Meteor Crater
Meteor Crater (Barringer Crater)
A huge crater about 1.2 km across, formed when a meteorite struck about 50,000 years ago. It is one of the best-preserved impact craters on Earth.
Meteor Crater (Barringer Crater) lies on the plains about 60 km east of Flagstaff. Roughly 50,000 years ago, an iron-nickel meteorite struck the ground, forming a crater about 1.2 km across and 170 m deep, one of the best-preserved impact craters on Earth. Apollo astronauts once trained here. It is privately operated, and admission includes the museum, a film, and the rim viewing platform, with guided rim walks available for an extra fee. To get there, take Exit 233 from Interstate 40.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–17:00 (extended hours in summer)
Nearby sights
- Grand Falls of the Little Colorado
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
- Mount Elden
- Buffalo Park
- Wupatki National Monument
- Historic Downtown Flagstaff & Route 66
- Flagstaff Visitor Center (Historic Depot)