Meteor Crater

Meteor Crater showing desert views and tranquil scenes
Meteor Crater featuring tranquil scenes and desert views
Meteor Crater featuring desert views and tranquil scenes
Meteor Crater which includes tranquil scenes, desert views and landscape views
Meteor Crater featuring tranquil scenes and desert views 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 centre near Flagstaff, Arizona. The site is one of the best-preserved meteorite craters in the world. It features a visitor centre with educational displays and a widescreen theatre. 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 metres) wide and 550 feet (168 metres) deep.

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

Shop for mineral specimens in the visitor centre’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 centre 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 accommodation, 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 centre 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

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Primm Valley Resort & Casino

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2.5 out of 5
per person
5 Nov - 11 Nov
found 1 hour ago
Return direct flight included
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5.2/10 (1,219 reviews)
Great place to stay for a day. Clean and friendly staff. But you can tell this place is on the way out. My only complaint is in "The Diner". Your staff needs better training and support. Waited in line to pay for 15 minutes and i was 3rd.

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

Golden Gate Hotel and Casino

Golden Gate Hotel and Casino

2.5 out of 5
Downtown Las Vegas
per person
5 Nov - 11 Nov
found 1 hour ago
Return direct flight included
London (LHR) to Las Vegas (LAS)
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Very comfortable atmosphere and the room was small but cozy!!

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

Lake Mead Inn

Lake Mead Inn

2.5 out of 5
per person
5 Nov - 11 Nov
found 1 hour ago
Return direct flight included
London (LHR) to Las Vegas (LAS)
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
The beds are not too squishy. Nearby lake mead recreation area,willow creek beach, bighorn sheep frequent the park accross the street, supermarket and little restaurants nearby. No nasty ciggarette smell. The building is a little quirky but the owner has been remodeling and everytime we visit improvements are made. Prefer to stay here due to the comfort and the location.

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

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Things to do near Meteor Crater

When visiting Meteor Crater, a day trip is highly recommended to fully appreciate its grandeur. Opt for guided tours that provide insightful information about its geology and history. For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are several hiking trails around the crater, offering stunning views and opportunities to explore the unique landscape. Don't miss the chance to learn about this remarkable site while soaking in the natural beauty of Arizona.

Shopping

The nearest shopping option is North Park Plaza Shopping Center, located 11.2km away. This lively centre offers a mix of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, explore local boutiques and markets in Flagstaff, where you can find unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

McHood Park offers a tranquil retreat 13.7km from Meteor Crater, where you can unwind amidst nature. Enjoy peaceful walking trails, picnic spots, and the soothing sounds of the surrounding landscape, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation during your visit.

Adventure

Explore the Meteor Crater Visitor Centre for fascinating exhibits and an immersive film about the crater's formation. For the adventurous, the guided rim tour offers stunning views and insights into the impact event, while hiking trails around the crater provide a unique perspective on this natural wonder.

Nightlife

In Meteor Crater, the nightlife is quite limited, but nearby Winslow offers charming local pubs like the Standin' on a Corner Park and lively bars for live music. Flagstaff, a short drive away, boasts vibrant nightlife with breweries and eateries perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Find the best attractions near Meteor Crater

When visiting Meteor Crater, you'll find a range of attractions that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Explore the nearby Meteor Crater itself, along with urban parks and stunning waterfalls. Don't miss the chance to experience the natural beauty of state parks in the area, providing an enriching cultural experience as you discover the wonders surrounding this remarkable site.

  • Standin' on the Corner Park: This charming urban park pays homage to the song Take It Easy by the Eagles. Nestled in Winslow, it features a statue of a guitar-playing man and vibrant murals, making it perfect for family photos and a relaxing outdoor break.
  • Lorenzo Hubbell Trading Post: A historic trading post turned museum, it showcases Native American art and culture. Explore exhibits that highlight the rich heritage of the region, making it an enriching experience for those interested in local history.
  • Old Trails Museum: Dive into the area's fascinating past at this history museum, which features exhibits on the Native American tribes, early settlers, and Route 66. It’s a cultural gem that offers insights into the unique stories of Winslow.

Best time to go to Meteor Crater

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 average 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 (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
April49.1°F (9.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
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 SunnyAverageSlightly High
August69.6°F (20.9°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High
September64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
October52.7°F (11.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
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 trip to Meteor Crater, consider visiting in January, February, or November when accommodation prices are lower. Book your stay for a Tuesday to take advantage of cheaper rates, avoiding the pricier Saturdays. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and find the best hotel deals, and consider package options to bundle flights and activities for additional savings. Look out for specific discounts for Arizona hotels and Meteor Crater vacation deals to maximise your budget while enjoying this unique attraction.

  • 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 April to May and July, 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel that suits you best. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Meteor Crater with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.