Meteor Crater
Explore the world's best-preserved meteor crater, a breathtaking 50,000-year-old impact site in Arizona.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Meteor Crater
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the world's best-preserved meteor crater, a breathtaking 50,000-year-old impact site in Arizona.
"The world's best-preserved meteor crater offers a unique window into the history of the planet we call home."
Don't Miss the Film
The visitor center's film provides excellent context about the crater's formation and history. :movie_camera:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a good amount of walking along the rim. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Impact
Crater Rim
Witness the sheer scale of the world's best-preserved meteor crater, a breathtaking testament to cosmic power.
Visitor Center Exhibits
Visitor Center
Explore fascinating displays, touch a real meteorite, and learn about the crater's formation and history.
Guided Rim Walk
Crater Rim Trail
Join a knowledgeable guide for an informative walk along the crater's edge, uncovering geological secrets.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Rim
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Don't Miss the Film
The visitor center's film provides excellent context about the crater's formation and history. :movie_camera:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a good amount of walking along the rim. :athletic_shoe:
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Especially in warmer months, bring plenty of water. The Arizona sun is intense. :water_wave:
Touch a Meteorite
The visitor center offers a unique opportunity to touch a real piece of space rock. :rock:
Tips
from all over the internet
Don't Miss the Film
The visitor center's film provides excellent context about the crater's formation and history. :movie_camera:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a good amount of walking along the rim. :athletic_shoe:
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Especially in warmer months, bring plenty of water. The Arizona sun is intense. :water_wave:
Touch a Meteorite
The visitor center offers a unique opportunity to touch a real piece of space rock. :rock:
Capture the Scale
Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the vastness of the crater. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about Meteor Crater, highlighting its impressive scale and excellent visitor center. The guided tours are a standout feature, with guides often praised for their knowledge and engaging delivery. While there's an admission fee, most feel the experience, including the exhibits and the sheer spectacle of the crater, is well worth the cost.
"5 stars at every level.
Helpful staff guiding you in
Our great tour guide Jeremy made the walk out to different areas of the rim. Informed, engaging, funny and took care in keeping us safe at all times.
All indoor areas were clean and had photos and displays. The video was great. It covered the area before and after the event.
The added walking paths and viewing platforms are new since last visit.
Staff throughout was very friendly and helpful.
The gift shop was huge, with souvenirs for every taste. I even got to squish a penny. As buy a shirt, and pins.
This was my wife's first visit and she said "though she would never have picked the crater herself she throughly enjoyed her visit."
Steve
"Wonderful day having your mind blown with the realization of what powerful meter struck the earth. Check out the 3D movie and more. After walking around the rim try out the snack bar and a cold drink with snacks. I felt like I found a hidden hideout to sip my drinks."
Malissa Fuller
"Great place, I was sure that you were going there just to watch the Crater, but the ticket price includes a guided tour, a film and a four-D cinema, which is great at the end of a trip for small children."
Paulina Owsiak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Meteor Crater is located about 37 miles east of Flagstaff, Arizona. Take I-40 East and exit at Exit 239. The drive is straightforward and well-signed. Many visitors make it a stop on a road trip between Flagstaff and Winslow. 
Public transportation options to Meteor Crater are very limited. It's best accessed by car. If you're coming from Phoenix, it's about a 3-hour drive.
While not impossible, it's challenging. Some guided tours from Flagstaff might include it, but independent travel is primarily by personal vehicle.
The drive is mostly along I-40, a major highway. The final stretch to the crater entrance is a well-maintained road. Some mention a scenic six-mile drive into the facility with informative signs.
Yes, Meteor Crater is located between Flagstaff and Winslow, Arizona, approximately 20 miles west of Winslow.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an admission fee to enter Meteor Crater and its visitor center. While some Redditors questioned the price, most agree it's worth it for the experience, which includes guided tours and exhibits.
Unfortunately, there isn't a known way to visit Meteor Crater for free. The admission fee covers the visitor center, exhibits, and guided tours.
Your ticket typically includes access to the visitor center, a documentary film about the crater's impact, guided rim walks, and viewing platforms.
Information on specific discounts isn't widely publicized, but it's always a good idea to check the official Meteor Crater website for any available offers or group rates.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Meteor Crater website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the visitor center with its exhibits and a film, walk along the crater rim on designated paths, and join guided tours for in-depth information. Photo opportunities abound!
Yes, guided tours are often included with admission and are highly recommended. Guides provide fascinating insights into the crater's geology and history.
Most visitors spend 1-3 hours at Meteor Crater, depending on how much time they dedicate to the visitor center, exhibits, and guided walks. Some might find it a good place to 'kill 20 minutes' if pressed for time.
There are paved walking paths along the rim of the crater, offering safe and accessible viewpoints. Some areas may have stairs.
No, visitors cannot go down into the crater itself for preservation reasons. All viewing is done from the rim.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light offers dramatic shadows and softer illumination, ideal for capturing the crater's depth and texture. Midday sun can be harsh.
A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the immense scale of the crater. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions, though often not necessary during daylight hours.
Absolutely! The sheer size and unique landscape provide numerous stunning photo opportunities from various viewpoints along the rim.
Drone usage is typically restricted at national and major landmarks for safety and preservation. It's best to check the official Meteor Crater website for their specific drone policy.
The main viewing platforms along the rim offer the most iconic shots. Experiment with different angles to convey the crater's vastness.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers
+1 Many travelers find it an ideal place to break up a long drive, offering a unique and memorable experience that's more than just a roadside attraction. 🔭 Space & Science Enthusiasts
+1 The scientific explanations provided in the visitor center and during guided tours delve into the impact mechanics, the crater's formation, and its significance in understanding planetary science. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Behind the Scar
+1 This impact created a massive depression measuring about 3,900 feet (1,200 meters) in diameter and 560 feet (170 meters) deep. The rim rises about 150 feet (45 meters) above the surrounding plains. It is considered the world's best-preserved meteor impact crater, largely due to the arid climate of Arizona, which has minimized erosion over millennia. +1Geologists like Daniel Barringer were instrumental in proving its extraterrestrial origin, overcoming initial skepticism that it was formed by volcanic activity. The visitor center provides excellent exhibits and a film detailing this scientific journey and the impact's geological significance.
The sheer scale and the relatively pristine condition of Meteor Crater make it a vital site for scientific study and a awe-inspiring destination for tourists. It offers a unique window into Earth's history and the powerful forces that have shaped our planet.
Experiencing Meteor Crater: Tips from Visitors
When it comes to exploring the crater rim, comfortable footwear is essential, as there are walking paths that allow you to get close to the edge.
For photography, a wide-angle lens is a popular recommendation to truly capture the immense scale of the crater.
Early morning or late afternoon light is often preferred for more dramatic photos. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit