Meteor Crater

Meteor Crater showing desert views and tranquil scenes
Meteor Crater featuring tranquil scenes and desert views
Meteor Crater featuring desert views and tranquil scenes
Meteor Crater which includes tranquil scenes, desert views and landscape views
Meteor Crater featuring tranquil scenes and desert views as well as a small group of people


Study a massive impact crater, created by a meteorite in the northern Arizona desert that hit earth about 50,000 years ago.

Meteor Crater is a large meteorite impact crater and visitor center near Flagstaff, Arizona. The site is one of the best-preserved meteorite craters in the world. It features a visitor center with educational displays and a widescreen theater. Admire the impressive crater from many observation points on the rim.

About 50,000 years ago, a giant meteor dashed across the sky and hit the area now known as northern Arizona. See the impact from the approximately 300,000-ton (270,000-tonne) celestial object. The famous crater is over 3,500 feet (1,000 meters) wide and 550 feet (168 meters) deep.

Observe the site from the Meteor Crater Visitor Center’s indoor viewing area or walk on one of several self-guided observation paths running along the crater’s rim. The paths feature educational panels and observational telescopes, allowing closer looks at the impact crater. Join a tour of the crater’s rim, held when weather allows.

The Meteor Crater Visitor Center is an excellent place to learn about the site and about craters in general. The center contains many fascinating exhibits and an 80-seat widescreen theater. Watch a short film about the origins of Meteor Crater and walk through the center to see a meteorite fragment weighing more than 1,400 pounds (630 kilograms).

Shop for mineral specimens in the visitor center’s Meteor Crater Rock Shop. The shop sells native Arizona minerals, crystals, quartz and petrified wood. If you’re looking for other souvenirs, stop at the Meteor Crater Gift Shop. The visitor center also contains a sandwich shop with indoor and outdoor seating.

Drive to Meteor Crater from Flagstaff in about 45 minutes. Alternatively, reach the site with a 30-minute drive from Winslow. With a wide range of accommodations, the small cities of Flagstaff and Winslow are excellent places to stay when visiting Meteor Crater. See the attraction year-round however, opening times change seasonally and the visitor center closes on Christmas Day.

With interesting displays and extraordinary views of the site, Meteor Crater is a great place to spend a few hours when exploring northern Arizona.

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Things to do near Meteor Crater

At Meteor Crater, visitors can enjoy guided tours that delve into the fascinating geology and history of the site. For those seeking adventure, the area offers various outdoor activities, best explored on foot to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes. Additionally, art walks in nearby towns showcase local talent, providing a cultural experience that complements the natural wonders of the crater. Make the most of your visit by combining adventure with artistic exploration.

Shopping

At Meteor Crater, you can enjoy local gift shops offering unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit North Park Plaza Shopping Center, located 29.0km away, where you can find a mix of entertainment, dining, and shopping in a vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

Explore McHood Park, a serene recreational area located 35.4km from Meteor Crater, perfect for unwinding amidst nature. Enjoy peaceful walks, picnics, and scenic vistas that promote relaxation and rejuvenation, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings.

Adventure

Explore Meteor Crater with guided tours that provide insights into its formation and significance. For adventure seekers, hiking trails around the crater offer stunning views, while the visitor centre features interactive exhibits. Don’t miss the chance to stargaze at night for a truly magical experience.

Nightlife

In Meteor Crater, the atmosphere is serene yet captivating. Nearby, the Route 66 Roadhouse offers live music and a classic American diner vibe. For a more laid-back evening, the Crater View Restaurant provides stunning views and delightful dining, perfect for winding down after a day of exploration.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Meteor Crater

Within and around Meteor Crater, visitors can explore a variety of attractions including urban parks, waterfalls, and lakes, perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures and family-friendly experiences. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in nature or embark on thrilling activities, this area offers a delightful mix of options that cater to every traveller's interests.

  • Standin' on the Corner Park: An urban park that captures the essence of Americana, this charming spot, located 29.0km from Meteor Crater, offers a family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a perfect place to relax, enjoy the outdoor vibes, and take memorable photographs, particularly at the iconic 'Standin' on the Corner' statue.
  • Lorenzo Hubbell Trading Post: A cultural gem situated 29.0km away, this museum showcases the rich heritage of Native American arts and crafts. Visitors can explore historical exhibits and gain insight into the trading post’s significance in the local community.
  • Old Trails Museum: Also located 29.0km from Meteor Crater, this history museum immerses visitors in the region's past, featuring intriguing exhibits that highlight the area's cultural history and the development of Winslow.

Best time to go to Meteor Crater

The best time to visit Meteor Crater can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Meteor Crater falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Meteor Crater falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January32.0°F (0.0°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February34.3°F (1.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April49.1°F (9.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High
May56.8°F (13.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
June68.4°F (20.2°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July71.4°F (21.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August69.6°F (20.9°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
September64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
October52.7°F (11.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November41.5°F (5.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December32.7°F (0.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Meteor Crater

For a budget-friendly trip to Meteor Crater, consider visiting in February or from November to December, when accommodation prices are lower. Try to book your stay on a Monday, as Saturday is the priciest day. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and hotel type, and sort prices from lowest to highest for the best deals. Combining your hotel booking with flights and activities can lead to additional savings. Also, keep an eye out for Arizona hotel discounts and flexible booking options to maximise your savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Meteor Crater are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and June to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Meteor Crater is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Meteor Crater is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Meteor Crater hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.