Scenic Road Trip from Texas to Arizona with Mountain Views, Nature, Science & Animal Encounters

Day 1: Travel and Relax

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

8:00am

Depart College Station

Begin your drive early to make the most of your day en route to Santa Fe. Expect approximately 10 hours driving with breaks.
0USD, 10h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Triple J Chophouse & Brew Co, Lubbock

Enjoy a hearty lunch of locally brewed beers and American classics at this well-rated restaurant open from 11am.
USD20-30, 1h

6:00pm

Arrive and Check-in, Santa Fe

Stay overnight at Hotel Santa Fe to enjoy Southwestern hospitality and rest for the next day.
USD100-150, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at The Shed

Indulge in New Mexican cuisine including the renowned red chile enchiladas. The restaurant closes at 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

A light breakfast rooted in New Mexican flavours, with a charming and colourful atmosphere. Opens at 7am.
USD15-25, 1h

9:30am

Santa Fe Plaza Walk

Take a peaceful morning stroll through the historic plaza, perfect for browsing artisan stores and local architecture.
0USD, 1h

10:30am

Drive to Flagstaff

Embark on the scenic 6.5-hour drive to Flagstaff, passing through diverse landscapes of New Mexico and Arizona.
0USD, 6h30m

5:30pm

Check into Little America Hotel, Flagstaff

Settle into this comfortable hotel surrounded by forested scenery, the ideal base for your stay.
USD120-160, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Beaver Street Brewery

Sample craft beers and flavorful American dishes in a lively downtown venue.
USD20-35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Flagstaff and High Proposal

Flagstaff, AZ on October 3, 2025

9:00am

Visit Lowell Observatory

Discover astronomy through interactive exhibits and historic telescopes in a beautiful hilltop setting. Open 10am-5pm.
USD25, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Diablo Burger

Enjoy sustainable burgers with fresh, local ingredients, a Flagstaff local favourite. Open 11am-9pm.
USD15-25, 1h

1:00pm

Proposal Spot - Humphreys Peak Summit Overlook

For a high-altitude proposal, visit the Humphreys Peak area. You can drive up to the trailhead near Arizona’s highest point (12,633 ft). Even a short walk along the Humphreys Summit Trail offers magnificent panoramic mountain views that create an unforgettable setting.
0USD, 2h

3:30pm

Afternoon Relaxation

Return to your hotel or explore downtown Flagstaff at leisure to unwind after a special moment.
0USD, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pizzicletta

Celebrate with exquisite artisan pizzas in a cozy setting, open until 9pm.
USD20-30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Sedona Red Rocks

Sedona, AZ on October 4, 2025

8:30am

Drive to Sedona

Enjoy a 45-minute scenic drive to Sedona’s famous red rock landscape.
0USD, 45m

9:30am

Breakfast at The Coffee Pot Restaurant

Relish one of 101 omelette varieties with beautiful mountain views. Open 7am-3pm.
USD15-25, 1h

10:30am

Cathedral Rock Easy Hike

Moderate and picturesque 1.5-mile hike offering unforgettable views of the red rocks.
0USD, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sedona Memories Bakery & Cafe

Casual dining with fresh sandwiches and artisan pastries.
USD10-20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Chapel of the Holy Cross

Iconic architectural wonder built into Sedona’s red rocks with panoramic views. Open 9am-5pm.
USD5 donation, 1h

3:30pm

Slide Rock State Park

Nature park with a famous natural water slide and scenic Oak Creek Canyon; great for relaxation and photos. Open 8am-7pm.
USD20 per vehicle, 2h

6:00pm

Return to Flagstaff

Drive back to Flagstaff after a day of spectacular nature.
0USD, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Lumberyard Brewing Company

Casual dining with great local brews and pub fare.
USD20-35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Grand Canyon Experience

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ on October 5, 2025

7:30am

Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim

Take a 1.5-hour drive to one of America’s most spectacular natural wonders.
USD35 per vehicle, 1h30m

9:00am

Visitor Centre & Rim Trail Walk

Explore exhibits, then enjoy an easy walk along the Rim Trail for breathtaking canyon vistas.
0USD, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at El Tovar Dining Room

Historic lodge dining with stunning views and authentic Southwestern dishes. Reservation advised.
USD30-50, 1h30m

1:30pm

Mather & Hopi Points

Visit premier viewpoints for iconic Grand Canyon photography and possible wildlife sightings.
0USD, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Flagstaff

Relax on the scenic drive back after a memorable day.
0USD, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Tinderbox Kitchen

Savour upscale American cuisine made with local, sustainable ingredients.
USD40-60, 1h30m
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Day 6: Waterfalls & Museum

Flagstaff, AZ on October 6, 2025

9:00am

Wet Beaver Creek Waterfalls Hike

Easy hike to small waterfalls and pools within Coconino National Forest, ideal for serene nature experience.
0USD, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Historic Brewing Co

Enjoy mountain views with quality pub food and local brews from 11am-10pm.
USD20-30, 1h

2:00pm

Museum of Northern Arizona

Interactive exhibits on Native American cultures, geology and ecology of the region. Open 9am-5pm.
USD12, 2h

4:30pm

Relax or Explore Downtown

Spend time at leisure exploring local shops or resting at the hotel.
0USD, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mario’s Fish & Oyster

High-quality seafood and steakhouse experience in Flagstaff’s evening scene.
USD30-50, 1h30m
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Day 7: Volcanic Walks

Flagstaff, AZ on October 7, 2025

9:00am

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Explore trails through dramatic lava fields including the easy Lava Flow Trail. Open 9am-5pm.
USD25 annual pass, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Diablo Burger

Return to this local favourite for sustainable and tasty burgers.
USD15-25, 1h

2:00pm

Wupatki National Monument

Discover ancient native ruins amidst striking volcanic terrain. Open 9am-5pm; nearby parking.
Included with Sunset Crater Pass, 2h

4:30pm

Return and Relax

Enjoy some free time to rest or explore Flagstaff.
0USD, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Shift Kitchen & Bar

Creative American dishes with local flavours in a warm setting open until 9pm.
USD20-40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Animal Encounters

Flagstaff, AZ on October 8, 2025

9:00am

Flagstaff Arboretum Visit

Explore native plants and peaceful gardens with great opportunities for quiet animal spotting. Opens 9am-5pm.
USD10, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery

Artisanal coffee and freshly baked goods in a relaxed local favourite spot, open 7am-5pm.
USD10-20, 1h

1:00pm

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

Enjoy guided safari-style tours and live animal shows featuring big cats, bears, and exotic birds. Open 9:30am-5pm.
USD40, 3h

4:30pm

Return & Rest

Wind down with leisure time back in Flagstaff.
0USD, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Historic Brewing Company

Enjoy a final casual meal with local brews and classic pub fare.
USD20-30, 1h30m
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Day 9: Leisure & Local Trails

Flagstaff, AZ on October 9, 2025

9:30am

Brunch at Brandy’s Restaurant & Bakery

Begin your day with a hearty brunch and freshly baked goods in a cosy setting.
USD15-25, 1h

10:45am

Buffalo Park Loop Trail

Enjoy one last easy 2.5-mile hike through pine forest and open meadows with mountain backdrops.
0USD, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Diablo Burger

Refuel at the popular local burger spot before packing for your journey home.
USD15-25, 1h

2:30pm

Flagstaff Urban Trail Exploration

Spend the afternoon exploring Flagstaff’s diverse trails and parks for photos and relaxation.
0USD, 2h

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Beaver Street Brewery

Celebrate a memorable road trip with craft beers and excellent local cuisine.
USD20-35, 1h30m
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Day 10: Return Home

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

7:30am

Depart Flagstaff

Start your drive home, carrying memories of stunning landscapes and special moments.
0USD, 10h+ including breaks

12:00pm

Lunch Stop Albuquerque, NM

Enjoy classic New Mexican dishes at Sadie's of New Mexico, open 11am-9pm, perfect for a midday break.
USD20-30, 1h

6:30pm

Arrive College Station

Complete your 10-day journey, enriched with nature, science, and unforgettable experiences.
0USD, End
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