Meteor Crater Tours

Meteor Crater which includes desert views and tranquil scenes
Meteor Crater showing desert views and tranquil scenes
Meteor Crater featuring desert views and tranquil scenes
Meteor Crater showing tranquil scenes, landscape views and desert 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 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

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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
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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
The Winslow – Winslow, AZ

The Winslow – Winslow, AZ

3 out of 5
2206 N Park Dr, Winslow, AZ
The Winslow – Winslow, AZ
Motel 6 Winslow, AZ

Motel 6 Winslow, AZ

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

Meteor Crater offers a fascinating trip experience with its informative visitor center and guided tours showcasing the impact site's history and geology. While camping isn't permitted directly at the crater, nearby options can be found in the scenic Coconino National Forest and other campgrounds in the Flagstaff area, allowing for a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and exploration of this extraordinary natural landmark.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, North Park Plaza Shopping Center is located 18 miles away from Meteor Crater. This shopping destination offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a mix of entertainment, business, and city vibes, making it a great spot to pick up gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

At McHood Park, located 22 miles from Meteor Crater, you can enjoy serene nature trails and picnic areas that promote relaxation and wellness. Engage in outdoor yoga classes, take leisurely walks, or simply unwind amidst the beautiful landscapes, making it an ideal spot for rejuvenation and recreation.

Find the best attractions near Meteor Crater

Exploring the Meteor Crater area offers a blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences perfect for families. Visitors can enjoy urban parks, picturesque waterfalls, and the stunning scenery of national and state parks. Don't miss the iconic Meteor Crater itself, a must-see landmark that showcases the area's geological history while providing ample opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.

  • Standin' on the Corner Park: This charming urban park, located 18 miles from Meteor Crater, celebrates the spirit of Route 66. Enjoy the vibrant outdoor space, complete with a statue of a musician and murals that pay homage to the iconic song "Take It Easy." It's a perfect spot for family photos and soaking up the lively city vibes.
  • Lorenzo Hubbell Trading Post: Situated 18 miles away, this museum offers a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of the Southwest. Explore exhibits showcasing Native American art and history, and discover the legacy of Lorenzo Hubbell, a prominent trader in the area.
  • Old Trails Museum: Also 18 miles from Meteor Crater, this history museum highlights the fascinating history of Winslow and the surrounding region. Enjoy engaging exhibits that offer insights into the area's past, including the impact of the railroad and Native American cultures.

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 RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
April49.1°F (9.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
May56.8°F (13.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly 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 trip to Meteor Crater, plan your visit between January to February or November when prices are lower. Opt for a stay on a Monday for the best rates, avoiding Saturdays which are more expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to filter for budget-friendly accommodations, and consider booking a package deal that includes flights and activities for extra savings. Joining the One Key membership can also snag you exclusive discounts and cash back on future bookings. Look for eco-certified hotels to combine savings with sustainability.

  • 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 Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Meteor Crater is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotel options that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Meteor Crater with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.