Meteor Crater Tours and Activities

Meteor Crater showing desert views and tranquil scenes
Meteor Crater showing desert views and tranquil scenes
Meteor Crater showing desert views and tranquil scenes
Meteor Crater which includes tranquil scenes, landscape views and desert views
Meteor Crater showing desert views and tranquil scenes as well as a small group of people

Study a massive impact crater, created by a meteorite in the northern Arizona desert that hit earth about 50,000 years ago.

Meteor Crater is a large meteorite impact crater and visitor center near Flagstaff, Arizona. The site is one of the best-preserved meteorite craters in the world. It features a visitor center with educational displays and a widescreen theater. Admire the impressive crater from many observation points on the rim.

About 50,000 years ago, a giant meteor dashed across the sky and hit the area now known as northern Arizona. See the impact from the approximately 300,000-ton (270,000-tonne) celestial object. The famous crater is over 3,500 feet (1,000 meters) wide and 550 feet (168 meters) deep.

Observe the site from the Meteor Crater Visitor Center’s indoor viewing area or walk on one of several self-guided observation paths running along the crater’s rim. The paths feature educational panels and observational telescopes, allowing closer looks at the impact crater. Join a tour of the crater’s rim, held when weather allows.

The Meteor Crater Visitor Center is an excellent place to learn about the site and about craters in general. The center contains many fascinating exhibits and an 80-seat widescreen theater. Watch a short film about the origins of Meteor Crater and walk through the center to see a meteorite fragment weighing more than 1,400 pounds (630 kilograms).

Shop for mineral specimens in the visitor center’s Meteor Crater Rock Shop. The shop sells native Arizona minerals, crystals, quartz and petrified wood. If you’re looking for other souvenirs, stop at the Meteor Crater Gift Shop. The visitor center also contains a sandwich shop with indoor and outdoor seating.

Drive to Meteor Crater from Flagstaff in about 45 minutes. Alternatively, reach the site with a 30-minute drive from Winslow. With a wide range of accommodations, the small cities of Flagstaff and Winslow are excellent places to stay when visiting Meteor Crater. See the attraction year-round however, opening times change seasonally and the visitor center closes on Christmas Day.

With interesting displays and extraordinary views of the site, Meteor Crater is a great place to spend a few hours when exploring northern Arizona.

Plan a trip to see Meteor Crater

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Westgate Painted Mountain Golf Resort

Westgate Painted Mountain Golf Resort

4 out of 5
East Mesa
per person
Nov 7 - Nov 11
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Vancouver (YVR) to Phoenix (PHX)
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
I don’t get it. No sign on the street and down a little alley. Complete kitchen appliances but not even a glass, a plate or a fork. No coffee maker or coffee or breakfast.

Reviewed on Aug. 11, 2025

Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale

Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale

4.5 out of 5
per person
Oct 30 - Nov 3
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Edmonton (YEG) to Phoenix (PHX)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
Great staff and amenities

Reviewed on Aug. 12, 2025

Hotel Valley Ho

Hotel Valley Ho

4.5 out of 5
Old Town
per person
Oct 30 - Nov 3
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Edmonton (YEG) to Phoenix (PHX)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,842 reviews)
It was a flawless experience. Food on point, and the cleanliness of the hotel was spectacular. I will definitely be back.

Reviewed on Aug. 13, 2025

Popular places to visit

Standin' on the Corner Park

Standin' on the Corner Park

4/5(11 reviews)

Standin' on the Corner Park is just one of the places to see in Winslow, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Standin' on the Corner Park
Walnut Canyon National Monument

Walnut Canyon National Monument

4.5/5(20 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Walnut Canyon National Monument and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Flagstaff. Amble around the area's lush forest or seek out the hiking trails.

Walnut Canyon National Monument

Lorenzo Hubbell Trading Post

4/5(5 reviews)

You can browse the exhibits at Lorenzo Hubbell Trading Post, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Winslow. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Lorenzo Hubbell Trading Post

Winslow Public Library

After visiting Winslow Public Library, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Winslow. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Winslow Public Library

North Park Plaza Shopping Center

2/5(1 review)

You can do some window-shopping at North Park Plaza Shopping Center during your stay in Winslow. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

North Park Plaza Shopping Center

Old Trails Museum

2/5(1 review)

You can study the exhibits at Old Trails Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Winslow. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Old Trails Museum

Best Lodging Options Near Meteor Crater

Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort

Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort

4 out of 5
22181 Resort Blvd, Exit 219 I-40, Flagstaff, AZ
Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort
Quality Inn Winslow I-40

Quality Inn Winslow I-40

2.5 out of 5
2035 West 3rd Street, Winslow, AZ
Quality Inn Winslow I-40
Rodeway Inn Winslow I-40

Rodeway Inn Winslow I-40

2 out of 5
1916 W Third St, Winslow, AZ
Rodeway Inn Winslow I-40
La Posada Hotel

La Posada Hotel

3 out of 5
303 E. Second Street (Route 66), Winslow, AZ
La Posada Hotel
Clarion Pointe Winslow I-40

Clarion Pointe Winslow I-40

2.5 out of 5
1701 N Park Dr, Winslow, AZ
Clarion Pointe Winslow I-40
Motel 6 Winslow, AZ

Motel 6 Winslow, AZ

2 out of 5
520 W Desmond St, Winslow, AZ
Motel 6 Winslow, AZ
The Winslow – Winslow, AZ

The Winslow – Winslow, AZ

3 out of 5
2206 N Park Dr, Winslow, AZ
The Winslow – Winslow, AZ
Travelodge by Wyndham Winslow

Travelodge by Wyndham Winslow

2 out of 5
1706 N Park Dr, Winslow, AZ
Travelodge by Wyndham Winslow
Nice Cozy 2 Bedroom 1bath house Close to DT Winslow

Nice Cozy 2 Bedroom 1bath house Close to DT Winslow

Winslow
Nice Cozy 2 Bedroom 1bath house Close to DT Winslow
See all 69 properties in Meteor Crater
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Meteor Crater

Explore the fascinating Meteor Crater in Winslow, Arizona, with a variety of activities. Join a guided tour of the crater rim for stunning views, or embark on an aerial exploration for a bird's-eye perspective. Don't miss the opportunity to walk the observation trails and take part in a tour of the crater floor, immersing yourself in this natural wonder's history and geology.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, the North Park Plaza Shopping Center, located 29.0km away from Meteor Crater, offers a variety of shopping experiences with a family-friendly atmosphere, entertainment options, and local business vibes perfect for picking up gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Explore McHood Park, located 35.4km from Meteor Crater, where you can enjoy peaceful surroundings and engage in outdoor activities like hiking and picnicking. The park's wellness vibes make it an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst nature's beauty.

Find the best attractions near Meteor Crater

Whether you're seeking adventure or family-friendly outings, Meteor Crater in Winslow, Arizona, offers an array of attractions including urban parks, stunning waterfalls, and national/state parks. Explore the fascinating meteorite impact site known as Barringer Crater, or take a leisurely stroll to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding the Arizona Meteor Crater. There's something for every type of traveller looking to experience the great outdoors in this unique setting.

  • Standin' on the Corner Park: This charming urban park in Winslow offers a nostalgic vibe, celebrating the iconic song "Take It Easy." Enjoy the vibrant murals, a statue of a guitar-playing man, and relax in the family-friendly outdoor space, perfect for a leisurely stop with a touch of city life.
  • Lorenzo Hubbell Trading Post: Step into history at this museum, which showcases the rich culture of the Southwest. Originally a trading post, it features exhibits on Native American art and regional history, providing an immersive cultural experience.
  • Old Trails Museum: Discover the heritage of northern Arizona at this history museum. It highlights local history and culture through engaging exhibits, artifacts, and stories that connect visitors to the region's past.

Best time to go to Meteor Crater

Visitor numbers around Meteor Crater is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Meteor Crater can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Meteor Crater falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Meteor Crater falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January32.0°F (0.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February34.3°F (1.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April49.1°F (9.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
May56.8°F (13.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
June68.4°F (20.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
July71.4°F (21.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August69.6°F (20.9°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
September64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
October52.7°F (11.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November41.5°F (5.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December32.7°F (0.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Meteor Crater

To save money on your visit to Meteor Crater, plan your trip during the off-peak months of January to February or November when accommodation prices are lower. Consider visiting on a Tuesday for the best hotel rates, as Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly lodging and package deals that combine flights with hotel stays for additional savings. Explore the area on foot to avoid transportation costs and discover free activities nearby, making the most of your adventure without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Meteor Crater are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May, July and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Meteor Crater is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Meteor Crater is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay near Meteor Crater with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.