
A Guide to Biking in Scottsdale: Best Bike Trails for All Skill Levels
Scottsdale is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts! From adventurous hikes to thrilling bike trails, the sunny weather and beautiful desert scenery in Scottsdale provide the perfect backdrop for endless adventures!
Speaking of…. one of the most popular outdoor activities to enjoy during a trip to Scottsdale is exploring the city’s 400+ miles of interconnected bike trails. Though mountain biking is a popular pastime in Greater Phoenix, the well-connected trail system in Scottsdale makes road biking just as fun (and a little less strenuous!) than biking through the mountains in the Sonoran Desert.
Interested in renting a bike (or e-bike!) to explore the trail system in Scottsdale during your upcoming trip? Learn more about some of the most popular trails in Scottsdale below:
Top Road Biking Trails in Scottsdale

1. Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt
- Length: 12.9 miles
- Starting Point: Shea Blvd. & the Loop 101
The Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt (also called the Scottsdale Greenbelt) is the most popular bike route in Scottsdale and one of the most popular bike paths in Maricopa County. This broad, flat, and well-paved trail spans nearly 13 miles, starting near Shea Boulevard and ending at Tempe Town Lake — although there are several starting points along the trail, so you can hop on wherever it’s most convenient for you!
Though the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt is most popular among bikers, you’ll likely also share the path with pedestrians who are walking or jogging past the ponds, fountains, and lush greenery on the bike route. This trail offers a stark and refreshing contrast to the desert scenery in Scottsdale!
Along the Scottsdale Greenbelt, you’ll have the chance to see or stop at several spots, including the Arizona Canal, Mountain View Park, McCormick Ranch, Marguerite Lake, Chaparral Park, Indian School Park, and Tempe Town Lake. There are several coffee shops, restaurants, and brunch spots in Scottsdale along the trail, too, making this the perfect trail for a busy day of sightseeing in Scottsdale!
2. Javelina Trail
- Length: 3 miles
- Starting Point: 105th Street & McDowell Mountain Ranch Road
Want to soak up the views you would experience on a mountain biking trail in Scottsdale… without the added effort? If so, consider the Javelina Trail in North Scottsdale. Located near McDowell Mountain Ranch, this three-mile paved bike route winds through a beautiful neighborhood and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and desert scenery in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Javelina Trail has multiple access points, making it easy to hop on and off the trail where it’s most convenient for you. This trail is also popular among hikers and mountain bikers and connects to many of the best hiking trails in Scottsdale, including Lost Dog Wash Trail and the Gateway Loop Trail.
3. Chaparral Lake Loop
- Length: 0.9 miles
- Starting Point: Chaparral Park
If you’re looking for a short and scenic bike path in Scottsdale, look no further than the Chaparral Lake Loop at Chaparral Park. At just under one mile, this trail offers gorgeous views of a sparkling lake and usually takes about 15 minutes to complete. It is also a popular spot for walking and running.
In addition to the bike path, Chaparral Park offers plenty of other places to explore, including a three-acre dog park, a playground, a fishing pier, six ball fields, two sand volleyball courts, and much more. This picture-perfect park is a phenomenal place to visit during a family vacation to Arizona!
4. Eldorado Park Path
- Length: 1.3 miles
- Starting Point: Eldorado Park
If you’re looking for another short and sweet bike trail in a beautiful park around a lake, consider the Eldorado Park Path at Eldorado Park. This 1.3-mile bike trail, located just a ten-minute drive south of Old Town Scottsdale, is generally considered easy and takes 20–25 minutes to complete.
This trail also connects with other bike trails that head toward Old Town Scottsdale or Tempe Town Lake, so it is a fantastic starting and ending point for a bike ride in Scottsdale. The park also offers plenty of other things to do in addition to the bike trail, including an indoor and outdoor basketball court, two playgrounds, and a fishing lake.
Best Local Shops for Scottsdale Bike Rentals

Want to hit the trails in Scottsdale, but don’t have a bike? No problem! Here are a few of the most reputable bike rental companies in Scottsdale that offer road bikes, e-bikes, and mountain bikes:
- Scottsdale Old School Bicycle Rentals — Scottsdale Old School Bicycle Rentals offers beach cruisers and hybrid bicycles that can be delivered to and picked up from your vacation rental in Scottsdale for a convenient day (or week!) of biking in Scottsdale.
- Bike Emporium — Bike Emporium offers tons of bike options for a day of biking in Scottsdale, including beach cruisers, hybrid bikes, and mountain bikes. This bike rental company also offers kids’ bikes, making it a great shop to rent from if you’ll be visiting Scottsdale with kids!
- Rides N Motion — Located right on the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt in McCormick Ranch, Rides N Motion offers electric bike and electric scooter rentals for a day of cycling in Scottsdale. If you’re going on a day trip from Scottsdale to Northern Arizona, they also offer bike rentals in Flagstaff.
Tips to Stay Safe (& Cool!) While Biking in Scottsdale

Ready to hit the biking paths in Scottsdale? Before you get started, keep the following tips in mind for a smooth, safe experience:
- Start Early or Late — Scottsdale gets warm and sunny in the afternoons. For the most comfortable biking conditions, plan to bike early in the morning or later in the evening before the sun sets.
- Avoid the Summer — If you want to spend a lot of time hiking and biking in Scottsdale, plan your trip to the Valley of the Sun during the spring, winter, or fall. The summer months are too hot to enjoy the outdoor activities in Scottsdale (even in the mornings!).
- Bring Sun Protection — Dress in loose, lightweight clothing to stay cool while biking in Scottsdale, and bring sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Drink Plenty of Water — Remember to drink plenty of water while biking in Scottsdale! Bring a refillable water bottle and take frequent sips to stay hydrated while you’re in the sun.
- Prioritize Safety — Always follow local park hours and regulations while biking in Scottsdale, wear a helmet, and, if biking at night, use bright lights and wear reflective clothing to stay safe.
Book a Luxury Rental Near the Best Biking Trails in Scottsdale with Stay With Style Scottsdale
Want to soak up all the fun attractions and beautiful scenery in Scottsdale, from desert mountains and sparkling lakes to quaint coffee shops and public art displays, during your upcoming trip? If so, book one of our luxury vacation rentals in Scottsdale, located right next to these popular bike trails!
Some of our beautiful homes, like Del Lago 1 and Del Lago 2, are located right on Marguerite Lake on the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, making them a great place to stay if you’d like to spend a lot of time biking around Scottsdale. Take a peek at these properties to see if they’re the right fit for your upcoming trip to Scottsdale… and don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions!