Meteor Crater in Arizona | Ultimate Guide To Nature’s Cosmic Gift

If you’re planning a road trip through Arizona, you’ll find no shortage of epic destinations—places like the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Sedona’s famous red rocks. But there’s one place, often overlooked, that deserves a spot on your list: Meteor Crater in Arizona.

I didn’t know about this place either, but during my solo road trip, I was looking at the map for interesting places around me. I remember the first time I visited Meteor Crater in Arizona—it was one of those rare moments when I truly felt awe-struck by nature. This giant crater in the middle of the Arizona desert is so much more than just a hole in the ground. It’s an incredible window into the past and a must-see for anyone interested in geology, space, or just an unforgettable road trip experience.

Is Meteor Crater Worth the Detour on Your Road Trip?

You might be thinking, “It’s just a hole in the ground, right?” Well, trust me, once you stand at the rim of Meteor Crater in Arizona and look into its vast, otherworldly expanse, you’ll understand why this place is worth the detour. It’s not just a geological site—it’s a chance to witness a powerful reminder of the universe’s unpredictability. Whether you’re a science lover or a casual traveler, this unique site will leave you with a sense of wonder that’s hard to find anywhere else.

The Unique Geology Behind Meteor Crater

The Astounding Science of Meteor Impact Sites

Meteor Crater in Arizona, formed over 50,000 years ago, was the result of a meteorite the size of a bus slamming into Earth at 26,000 mph. The impact created a mile-wide crater, still well-preserved in Arizona’s dry climate. Standing at the edge, it’s hard to grasp the scale of the event—an incredible collision of worlds that happened in the blink of a geological eye.

Per some readings, more than 2 million tons of TNT was the recorded force of the celestial object that made this remarkable planetary crater upon impact a huge hole in the ground. 2 million tons of TNT!

So there I was, an inhabitant of the earth, looking at the rather amazing deep scar on our home planet caused by a meteorite from space. It was from a relatively small meteorite, but the hole still looks enormous.

Why Meteor Crater in Arizona Stands Out

Comparing Meteor Crater to Other Landmarks in Arizona

Let’s be real—Arizona is home to some of the most iconic natural landmarks in the world. But Meteor Crater in Arizona offers something different. It’s not as well-known as the Grand Canyon, but that’s part of the charm. I’ve driven past the Grand Canyon, but Meteor Crater in Arizona caught me off guard in a good way. The moment I stood at the rim, I felt like I had discovered something special, a hidden gem in the middle of the desert.

Not Just Another Hole in the Ground: The Intrigue of Meteor Crater

Meteor Crater in Arizona isn’t just a hole—it’s a place where you can feel the sheer power of the universe. The first time I looked down into the crater, I couldn’t help but feel like I was witnessing something ancient and eternal. There’s an inexplicable energy here, a feeling that you’re standing in the footprints of something much larger than yourself. It’s one of those rare places that makes you pause and truly reflect on the vastness of space and time.

Others say it is just a hole, yes, but a rare one at that. It was formed by a 130’ wide meteor; it is 2.4 miles in circumference, nearly one mile across, and more than 570 feet deep. It is so huge, that the tourists looked so small in comparison to its size. The whole crater won’t fit into old model regular cameras from any of the vantage points, you need a wide-angle lens, or in today, ones or even phones with panoramic capabilities.

Location: How to Get to Meteor Crater in Arizona

Meteor Crater’s Convenient Position on Route 66

One of the best things about visiting Meteor Crater in Arizona is how easy it is to get there. It’s located just off Route 66, about thirty minutes’ drive from Standin’ on the Corner in Winslow, Arizona, making it a perfect stop if you’re cruising through northern Arizona. I remember pulling off the highway and being instantly struck by the beauty of the desert landscape. It’s one of those stops that feels like an adventure in itself—perfectly positioned to break up your long drive while adding something truly unique to your trip.

The map showed a rather unique attraction in Winslow, AZ that was just within a few mile radius along my general route. I was solo road tripping so I could go wherever and whenever I wanted. So I drove to check out the Meteor Crater in Arizona and to see what the ‘experience the impact!’ was about. This daring call for adventure enthusiasts was written on a big billboard welcome sign that you can’t miss as you approach the Meteor Crater in Arizona site.

The crater is located in a place like in the middle of nowhere in the northern Arizona desert of the United States. It is about 37 miles east of Flagstaff and 18 miles west of Winslow, and about 6 miles from Route 66/ I-40. My GPS didn’t point me to the exact location. So I just had to keep driving since I was several miles into the trip.

Meteor Crater in Arizona: Best Routes to Take

The drive to Meteor Crater in Arizona is itself worth the journey. As you approach the site, the landscape gradually shifts from open desert to something far more dramatic. The last few miles are particularly stunning, with wide open views that stretch all the way to the horizon. I found myself pulling over to snap a few photos of the surrounding desert before I even got to the crater. Trust me—this is the kind of road trip moment that makes you fall in love with the journey as much as the destination.

Visiting Meteor Crater in Arizona: What to Expect

A Complete Visitor’s Guide to Meteor Crater in Arizona

Meteor Crater in Arizona is not only a geological wonder but also a well-maintained visitor destination. The visitor center is packed with interactive exhibits, videos, and displays that explain the science behind the impact. It’s a great place to start your visit, and if you’re like me, you’ll find yourself spending much longer there than expected. The museum is informative but also fun—perfect for visitors of all ages.

Meteor Crater in Arizona Tickets and Prices

Tickets to Meteor Crater in Arizona are very reasonably priced considering the experience. General admission is $20 for adults, with discounts for seniors, children, and active military members. If you’re planning on doing a guided tour or stargazing in the evening, there may be additional fees. I’ve felt like the price is worth it for a one-time visit; the staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and the entire site is well-maintained. For many people though, the ticket price is a bit steep, especially when they go as a family for only an hour or two.

The admission associate attending to me was a sweet older woman, and I saw a couple of them. Was it worth the experience to see the crater, a part of earth history, in person? Yes. Just once.

Find the Spaceman.

There was a telescope where you can see the spaceman they positioned in the middle of the crater. It gives you an idea of how big it is. Below is the Google Maps 3d view inside the crater. Take a tour inside the hole and find the spaceman :-).

What Makes Meteor Crater a Must-See Geological Wonder

Understanding the Scale: The Size of Meteor Crater in Arizona

As I stood on the edge of Meteor Crater in Arizona, I could hardly comprehend its size. At 1,200 meters wide and 170 meters deep, it’s mind-boggling how such an enormous hole was created by something the size of a bus. To truly grasp the scale of the impact, take a moment to reflect on this: the crater is large enough to hold 20 football fields.

Why Meteor Crater Is One of the Best-Preserved Impact Sites in the World

What makes Meteor Crater in Arizona even more special is its preservation. Unlike other impact sites around the world, Meteor Crater has remained largely unchanged thanks to Arizona’s dry climate. I’ve visited other impact sites, but none have been as intact as this one. It feels almost surreal to be standing in a place where history was literally written in stone.

The Science Behind Meteor Crater’s Preservation

For a unique Meteor Crater, it was surprising to learn that it was privately owned [by Barringer Crater Co]. It has a museum, theater, gift shop, and Subway to eat at. The Crater is the largest, most well-preserved meteor crater, impact site, in the world.

Why Meteor Crater Has Remained Intact Over Millennia

The preservation of Meteor Crater is something of a miracle. Thanks to the dry desert climate, erosion has been minimal, allowing the crater to remain nearly unchanged for thousands of years. It’s awe-inspiring to think about how time has stood still here, while the world around it has changed.

The Ongoing Preservation Efforts to Protect the Site

The dedication to keeping Meteor Crater intact is something I really admire. When I visited, I was reminded that this site is not just a geological wonder—it’s a cultural and scientific treasure. Preservation efforts are ongoing, and it’s clear that the people behind the site are committed to making sure this extraordinary landmark is protected for generations to come.

Conclusion: Why Meteor Crater is Worth the Journey

What You’ll Take Away From Visiting Arizona’s Meteor Crater

Meteor Crater in Arizona is important today for its scientific, educational, and cultural value. As one of the best-preserved impact sites on Earth, it offers crucial insights into asteroid impacts, helping scientists understand their effects on Earth’s geology and environment. The site serves as a research hub for planetary science and a popular tourist destination, raising public awareness of space science and impact hazards. Additionally, it plays a role in space exploration, with NASA using it to simulate craters on other planets. Its cultural significance also contributes to Arizona’s identity and local tourism.

When you visit Meteor Crater, you’ll walk away with a sense of awe that’s hard to replicate. It’s one of those places that leaves a lasting impression, not just because of its size or beauty, but because of the history and science that come with it. You’ll have a newfound appreciation for the power of the universe and the role Earth plays in the cosmic story.

When you visit Meteor Crater in Arizona, you’ll walk away with a sense of awe that’s hard to replicate. It’s one of those places that leaves a lasting impression, not just because of its size or beauty, but because of the history and science that come with it. You’ll have a newfound appreciation for the power of the universe and the role Earth plays in the cosmic story.

Final Verdict: Is Meteor Crater in Arizona Worth the Stop on Your Road Trip?

Absolutely. Meteor Crater in Arizona is one of those rare places where science, history, and adventure intersect. Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or a first-time visitor to Arizona, this is a must-see destination that will leave you with memories that last long after you’ve left. So, the next time you’re planning your Arizona road trip, don’t just drive past it—stop, explore, and be amazed.

Recommended Things To Do In Arizona

• Northern Arizona Meteor Crater and Walnut Canyon from Phoenix – Private Tour
• Lower Antelope Canyon Admission Ticket
• Upper Antelope Canyon Ticket
• Sedona Stargazing Tour

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