Meteor CraterAbout 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.
Best Time to Visit Meteor Crater
For Meteor Crater, aim for spring or fall for the most comfortable daytime temperatures and good visibility.
Weather & Climate near Meteor Crater
Meteor Crater's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 34°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -6° - 10° | -1° | 23 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -4° - 13° | 2° | 24 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -1° - 16° | 5° | 28 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 1° - 21° | 11° | 14 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 6° - 26° | 16° | 12 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 11° - 32° | 21° | 8 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 16° - 34° | 25° | 41 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 15° - 32° | 24° | 47 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 11° - 29° | 20° | 35 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 4° - 23° | 14° | 29 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -2° - 16° | 5° | 24 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -6° - 10° | -1° | 25 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Meteor Crater
Meteor Crater (Barringer Crater) is adjacent to Interstate 40 in northern Arizona; take I‑40 and the signed Meteor Crater exit and follow the short access road to the visitor center, which sits beside the highway. The site is about a 40‑minute drive from Flagstaff (roughly 35-40 miles) and a shorter drive from Winslow; parking is on site and the rim viewing areas are a short walk from the visitor center.
Tips for Visiting Meteor Crater
- Book tickets and a guided rim tour online in advance - the crater's guided rim tours run on a schedule and give access to viewpoints and explanations that casual visitors often overlook.
- Arrive early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures, softer light on the crater walls and fewer tour groups at the primary overlooks; midday is both hottest and busiest on summer weekends.
- Spend time in the visitor center and short exhibits before walking the rim - the orientation film and displays explain the impact science and make the dramatic views more meaningful, but many visitors skip them.