Meteor Crater Arizona Near Flagstaff & Winslow

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 21, 2026

Meteor Crater, also known as Barringer Meteor Crater, is one of the world's best-preserved meteorite impact sites. Located about 37 miles east of Flagstaff and 18 miles west of Winslow, Arizona, the crater was created roughly 50,000 years ago when an iron-nickel asteroid about 150 feet across struck the Colorado Plateau.

The impact created a crater approximately one mile wide and about 570 feet deep. Today visitors can view the crater from multiple lookout points, explore the Discovery Center & Space Museum, learn about NASA astronaut training and take guided rim tours.

• Meteor Crater Quick Facts
• The Meteorite Impact
• How Scientists Identified The Crater
• NASA & Apollo Training
• What To See
• Hours & Admission
• Accessibility
• Directions
• Visitor Tips
• FAQ

Meteor Crater Arizona Quick Facts

• Also known as: Barringer Meteor Crater
• Age: Approximately 50,000 years
• Diameter: About 1 mile
• Depth: Approximately 570 feet
• Impactor: Iron-nickel asteroid about 150 feet across
• Impact energy: Approximately 2.5 megatons of TNT
• Rock displaced: Approximately 175 million tons
• Location: Northern Arizona between Flagstaff and Winslow
• Interstate access: I-40 Exit 233
• 1967 designation: National Natural Landmark
• Ownership: Privately owned by the Barringer family company

The Meteorite Impact

About 50,000 years ago, an iron-nickel asteroid approximately 150 feet in diameter struck what is now northern Arizona at tremendous speed. Scientists estimate that the collision released energy equivalent to roughly 2.5 million tons of TNT and displaced approximately 175 million tons of rock.

Most of the impactor melted or vaporized during the collision, but meteorite fragments were scattered across the surrounding area. The blast excavated an initial crater more than 4,000 feet across and roughly 700 feet deep. Erosion and sediment accumulation over thousands of years reduced the present depth to about 550 to 570 feet.

The impact caused severe local destruction, but it was not large enough to produce the type of global environmental effects associated with much larger asteroid impacts.

How Scientists Identified Meteor Crater

For years, some geologists believed the crater might have been volcanic. Mining engineer Daniel Moreau Barringer argued in the early 1900s that it had been created by a meteorite impact and spent years investigating the site.

Later scientific work identified overturned rock layers, impact-shocked minerals and other evidence that confirmed the impact origin. Barringer Meteor Crater became the first terrestrial crater widely accepted by scientists as having been formed by the impact of a celestial object.

Visiting Meteor Crater Today

Meteor Crater is both a scientific landmark and a major northern Arizona visitor attraction. Admission provides access to crater lookout areas and indoor exhibits designed to explain impact geology, meteorites, planetary science and the crater's role in space exploration.

• Lookout Points: Four viewing areas provide different perspectives across the crater.
• Discovery Center & Space Museum: Interactive exhibits explain meteorite impacts, crater science and space exploration.
• Guided Rim Tours: Interpretive tours explore crater geology and history from the rim.
• COLLISION! 4D Theater: Indoor immersive space and asteroid experience.
• Impact! The Mystery of Meteor Crater: Presentation about the crater's formation and scientific discovery.
• Blast Zone: Indoor Moonbase-themed activity area designed for younger visitors.
• Holsinger Meteorite: A 1,406-pound meteorite fragment that visitors can see and touch.
• Apollo Training Display: Space-history exhibits include an Apollo 11 training capsule.

NASA Astronaut Training At Meteor Crater

Meteor Crater played an important role in preparing astronauts for lunar exploration. Beginning in the 1960s, NASA and U.S. Geological Survey scientists used the crater and other northern Arizona landscapes to teach astronauts how to recognize impact geology and collect scientifically useful rock samples.

Gene Shoemaker and other geologists trained astronauts at Meteor Crater because its exposed impact structures provided a useful Earth-based comparison with lunar craters. Apollo-era crews studied the crater's overturned rock layers, ejecta and impact features before missions to the Moon.

Barringer Meteor Crater National Natural Landmark

Barringer Meteor Crater was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1967 because of its exceptional scientific importance. It is not a National Park Service monument or national park; the crater remains privately owned and managed by the Barringer Crater Company, founded by Daniel Moreau Barringer.

Meteor Crater Accessibility

The Discovery Center & Space Museum is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchair-accessible viewing is available from the main level and portions of the lookout trail. The indoor Discovery Center also provides crater views for visitors who prefer to avoid steep or exposed outdoor areas.

Some rim paths and lookout areas involve grades, steps or uneven outdoor terrain, so visitors with mobility limitations should check current accessibility information when they arrive.

Directions To Meteor Crater Arizona

Meteor Crater is located just off Interstate 40 between Flagstaff and Winslow. From Flagstaff, drive east on I-40 and take Exit 233 for Meteor Crater Road. From Winslow, travel west on I-40 to the same exit.

The crater is approximately 37 miles east of Flagstaff and 18 miles west of Winslow. From Exit 233, follow Meteor Crater Road south approximately six miles to the visitor complex.

Meteor Crater Visitor Tips

• Allow at least one to two hours for crater views, exhibits and a guided tour.
• Check current operating hours before making the drive from Flagstaff or Winslow.
• Bring sun protection because the crater rim is exposed to high-desert weather.
• Bring an extra layer during cooler months because winds along the rim can be strong.
• Take a guided rim tour if time permits for additional geology and history.
• Do not attempt to climb into the crater unless participating in a specifically authorized tour.
• Use the indoor Discovery Center viewing area if weather or mobility makes outdoor viewing difficult.
• Check current tour availability because special rim or crater-floor programs may operate only on selected dates.

Official Meteor Crater Information

• Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum
• Barringer Crater Company

Where To Stay Near Meteor Crater

Flagstaff and Winslow are the primary lodging bases for visiting Meteor Crater. Flagstaff offers the widest variety of hotels, cabins, restaurants and other attractions, while Winslow is closer to the crater and provides convenient access for Interstate 40 travelers.

• Flagstaff Arizona Visitor Guide
• Flagstaff Cabins & Lodges
• Flagstaff Bed & Breakfast Inns
• Williams Arizona

Other Attractions Near Meteor Crater

• Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
• Walnut Canyon National Monument
• Wupatki National Monument
• Lowell Observatory
• Arizona Route 66 Attractions
• Painted Desert
• Petrified Forest National Park

Meteor Crater Arizona FAQ

Where Is Meteor Crater In Arizona?

Meteor Crater is located between Flagstaff and Winslow in northern Arizona, approximately 37 miles east of Flagstaff and 18 miles west of Winslow.

How Old Is Meteor Crater?

Meteor Crater formed approximately 50,000 years ago when an iron-nickel asteroid struck the Colorado Plateau.

How Big Is Meteor Crater?

The crater is approximately one mile across and about 570 feet deep.

What Caused Meteor Crater?

An iron-nickel asteroid roughly 150 feet in diameter struck northern Arizona and created the crater.

Is Meteor Crater A National Park?

No. Meteor Crater is privately owned by the Barringer family company. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1967.

Can You Walk Down Into Meteor Crater?

General visitors cannot descend to the crater floor. Most visitors view the crater from rim lookout areas and guided rim tours. Special crater-floor programs may occasionally be offered separately.

Did NASA Astronauts Train At Meteor Crater?

Yes. NASA and U.S. Geological Survey scientists used Meteor Crater for Apollo-era geology training because its impact features helped astronauts prepare to study lunar craters.

What Can You See At Meteor Crater?

Visitors can see the crater from multiple lookout points and explore the Discovery Center & Space Museum, guided tours, a 4D theater, meteorite displays and Apollo-related exhibits.

How Long Should You Spend At Meteor Crater?

Most visitors should allow at least one to two hours, with additional time if taking a guided tour or exploring all of the exhibits.

What Are The Current Meteor Crater Hours?

Meteor Crater is currently open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with reduced hours on Thanksgiving and closure on Christmas Day. Verify current hours before visiting.

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