Here is a helpful comparison for both options
Self-Guided vs Guided Tours
Self-Guided vs Guided Tours
CAN I GET LOST?
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- Self-Guided
Not the best at navigating? Good news: this tour is a one-way scenic route. YOU CAN’T GET LOST! We provide you with an easy to read Map and marked route. |
- Guided
You follow the guide throughout the ride. |
ALONG THE WAY
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- Self-Guided
You will start your ride at the entrance of the Canyon on the dedicated bike lane next to cars on the road leading to the park for approx. 4 miles. |
- Guided
All the guided e-bike tour operators also ride on the shoulder of the road next to cars on the dedicated bike lane whether entering or exiting the park. |
THE FREEDOM to EXPLORE
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- Self-Guided
This Self-guided e-bike tour avoids the traditional self-guided format of just a rental e-bike from a store. It enables you to explore and experience your ride in the Canyon without following a conventional group-travel style. Self-Guided is an important distinction from independent travel. You and your companions are on a private tour without sweating the logistics. |
- Guided
If you enjoy riding with a large pack of people you don’t know, following a pre-defined itinerary and forced to do everything the group is doing this is the best fit for you. |
COST
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- Self-Guided
When compared with Guided bike tours, Self-guided cost less than the Guided option. This Self-Guided tour stil maintains a high level of all-inclusive quality, support, flexibility and convenience. |
- Guided
Tour operators capitalize on guided tours, and the prices can jump up to 30% more per participant. |
RIDING STYLE
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- Self-Guided
This ride is increasingly popular because it is a safe way to have an adventure and flexibility while not getting lost, stranded, or isolated. It allows you to ride at your OWN PACE up to 2 ½ hours, stopping and taking breaks at sights. |
- Guided
Riders try to stick together as a group in a stretched caravan of bikers led by a guide; You have to stop when they stop and stick to their schedule. |
SIGHTSEEING and SCENIC STOPS
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- Self-Guided
When entering the National Park, you will be handed over a complete informational map with knowledge about the local fauna, flora, and geology of the Mojave Desert including recommendations on stops along the way. |
- Guided
The tour operator will fill you in with insights at several scenic stops and in most cases, will interpret the signs you can very well read yourself. |
COVERED DISTANCE
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- Self-Guided
Starting at the entrance of the Canyon, you will be riding approx. 22 miles or more. |
- Guided
Most guided tour operators provide a 13-16 mile tour. |
ASSISTANCE and SUPPORT
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- Self-Guided
“Self-Guided” does NOT mean that you are totally on your own! We will still maintain a level of support and logistics. We always come to help if something happens with a replacement bike. You are not expected to repair a flat yourself! |
- Guided
The guide takes care of mechanical breakdowns. |
ENSURING YOUR SAFETY
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- Self-Guided
Your safety is important to us. We will ensure that your ride goes as smoothly as possible and fill you in with essential tips, safety guidelines, training and instructions. |
- Guided
Tour operators usually provide the similar safety guidelines. |
THE E-BIKES
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- Self-Guided
We offer lightweight quality E-bikes in 5 different sizes to fit any morphology. |
- Guided
Most tour operators have limited options in sizes. |
TRANSPORTATION
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- Self-Guided
We provide pick-up and drop-off at any Las Vegas hotel. |
- Guided
Most tour operators provide pick-up at only selected hotels with set time and no flexibility. |
PERMITS
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- Self-Guided
Permits are not required at the National Park, as it is open to the public once you pay the entrance fees. |
- Guided
Only guided tour operators are required to have a permit. |