelback Mountain’s Cholla Trail. You get guided stops around Old Town first, then trade wheels for your own two feet for about 30 minutes (give or take) to famous lookout points.

I like the balance here: you still feel like you are doing something outdoors, but the hike is intentionally short. And I love the way the scenery is built into the route, from Old Town’s architecture and parks to Paradise Valley’s big-home scenery after the trail.

One thing to plan for: the trail’s first stretch is rated moderate by local rangers because of the incline and terrain, so you want a moderate fitness level (especially if you are older or out of shape).

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Cholla Trail to markers #7 or #11: a “good views for limited time” goal, not a full-buff hike.
• Short, timed effort: about 15 minutes up and 15 minutes down for the Camelback portion.
• Small group feel: capped at 7 people, so the cart time doesn’t feel crowded.
• Old Town Scottsdale storytelling: stops built around saloons, art-gallery style spots, and green spaces.
• Paradise Valley afterward: the drive shifts from Old Town charm to celebrity-home territory.
• Practical add-ons: bottled water included, English guide, and a mobile ticket.

The golf cart format: sightseeing at a comfortable pace

If you like the idea of getting oriented in a new city fast, the golf cart part is a smart way to start. Scottsdale can feel spread out, and the drive time matters. In this tour, you spend the “getting bearings” portion rolling through Old Town at a pace that still lets you stop for photos and look at details.

What makes this format work is that it keeps you from burning your whole day on transit or waiting around. The tour runs about 2 hours total, and the remaining time is spent on travel, which means you are not stuck with a long, wandering schedule. Also, with a maximum of 7 people per booking, you are less likely to feel squeezed, and it is easier to ask questions as you go.

The operator also includes an English guide and free bottled water. That sounds small, but on a hot desert day, it removes one annoying planning step.

Old Town Scottsdale stops: saloons, parks, shops, and the “wow” factor

Before Camelback, the route is designed like a guided primer to what Scottsdale does best: Old Town vibes, photo-worthy streets, and a mix of casual and upscale.

Here are the stop styles you can expect:

• A spring-training stadium where the Giants play during the season. This sets the local sports context right away.
• Southwestern-style saloon architecture mixed with cowboy bars and art galleries. The point is not just the buildings, but the feel: a blend of old-west cues and artsy storefront energy.
• A small “pause and notice” type stop in Old Town, with running water, palm trees, flowers in bloom, well-kept green space, and statues, plus a few bars nearby. It is the kind of stop that helps you understand the city’s visual rhythm: shade, color, and public spaces that make walking more pleasant.
• A beautiful stretch with boutique shops and restaurants. This gives you ideas for where you might want to return on your own later.
• A high-end area described as the most expensive zip code in the state, with multimillion-dollar mansions and mind-blowing architecture.
• One of the gorgeous residential streets in all of Scottsdale. Even if you do not plan to live there, seeing how the neighborhoods are laid out helps you picture the city beyond the strip.

Two practical notes from a value standpoint. First, you are not paying to look at one single view. You are buying an organized route that touches multiple parts of the Old Town-to-residential story. Second, because this is a guided cart ride, you get context as you pass things, not just a checklist of sights.

If you are the type who likes taking pictures but also wants someone to explain what you are looking at, this section is where the tour starts paying off.

Camelback Mountain Cholla Trail: what the hike really feels like

This is the centerpiece. The goal is to hike to marker #7 or #11 on Camelback Mountain’s Cholla Trail. In practice, most people are looking at roughly 30 to 40 minutes total on the trail, and that is typically broken into 15 minutes up and 15 minutes down.

Now, the important part: difficulty.

Local rangers rate the first portion as moderate due to the incline and terrain. The tour description is pretty blunt about who may struggle: older guests and people who are out of shape are more likely to feel it. The operator’s guidance is that if you can handle a 15-minute incline that equals about 10 to 12 flights of stairs, you should be fine.

That “stair-equivalent” framing is actually useful. It translates the desert trail into something you can judge in your own body, which is exactly what you need before committing.

You do not have to go at a race pace. The hike is designed to let you see amazing views without getting totally wiped out. And the route is set up for partial progress too. One review mentions 7 stations where you can climb up all or some during the 30-minute hike window—so the tour is not trying to force a full, punishing summit effort.

What to expect moment-to-moment:

• The first stretch is the steeper test.
• After that, the trail gives you chances to pause and take in the view targets.
• The payoff is at those markers, not at some distant finish line.

This is also where the small-group dynamic helps. You are not stuck behind slow hikers for long, and the guide can help the group keep moving at a safe pace while still enjoying the views.

After the hike: Paradise Valley scenery and celebrity-home drive

Once the Camelback portion is done, the tour keeps the momentum. You continue touring in Paradise Valley, specifically described as passing celebrity homes and mansions. Then you wrap back around to finish sightseeing in Old Town Scottsdale.

This segment works best if you like noticing contrasts. Old Town gives you the social, walkable energy. Paradise Valley gives you scale—big homes, architecture that reads like a flex, and wide-open residential spacing.

Even if you are not a celebrity-news person, the contrast is what makes the drive worth it. It helps you understand why Scottsdale has the reputation it does: a place built for resort comforts, but also for serious desert outdoor time.

The cart format is again the key here. You would not want to walk through that kind of driving corridor, and you would not be able to see it quickly if you were relying on rideshare alone. The tour gives you the view-and-drive combo without turning it into a full day.

Stops you might love most: architecture, green space, and the view payoff

If I had to rank the “you’ll probably remember this” elements, it would be these:

First, the hike-to-marker payoff. The goal of marker #7 or #11 means the route has a clear purpose. You are not hiking just to say you hiked. You are hiking for specific viewpoint targets, with the time set to keep you from going too far.

Second, the Old Town mix of styles. The saloon architecture blending cowboy bars and art-gallery feel is a very Scottsdale way to do things. Add the stop with running water, palms, flowers, and manicured green space, and you have that classic desert oasis effect right in the middle of the city.

Third, the guides. In the feedback, people call out guide personalities like Max and Cody as funny, welcoming, knowledgeable, and careful drivers. That matters more than it sounds. A good driver keeps everyone relaxed on unfamiliar roads, and a good guide helps you look at the city with more than surface-level attention.

One drawback to keep in mind: if you show up expecting an effortless walk, the incline can surprise you. The tour tells you it is usually easy for many guests, but the rangers rating the terrain as moderate is real. You do not want that to be a surprise on the day.

How this $193 price stacks up for your time

At $193, this is not a budget attraction. But it is also not “just a drive.” You are paying for three things:

• A guided Old Town-to-Paradise Valley route with multiple sightseeing stops.
• Camelback hike guidance and the structure of getting to marker #7 or #11 within about 30 to 40 minutes.
• Convenience features: bottled water included and no hotel pickup needed, because you are meeting at a central location.

Value comes down to your schedule. If you have only a short window in Scottsdale and you want both city orientation and an iconic desert hike, this format can be a good deal. If you already planned to hike Camelback on your own, and you also already know Old Town well, then you might question whether the cart portion is worth the extra cost.

But if you are trying to keep the day tight without sacrificing the main sights, the pricing makes more sense. Especially with the max 7 group size, you are not paying for a huge, impersonal bus.

Logistics you should know before you go

Meeting point is at Segway of Scottsdale Tours: 7330 E Earll Dr Suite R, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. The tour starts there and ends back at the meeting point. There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan to get yourself there.

The tour uses a mobile ticket, and it is near public transportation. Confirmation comes at booking time.

On the group side:

• Maximum 7 travelers per booking.
• Minimum age is 10 years to ride.
• Travelers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

On the physical side:

• The hike portion is for people with a moderate fitness level.
• The first part of the Cholla Trail is rated moderate by local rangers due to incline and terrain.
• The operator specifically notes that older guests and guests out of shape are more likely to struggle.

That last point is worth repeating, because this is a view hike. The views are the main reason people do it. If you go in underprepared, you might still finish, but you will spend the whole time thinking about the discomfort instead of the scenery.

What to bring and how to pace yourself

The tour includes free bottled water, but you still want to show up ready for sun and heat. This is desert terrain with an incline, so plan on comfortable footwear with traction. If you have any knee or balance concerns, go slower on the first portion. The incline is where most people feel it first.

The pacing strategy is simple: treat the hike like a climb you can manage, not a challenge you need to win. The tour’s design—timed for marker #7 or #11—means you do not need to push beyond what you can handle.

Also, if photography matters to you, remember that views are not just at the top. The trail markers and stops give you angles. Keep your camera accessible so you do not waste time digging for it mid-move.

Should you book this Camelback golf cart and sightseeing tour?

Book it if:

• You want an Old Town Scottsdale orientation plus Camelback views in about 2 hours.
• You prefer a guided route with a small group size (max 7).
• You can handle a moderate incline and you are comfortable with a hike that is short but still real.

Consider skipping or choosing a different option if:

• You want an entirely easy stroll with no incline challenge.
• You know you struggle with stairs and uphill effort.
• You are in the “I only have time for sitting” mood, because the Camelback portion is the main activity.

My take: this is a smart choice for first-timers who want the classic Scottsdale combo—city stops, then desert views—without turning the day into a full-on hike-and-walk marathon.

FAQ

How long is the Camelback hike and Scottsdale golf cart tour?

It runs about 2 hours total. The remaining time is spent on travel between the sightseeing and hiking portions.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Segway of Scottsdale Tours at 7330 E Earll Dr Suite R, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long is the hiking portion on Camelback Mountain?

Hiking is typically about 30 minutes to 40 minutes. The tour’s route is described as around 15 minutes up and 15 minutes down.

What trail and viewpoint are you hiking to?

You hike on Camelback Mountain’s Cholla Trail with the goal of reaching marker #7 or #11.

How difficult is the hike?

Most guests find the hiking portion easy, but local rangers rate the first portion of the Cholla Trail as moderate due to the incline and terrain. The tour suggests a moderate fitness level, especially for older or out-of-shape guests.

What is included in the tour price?

Included items are free bottled water and an English guide.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes. The minimum age is 10 to ride. Travelers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s the cancellation window for a refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.