Arizona Meteor Crater

The best preserved crater on Earth!

Arizona Meteor Crater (also known as Barringer Meteorite Crater) is found about 35 miles east of Flagstaff, near Winslow, Arizona.

The open expanse of high desert between Flagstaff and Winslow may look relatively uneventful, but 50,000 years ago, it was ground zero for an event of cosmic proportions. That’s when a 300,000-ton meteorite cut through Earth’s atmosphere and slammed into the Coconino plateau at about 26,000 miles per hour. It created an extremely powerful and lasting impression.

The impact blasted virtually a half billion tons of rock from the surface, wiping out all plant and animal life within 100 miles. Discovered in 1871, this wonderfully preserved geological depression continues to intrigue scientists, who use it as a living laboratory. The Apollo astronauts used Meteor Crater as a practice surface to train for their lunar mission. Statistically, it measures 4,150 feet from rim to rim, is over 3 miles in circumference, and is 470 feet deep. In addition to viewing the crater, you should explore the Museum of Astrogeology, the Astronaut Hall of Fame, and well-appointed gift and lapidary shops.

The Meteor Crater was showcased in the 1984 movie “Star Man” with Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen.

Nearby attractions include the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest, each providing an outstanding backdrop for travelers who delight in the desert at its most delicately pastel. Consider arriving during the early morning or late afternoon hours. At sunup or just before sunset, the hues of the Painted Desert appear most radiant and the fallen logs in the Petrified Forest seem most lifelike.

Also, since you’re only 17 miles from Winslow, be sure to get a photo of yourself and fellow travelers “Standing on the corner in Winslow Arizona.”