Scenic Road Trip from Texas to Arizona with Nature, Science & Animal Experiences

Day 1: Travel and Relax

College Station, TX to Santa Fe, NM on October 1, 2025

8:00am

Depart College Station

Start your road trip early. The drive to Santa Fe is approximately 10 hours, so prepare for breaks along the way.
0USD, 10h0m

12:00pm

Lunch Stop at Lubbock, TX

Grab lunch at Triple J Chophouse & Brew Co, known for their hearty burgers and local brews. Open 11am-9pm.
USD20-30, 1h

6:00pm

Arrive and Check-in in Santa Fe

Stay overnight in Santa Fe to rest. Choose a moderate hotel like Hotel Santa Fe which blends Southwestern charm with comfort.
USD100-150, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at The Shed

Enjoy iconic New Mexican cuisine at The Shed, renowned for its red chile enchiladas. Opens until 9pm.
USD25-40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Santa Fe to Flagstaff

Santa Fe, NM to Flagstaff, AZ on October 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Pasqual’s

Enjoy a light New Mexican breakfast with locally sourced ingredients in a colourful setting. Opens 7am.
USD15-25, 1h

9:30am

Explore Santa Fe Plaza

Take a quick morning walk around Santa Fe Plaza and see the historic adobe buildings and local artisan shops.
0USD, 1h

10:30am

Departure to Flagstaff

Drive towards Flagstaff, approximately a 6.5-hour journey with scenic views of northern New Mexico and Arizona.
0USD, 6h30m

5:30pm

Check In Flagstaff

Stay at a moderately priced hotel such as Little America Hotel featuring beautiful forest surroundings.
USD120-160, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Beaver Street Brewery

Relax with craft beers and hearty American dishes like burgers and local trout. It’s a popular spot in downtown Flagstaff.
USD20-35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Flagstaff & Nearby Nature

Flagstaff, AZ on October 3, 2025

9:00am

Lowell Observatory Visit

Explore the observatory, famous for discovering Pluto. Engage with interactive science exhibits and telescope viewing. Open 10am-5pm.
USD25, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Diablo Burger

Enjoy sustainable, local beef burgers and hand-cut fries. Open 11am-9pm, a favourite among locals.
USD15-25, 1h

1:00pm

Walnut Canyon National Monument

Easy hikes around ancient cliff dwellings with stunning canyon views. The Island Trail is a 1.5-mile loop taking around 1.5 hours. Open 8am-6pm.
USD10 per vehicle, 2h

4:00pm

Return & Relax

Return to Flagstaff and explore local shops or rest at your hotel.
0USD, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pizzicletta

Artisan pizzas with seasonal toppings in a cozy atmosphere. Open 5pm-9pm.
USD20-30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Sedona Day Trip

Sedona, AZ on October 4, 2025

8:30am

Drive to Sedona

Approximately a 45-minute scenic drive south to Sedona, famous for red rock formations.
0USD, 45m

9:30am

Breakfast at The Coffee Pot Restaurant

Try their signature 101 omelettes and enjoy mountain views. Open 7am-3pm.
USD15-25, 1h

10:30am

Cathedral Rock Easy Hike

A short, moderately easy trail offering iconic red rock views. Allow 1.5 hours round trip.
0USD, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sedona Memories Bakery & Cafe

Enjoy fresh sandwiches and pastries, perfect for a casual lunch amid scenic surroundings.
USD10-20, 1h

2:00pm

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Visit this architectural marvel built into the red rocks, offering panoramic views of Sedona’s landscape. Open 9am-5pm.
USD5 donation, 1h

3:30pm

Slide Rock State Park

Explore the park’s natural water slide and scenic Oak Creek Canyon. Beautiful for wildlife spotting and relaxed walking. Open 8am-7pm.
USD20 per vehicle, 2h

6:00pm

Return to Flagstaff

Drive back to Flagstaff to unwind for the evening.
0USD, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Lumberyard Brewing Company

American pub fare with good craft beers. Great atmosphere for your last Sedona/Flagstaff day.
USD20-35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Grand Canyon South Rim

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ on October 5, 2025

7:30am

Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim

1.5-hour drive from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim entrance.
USD35 per vehicle for park entry, 1h30m

9:00am

Visitor Centre & Rim Trail Walk

Explore the Grand Canyon Visitor Centre for geological and ecological exhibits, then take an easy walk along the Rim Trail offering breathtaking views.
0USD, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at El Tovar Dining Room

Historic lodge style restaurant right on the rim serving Southwestern dishes with spectacular views. Reservations recommended.
USD30-50, 1h30m

1:30pm

Mather Point & Hopi Point

Visit these iconic lookout points via shuttle buses (included in park). Ideal for photography and wildlife spotting.
0USD, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Flagstaff

Relax on the return drive after a day immersed in immense natural beauty.
0USD, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Tinderbox Kitchen

Upscale American cuisine emphasizing local, sustainable ingredients. Open 5pm-9pm.
USD40-60, 1h30m
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Day 6: Waterfalls & Science

Flagstaff, AZ on October 6, 2025

9:00am

Explore Walnut Canyon’s Waterfalls

Visit the nearby Wet Beaver Creek area for easy hiking to small waterfalls and tranquil pools in the Coconino National Forest.
0USD, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Historic Brewing Co

Local brewery with quality pub fare and scenic mountain views. Open 11am-10pm.
USD20-30, 1h

2:00pm

Museum of Northern Arizona

Learn about regional Native cultures, geology and natural history through captivating exhibits. Open 9am-5pm.
USD12, 2h

4:30pm

Leisure time

Return to hotel or explore downtown Flagstaff’s shops and cafés at your own pace.
0USD, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mario’s Fish & Oyster

Enjoy high-quality seafood and steak dishes in a warm setting. Open 5pm-9pm.
USD30-50, 1h30m
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Day 7: Sunset Crater & Lava Trail

Flagstaff, AZ on October 7, 2025

9:00am

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Discover volcanic landscapes and easy hiking trails through lava flows. The Lava Flow Trail is a great gentle hike of about 1.5 miles. Open 9am-5pm.
USD25 annual park pass may cover multiple sites, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Diablo Burger

Local favourite for burgers made with sustainable ingredients, perfect for refuelling after hiking.
USD15-25, 1h

2:00pm

Wupatki National Monument

Just a short drive away, explore ancient native ruins with easy walks surrounded by desert and volcanic scenery. Open 9am-5pm.
Included with Sunset Crater Pass, 2h

4:30pm

Return & Rest

Head back to Flagstaff, perhaps enjoying a casual stroll downtown or rest at your hotel.
0USD, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Shift Kitchen & Bar

Contemporary American dishes with local ingredients in a friendly environment. Open 5pm-9pm.
USD20-40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Animal Encounters

Flagstaff, AZ on October 8, 2025

9:00am

Flagstaff Arboretum

Visit for beautiful landscaped gardens and possible wildlife spotting, focuses on native plants and habitats. Opens 9am-5pm.
USD10, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery

Grab artisanal coffee and baked goods in a casual environment popular with locals. Opens 7am-5pm.
USD10-20, 1h

1:00pm

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

Short 15 minute drive; experience safari-style tours and live animal demonstrations including big cats, bears, and exotic birds. Open 9:30am-5pm.
USD40, 3h

4:30pm

Return & Evening Relax

Return to Flagstaff for free time to explore or rest.
0USD, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Historic Brewing Company

Enjoy a relaxed meal paired with excellent local brews to wind down your day.
USD20-30, 1h30m
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Day 9: Local Exploration & Leisure

Flagstaff, AZ on October 9, 2025

9:30am

Brunch at Brandy’s Restaurant & Bakery

Casual spot with hearty American breakfasts and freshly baked goods. Opens 7am-3pm on weekends.
USD15-25, 1h

10:45am

Buffalo Park Loop Trail

An easy 2.5-mile loop trail perfect for gentle hiking surrounded by mountain views and potential wildlife sightings.
0USD, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Diablo Burger

Another visit to this reliable spot for quality burgers using local ingredients.
USD15-25, 1h

2:30pm

Flagstaff Urban Trail System

Spend the afternoon exploring Flagstaff’s extensive walking and biking trail system for great views and local nature.
0USD, 2h

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Beaver Street Brewery

Enjoy your last night with craft beers and local dishes in a lively atmosphere.
USD20-35, 1h30m
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Day 10: Return Journey

Flagstaff, AZ to College Station, TX on October 10, 2025

7:30am

Depart Flagstaff

Begin your journey back home with a relaxed start after breakfast at the hotel or nearby café.
0USD, 10h+ (driving with breaks)

12:00pm

Lunch Stop Albuquerque, NM

Stop for lunch at Sadie's of New Mexico for classic New Mexican cuisine - open 11am-9pm.
USD20-30, 1h

6:30pm

Arrive College Station

Conclude your scenic and varied road trip after an enriching 10 days featuring nature, science and animal encounters.
0USD, End
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