Meteor Crater Natural Landmark Near Winslow, Arizona

Meteor Crater Natural Landmark is a fascinating geological site located near Winslow in northern Arizona’s high desert. This remarkable crater was formed about 50,000 years ago when a meteorite, traveling at over 26,000 miles per hour, struck the Earth with tremendous force. The impact created a massive bowl-shaped depression nearly a mile wide and more than 550 feet deep, making it one of the best-preserved meteorite craters on Earth. The stark contrast between the rugged desert terrain surrounding the crater and the vast sky above offers visitors a rare glimpse into an extraordinary natural event far beyond everyday experience.

Key features include the massive rim surrounding the crater and the panoramic views into its depths, revealing layers of rock fractured and displaced by the impact. The Visitor Center on site provides interactive exhibits covering space objects such as asteroids and comets, enhancing one’s understanding of the crater’s origin. The museum and 4D theater add scientific context to the striking natural formation, making the experience both educational and engaging. Visitors also learn about the crater’s discovery and its role in advancing planetary geology. Despite its remote desert setting, the site is well-maintained and easily accessible, attracting geology buffs, families, and travelers intrigued by cosmic phenomena.

Meteor Crater stands out not only for its sheer size but also because its desert location has kept it remarkably intact over millennia. This offers a unique chance to witness the direct results of a celestial collision visible nowhere else with such clarity. The blend of natural history and science makes it a distinctive destination in Arizona’s outdoor attractions.

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Adventure Guide To Meteor Crater Natural Landmark

Hiking the Crater Rim Trail

• What makes it special: Offers a moderately easy 1.5-mile walk around part of the crater’s edge with stunning views into the crater’s interior and surrounding desert.
• Features: Informative signage and guided rim tours available. Watch for wind and sun exposure.
• Local insight: The rim angle and terrain let visitors see the depth and scale in sharp detail.
• Visitor tips: Bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes. Best visited in spring or fall to avoid extreme heat.

Meteor Crater Visitor Center and Museum

• What makes it special: Interactive displays about meteor science and Earth’s history with space objects, plus a 4D theater that simulates the meteor impact.
• Features: Wheelchair accessible, gift shop, café nearby.
• Local insight: The center is privately owned but well-managed, enriching the educational value of the visit.
• Visitor tips: Arrive early to catch all exhibits and the 4D show. Tickets include museum and rim tour access.

Nearby High Desert Scenic Drives

• What makes it special: Drive the stretches of I-40 around Winslow, enjoying views of expansive desert landscapes and distant mesas. Stop by other geological points of interest in northern Arizona.
• Features: Easy access from the freeway, several scenic pullouts for photos.
• Local insight: Take time to stop at Winslow town, famed for its Route 66 nostalgia and historic sites.
• Visitor tips: Best for clear days; fuel and supplies available in Winslow. Approximate travel time: 45 minutes east of Flagstaff via I-40.

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Quick Directions & Tips

• Getting there: Off Interstate 40 east of Flagstaff near Winslow, about a 20-minute drive south from the highway exit. Well-signed from the freeway.
• Best time to visit: Spring and fall for mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot with strong sun; winter can be chilly and windy.
• What to bring: Water, sunscreen, hat, comfortable walking shoes, and camera for breathtaking shots of the crater.
• Accessibility: Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible; rim tours may be limited for mobility-challenged visitors.

Meteor Crater Natural Landmark offers a blend of awe-inspiring views and scientific learning, making it a compelling stop for travelers interested in natural wonders and space history.