Meteor Crater
World's best-preserved meteorite impact site, offering a glimpse into Earth's cosmic history with impressive views and educational exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, less sun
Meteor Crater
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, less sun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
World's best-preserved meteorite impact site, offering a glimpse into Earth's cosmic history with impressive views and educational exhibits.
"Photos don’t do it justice — when you’re standing at the edge, you really feel the power of nature (and space!)."
Don't Skip the Tour!
Guides share fascinating details about the impact and history. Worth the extra time! :walking: :telescope:
Hydrate & Protect
Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Shade is minimal in this desert environment. :droplet: :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Crater Rim View
Observation platforms
Stand at the edge of this massive, well-preserved impact site and feel the sheer power of nature. Photos don't do it justice.
Visitor Center & Exhibits
Discovery Center
Explore interactive exhibits, a museum, and a documentary detailing the crater's formation and history. Touch a real meteorite piece!
Guided Crater Tour
Outside the Visitor Center
Gain fascinating insights into the impact, geology, and Apollo training missions from knowledgeable guides.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Private Land, Private Fees
Desert Heat & Limited Shade
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Don't Skip the Tour!
Guides share fascinating details about the impact and history. Worth the extra time! :walking: :telescope:
Hydrate & Protect
Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Shade is minimal in this desert environment. :droplet: :sunwithface:
Photos from Above
Consider a scenic flight for a unique perspective of the crater's immense scale. 
Touch Real Meteorite
The visitor center lets you touch a piece of the actual meteorite that created the crater! :rock:
Tips
from all over the internet
Don't Skip the Tour!
Guides share fascinating details about the impact and history. Worth the extra time! :walking: :telescope:
Hydrate & Protect
Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Shade is minimal in this desert environment. :droplet: :sunwithface:
Photos from Above
Consider a scenic flight for a unique perspective of the crater's immense scale.
Touch Real Meteorite
The visitor center lets you touch a piece of the actual meteorite that created the crater! :rock:
Check for Accessibility
Some visitors note limited handicap accessibility for doors. Inquire if needed. :wheelchair:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the sheer scale and preservation of Meteor Crater, calling it a 'cosmic experience' and a 'wonder of the natural world.' The informative visitor center, engaging exhibits, and knowledgeable guides are frequently praised. While some find the admission fee a bit high, most agree it's a worthwhile stop for its unique historical and scientific significance.
"Had a great time! Lots of cool history. Fun for all ages. If you're in the area it's worth the drive out to see it! They have plenty of exhibits, tours and a pretty cool gift shop!"
Joshua Peterson
"🌠 Meteor Crater – A Truly Cosmic Experience
Visiting the Meteor Crater Natural Landmark was one of the most interesting stops I made in Arizona. I was genuinely impressed by how massive and well-preserved the crater is. Photos don’t do it justice — when you’re standing at the edge, you really feel the power of nature (and space!).
What I Personally Loved:
🔭 The View from the Rim
The view is absolutely stunning. It’s hard to grasp the size of the crater until you see it in person. The observation platforms are well-placed and give you a wide, panoramic view of the entire site.
🏛️ The Visitor Center
I really liked how well-organized and informative it was. There are interactive exhibits, a small museum, and a short documentary that explains the crater’s formation in an engaging way. A cool highlight: you can see and touch a real piece of the meteorite!
👩🏫 The Guided Tour
I chose to join a guided tour, and I’m so glad I did. The guide was passionate and super knowledgeable — they shared fascinating details about the impact, the geology, and how the crater was discovered and studied.
A Few Extra Notes:
• Heat: If you’re visiting in summer, make sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water — it’s the desert and there’s not much shade.
• Time: I spent about an hour and a half there, which was enough to see everything without feeling rushed."
Cristian Stanescu
"Over all this place was neat. There is a ramp for the handicap entrance but all doors are regular. My only suggestion is to make motion detected doors or handicap buttons to open doors because this is not a handicap friendly place.
However my son has a blast. We didn't do the tour but had fun roaming around and exploring on our own. The motion ride chairs weren't moving but the ride was still going. That was fun and cute."
Courtney Phillips
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Meteor Crater is located about 35-40 minutes east of Flagstaff, Arizona, off Interstate 40. Take Exit 239 and follow the signs. It's a straightforward drive, and signs will guide you once you're closer to the site.
Yes, Meteor Crater is conveniently located near the historic Route 66. Many travelers stop here as part of a Route 66 road trip.
Meteor Crater is on private land and requires an admission fee to access the viewing areas and exhibits. There isn't a way to see the crater without entering the designated visitor area.
Yes, Meteor Crater Natural Landmark is situated near Winslow, Arizona, making it an accessible stop for those traveling through northern Arizona. +2
Meteor Crater is an excellent cross-country stop, easily accessible from Interstate 40. It's a must-see piece of space history for any road trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Meteor Crater typically involves a fee, which some visitors find a bit steep. It's advisable to check the official website for the most current pricing for Meteor Crater tickets.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Meteor Crater Natural Landmark website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit.
While advance booking might not always be necessary, it's a good idea to check the official website for Meteor Crater tickets, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure smooth entry.
Yes, as Meteor Crater is on private land, there is an admission fee to access the site and its facilities.
Information on discounts for Meteor Crater is not widely publicized. It's recommended to check the official website or contact them directly for any available offers or group rates.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Meteor Crater, you can view the massive impact site from observation platforms, explore the informative Visitor Center with exhibits and a museum, and take a guided tour to learn about its history and geology. You can also touch a real meteorite fragment. +1
No, you cannot go down into the crater itself. Access is limited to viewing from the rim and guided tours that provide context from the outside.
Yes, Meteor Crater is great for families. Kids often enjoy the exhibits, the documentary, and the sheer scale of the crater. The visitor center has a dedicated kids' area.
Most visitors spend about an hour and a half to two hours at Meteor Crater, which is generally enough time to see the exhibits, watch the film, and take in the views.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended. They offer in-depth information about the crater's formation, geology, and historical significance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Meteor Crater has a cafe or lounge area that offers food and drinks. Reviewers have noted that the food options and taste exceed expectations.
While there are dining facilities, it's generally a good idea to check the specific policies regarding outside food and drinks at Meteor Crater. Picnicking might be allowed in designated areas, but not inside the visitor center.
The cafe at Meteor Crater offers a range of options, with reviews suggesting the food is surprisingly good and exceeds expectations for a tourist site.
The primary dining option is at the Meteor Crater Visitor Center itself. For more extensive dining choices, you would need to travel to nearby towns like Winslow.
Specific dietary options like vegetarian or vegan are not detailed in reviews. It's best to inquire directly with the cafe staff upon arrival for current menu offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The observation platforms around the rim offer the most dramatic views for photographing the crater. Consider visiting during golden hour for stunning light.
Drone usage is typically restricted at national landmarks and private sites like Meteor Crater to protect the environment and visitor experience. Always check the site's specific regulations.
Absolutely! The sheer scale and unique geological formation of Meteor Crater make it incredibly photogenic, especially from the rim viewpoints.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hours) often provide the best lighting for dramatic photos, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the crater's textures.
General photography for personal use is usually permitted. However, commercial photography or filming may require special permits. Always adhere to posted signage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
+1 You can easily spend 1.5 to 2 hours here, making it perfect for breaking up a long drive. The well-marked signs ensure you won't miss it, and the visitor center provides a great way to stretch your legs and learn something new. 🚀 Space & Science Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Behind the Scar
+1 The impact released energy equivalent to over 20 million tons of TNT, instantly vaporizing most of the meteor and excavating a massive hole in the desert landscape. The crater itself is remarkably well-preserved due to the arid climate and lack of significant erosion over millennia. It measures nearly a mile (1.2 km) in diameter and is about 560 feet (170 meters) deep, with a rim rising 30 to 60 meters above the surrounding plains.
+1 This pristine condition makes it one of the best examples of an impact crater on Earth, offering invaluable insights into planetary geology and the history of our solar system. Interestingly, Meteor Crater also played a role in space exploration history. Astronauts, including those from the Apollo program, trained in the area to simulate lunar exploration conditions due to its resemblance to lunar landscapes.
Navigating Your Visit: Tips from Travelers
When it comes to experiencing the crater, most agree that the view from the observation platforms is breathtaking and photos truly don't capture its immense scale.
While the site is privately owned and has an admission fee, many find the experience worthwhile for the historical and scientific value.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit