Meteor Crater

Meteor Crater, also called Barringer Crater, is a well-preserved meteorite impact site in northern Arizona formed roughly 50,000 years ago. The site is one of the best-known terrestrial impact craters and remains a classic location for study and public education about impacts.

The crater measures about 1.2 kilometres in diameter with steep inner walls and an exposed rim, and a visitor centre with exhibits, observation decks and guided rim tours. The rim walk and platforms give clear views across the bowl to the crater floor and surrounding high desert plains.

The crater was identified early in the 20th century by mining engineer Daniel Barringer, who promoted its meteorite impact origin; subsequent scientific work confirmed it as an impact structure. Excavations and research since then have produced meteorite fragments and detailed studies of impact processes.

The site lies in the high desert of northern Arizona near the town of Winslow and is accessible by road from regional highways.

• Size: Diameter about 1.2 kilometres with a rim rising well above the surrounding plain and a floor set deep within the crater.
• Visitor services: Guided rim tours and museum exhibits provide the most informative visitor experience; the site is privately owned and operated as a paid attraction.

What to See #

• Rim viewpoints: Rim trail and observation points - paved overlooks allow close views across the crater to the inner walls and down to the floor.
• Visitor centre: Barringer Meteorite Crater Museum - on-site exhibits explain impact science, meteorite fragments and the history of research at the site.