Meteor Crater is one of the most unique natural attractions in Arizona, yet it is surprisingly overlooked compared to the state’s more famous destinations, like the Grand Canyon. Located just outside Winslow along historic Route 66, this massive impact site gives visitors the rare opportunity to stand on the edge of a crater formed roughly 50,000 years ago by a meteor impact.
For travelers planning a Northern Arizona road trip, Meteor Crater is more than a quick roadside stop. It offers a fascinating mix of science, history, space exploration, and desert scenery. Whether you are visiting from Flagstaff, traveling Route 66, or looking for a memorable Arizona day trip, this Meteor Crater Arizona visitor guide covers everything you need to know before you go.
What Is Meteor Crater?
Meteor Crater, also known as Barringer Crater, is one of the best-preserved meteor impact sites on Earth. The crater is about one mile wide and more than 550 feet deep, creating a dramatic opening in the otherwise flat desert landscape.
Unlike canyons shaped slowly by water or wind, Meteor Crater was created in a single explosive event. A nickel-iron meteor struck the Arizona desert at high speed, leaving behind a site that scientists still study today. Arizona’s dry climate helped preserve the crater, making it one of the clearest examples of an impact crater anywhere in the world.
How Was Meteor Crater Formed?
Meteor Crater formed when a meteor slammed into what is now Northern Arizona around 50,000 years ago. The impact released tremendous energy, displacing rock and soil and creating the massive bowl-shaped crater visitors see today.
How Big Is Meteor Crater Arizona?
Meteor Crater is approximately one mile across and more than 550 feet deep. Its size is difficult to appreciate in photos, which is why seeing it in person is such a memorable experience.
Where Is Meteor Crater Located?
Meteor Crater is located in Northern Arizona, about 45 minutes east of Flagstaff and roughly 20 minutes west of Winslow. It sits just off Interstate 40 at Exit 233, making it easy to reach for travelers driving across Arizona.
Its location makes it a natural addition to a Route 66 road trip, a Flagstaff weekend getaway, or a longer Arizona itinerary. Many visitors combine Meteor Crater with Winslow, Flagstaff, Petrified Forest National Park, or other Route 66 attractions.
How Far Is Meteor Crater From Flagstaff?
Meteor Crater is about 45 minutes from Flagstaff by car. Because the drive is straightforward, it works well as a half-day trip from Flagstaff or as a stop while traveling east toward Winslow along Route 66.
Is Meteor Crater on Route 66?
Meteor Crater is located near historic Route 66 and Interstate 40, making it one of the most convenient natural attractions to add to a Route 66 Arizona itinerary.
Is Meteor Crater Worth Visiting?
Meteor Crater is worth visiting if you enjoy science, space, geology, road trips, or unusual natural landmarks. The crater’s size and preservation make it unlike anything else in Arizona, and the visitor center and space museum helps explain why the site is so important and has many hands-on exhibits about meteor impact science.
That said, visitors should know what to expect. Meteor Crater can be a hiking destination where you can experience a guided hike along the rim or even to the floor of the crater if you choose. The experience is centered on viewing the crater from the rim, exploring the museum, and learning about the impact through exhibits and guided tours.
Is Meteor Crater Worth the Money?
For most travelers, Meteor Crater is worth the admission price if they take time to explore the exhibits, view the crater from multiple areas, and join a guided tour. It may feel less worthwhile if you only plan to stop briefly for a photo.
Who Should Visit Meteor Crater?
Meteor Crater is ideal for families, couples, Route 66 travelers, science lovers, space enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique Arizona attraction beyond the usual desert and red rock scenery.
Meteor Crater Tickets and Admission
Meteor Crater is privately owned, so visitors need a ticket to enter. Admission usually includes access to the crater viewing areas, the Discovery Center and Space Museum, short films, exhibits, and guided rim tours.
Because ticket prices and hours can change, it is best to check the official Meteor Crater website before visiting. This helps ensure you have the most current information on admission, operating hours, and any seasonal updates.
Purchase your Meteor Crater Tickets
Buy in advance, tickets never expire!
Where to Buy Meteor Crater Tickets
Visitors can purchase tickets through the official Meteor Crater website or at the attraction, depending on availability. Buying ahead may be helpful during busier travel periods, plus tickets never expire in case your plans change last minute.
Meteor Crater Hours of Operation
Meteor Crater is open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm, except on Thanksgiving Day when it is open until 12:00pm, and closed on Christmas Day. We do recommend that you confirm current hours before making the drive.
What to Expect During Your Visit
A visit to Meteor Crater is a structured experience that begins at the visitor center. Inside, you will find exhibits about meteor impacts, space science, astronaut training, and the history of the crater. These displays help give context before you step outside to see the crater itself.
Once outside, the main experience is viewing the crater from designated observation areas. The size, depth, and symmetry of the impact site are much more impressive in person than they appear in photos.
You can also join a guided rim tour where you can walk the rim and learn about the history of the crater with one of our knowledgable tour guides. You can also register for a full rim tour or the ability to hike to the bottom of the crater!
What Is Inside the Meteor Crater Visitor Center?
The visitor center includes educational exhibits, meteor-related displays, space science information, and details about the crater’s discovery and scientific importance. There is even a new kid’s exhibit called The Blast Zone where small children can learn and explore with fun hands-on exhibits.
Can You Walk Around Meteor Crater?
Visitors can explore designated viewing areas and parts of the rim experience, but access is controlled for safety and preservation. You cannot freely hike around or enter the crater. We encourage you to register for a full rim hike or the ability to hike to the bottom of the crater if you are up for the challenge!
Seeing the Crater in Person
The highlight of any visit is standing on the rim and looking across the crater. The surrounding desert is relatively flat, which makes the sudden size and depth of the crater feel even more dramatic.
This is also where many visitors realize that photos do not fully capture the scale of the site. The crater’s vastness, the visible rim, and the depth below make the viewing areas the most memorable part of the experience.
Best Viewpoints at Meteor Crater
The designated outdoor viewing areas offer the best views of Meteor Crater. Take your time here, especially if visibility is clear and the weather is comfortable.
Photography Tips for Meteor Crater
Wide-angle photos work best because the crater is so large. Morning and late afternoon light can also help reduce harsh glare and improve contrast in photos.
Guided Tours and Museum Experience
Guided rim tours are one of the best ways to understand Meteor Crater. They explain how the crater formed, why it matters scientifically, and how researchers confirmed it was created by an impact.
The museum experience adds even more context. Instead of simply looking at a large hole in the desert, visitors leave with a better understanding of meteor impacts, planetary science, and the crater’s connection to space exploration.
Are Guided Tours Included With Tickets?
Guided tours are included with admission, but availability can vary by weather, staffing, or daily conditions. Check current details before visiting. For an additional cost, register to hike the full rim or to the bottom of the crater with one of our expert guides.
Meteor Crater Discovery Center Highlights
The Discovery Center and space museum helps make the attraction more engaging by combining science, history, and interactive exhibits. This is especially useful for families and first-time visitors. Enjoy hands-on exhibits, Collision! 4D Theater, movie theater, and Apollo 11 space capsule.
How Long Do You Need at Meteor Crater?
Most visitors should plan to spend about one to two hours at Meteor Crater. This gives you enough time to explore the visitor center, view the crater, take photos, and join a guided tour if available.
If you are short on time, you can visit more quickly, but the experience is better when you do not rush. Meteor Crater works especially well as part of a larger travel day through Northern Arizona.
Can You Visit Meteor Crater in One Hour?
Yes, you can visit Meteor Crater in about one hour if you focus on the main viewing areas and a quick walk through the museum. However, two hours is better for a more complete visit.
Is Meteor Crater a Quick Stop?
Meteor Crater can be a quick stop, but it is more rewarding when treated as a meaningful part of your Route 66 or Northern Arizona itinerary.
Best Time to Visit Meteor Crater
The best time to visit Meteor Crater is generally spring or fall, when temperatures are more comfortable and outdoor viewing is easier. These seasons are ideal for walking around the rim areas, taking photos, and spending time outside.
Summer can still be a good time to visit, especially in the morning, but midday heat can be intense. Winter tends to be quieter and cooler, though wind and cold temperatures can affect the experience.
Best Time of Day to Visit Meteor Crater
Morning and late afternoon are usually the best times to visit Meteor Crater. These times offer cooler temperatures, softer light, and a more comfortable outdoor experience.
Best Season to Visit Meteor Crater Arizona
Spring and fall are the best overall seasons to visit. Summer is manageable with early planning, and winter can be peaceful for travelers who prefer fewer crowds.
What to Bring for Your Visit
Because Meteor Crater sits in an open desert environment, it is important to come prepared. Even though the visit is not physically demanding, sun, wind, and temperature changes can affect your comfort.
Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera. A light jacket may also be useful in winter or on windy days. Meteor Crater does have a coffee house on site that provides fresh coffee, grab and go foods and tasty treats.
What to Wear at Meteor Crater
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking around outdoor viewing areas. Sun protection is helpful during most of the year, so it is a good idea to also bring a hat and sunglasses.
Is Meteor Crater Hot or Windy?
Meteor Crater can be hot in summer and windy at many times of year. Checking the forecast before your visit is a smart idea. We prominently display the daily weather on our website to help you plan your visit.
Nearby Attractions and Day Trips
Meteor Crater is easy to combine with other Northern Arizona attractions. Flagstaff is about 45 minutes away and offers restaurants, breweries, hiking, stargazing, and a cooler mountain atmosphere.
Winslow is even closer and gives travelers a classic Route 66 experience. The famous “Standing on the Corner” landmark, vintage roadside stops, and local shops make Winslow a natural pairing with Meteor Crater.
Things to Do Near Meteor Crater Arizona
Nearby attractions include Winslow, Flagstaff, Route 66 stops, Petrified Forest National Park, and scenic drives through Northern Arizona.
Day Trips From Flagstaff Arizona
Meteor Crater is one of the easiest day trips from Flagstaff. It can be paired with Winslow, Route 66 attractions, or a longer drive toward Petrified Forest National Park.
Internal link opportunities: Link “things to do near Meteor Crater Arizona” to Route 66 stops, Flagstaff couples guide, or Arizona itinerary posts.
Can You Go Inside Meteor Crater?
Yes, but only through registering for a guided hike to the crater floor for an additional price in addition to general admission. If you do not want to pay the additional ticket price, there are a number of guided rim tours that are included with general admission.
Can You Hike Inside Meteor Crater?
Yes, Meteor Crater now offers guided hikes to the bottom of the crater for an additional cost in addition to general admission.
Should You Visit Meteor Crater Arizona?
Meteor Crater is one of the most memorable stops in Northern Arizona because it offers something completely different from the state’s canyons, deserts, and red rock landscapes. It tells the story of a dramatic cosmic event that shaped the Earth in an instant and left behind a landmark visitors can still experience today.
If you are traveling through Flagstaff, Winslow, Route 66, or Northern Arizona, Meteor Crater is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. With the right expectations, a little planning, and enough time to explore the visitor center and viewing areas, it can become one of the most unexpected highlights of your Arizona trip.
