Arizona’s Meteor Crater Preserves an Awe-Inspiring Cosmic Collision

Fifty thousand years in the making, Meteor Crater is one of Arizona’s most captivating natural wonders. Created by a meteorite that crashed and landed in the Arizona desert during the Pleistocene epoch, the impact site was later discovered by settlers passing through the area in the early 19th century, and eventually, the land was bought by the Barringer family, who still own it today. Barringer hoped to find iron deposits left behind by the meteorite, but unfortunately for him, when it struck, it was vaporized with the force of a 10-megaton nuclear bomb. The only thing left was the enormous crater.

The financial gamble Barringer took buying the property turned out to be ruinous, but all these years later, the site has become something far more spectacular than the mine he had envisioned. Scientists have flocked there for decades to study the effects of meteors on our geology, and NASA astronauts have used it as a training site in preparation for moon landings. Over a quarter of a million fascinated tourists arrive each year to look out in awe over the incredible bowl-shaped site, large enough to hold twenty football fields and millions of spectators along its sloping side walls.

In addition to the crater itself, the visitor center — now called the Barringer Space Museum and Meteor Crater Discovery Center — has developed over the years from a small booth to a veritable institution, featuring multimedia installations, films, and even a simulator that allows guests to experience firsthand the force and ferocity of the meteor’s impact.

Stay close to this amazing attraction by booking a site in Meteor Crater RV Park (see below).

Cosmic Wonders

Included in entry to the site is a rim tour that features stunning views and lookout areas, as well as a 45-minute hike with an expert guide. Due to erosion, visitors are no longer allowed to hike the area themselves, including down to the crater floor, but between the tour and the paved viewpoints, the best vistas are still easily accessible. Just make sure to bring some extra water, as there’s little shade to be found under the white hot Arizona sun.

Surrounding Sights

Despite the remoteness of Meteor Crater itself, the surrounding area has some must-see attractions that make a visit all the more worthwhile. Just 18 miles to the east, Winslow, Arizona, awaits, with small-town charm and outsized cultural significance. If the name sounds familiar, you might have listened to a classic rock radio station for more than five minutes sometime in the last fifty years — “Standin’ on a Corner in Winslow, Arizona” are famous lyrics from the Eagles’ megahit Take It Easy. The town has wrapped its arms around its rock and roll legacy with a lifelike sculpture on the corner, as well as a dedication to art in general, including murals, museums, and galleries that highlight Southwestern and Native American artists. Toss in a few cozy boutiques and cafes, and it’s well worth a layover on your way to or from the crater.

Nearby, other natural wonders like the fifteen-hundred square mile Painted Desert await. This sprawling landscape – more a nod to the region’s otherworldly geologic coloration, rather than a specific park – boasts prehistoric ruins and petroglyphs, as well as incredible vistas that have been captivating painters and photographers for ages. The Petrified Forest National Park, which is inside the Painted Desert region, is another must-see with incredible fossils, hiking trails, and a scenic 28-mile driving tour that makes it easy to explore the backcountry. For a final excursion, be sure to check out Homolovi State Park, just a few miles north of downtown Winslow. As the epicenter of research and engagement on the Hopi Native American culture, the park features trails, petroglyphs, ancient Hopi structures, and an on-site museum, as well as the chance to observe high country wildlife in their natural element. Keep an eye out for elk, porcupines, prairie dogs, and more while you explore.

Birthday Bash

Cutting a course right through downtown Winslow, historic Route 66 is the ideal way to travel between Meteor Crater and the attractions that surround it. As it turns out, it’s also a great way to celebrate one of America’s most iconic institutions. Route 66 is turning one hundred years old in 2026, and festivities are happening all year long. Winslow’s centennial celebrations are still being finalized, but you can expect them to feature art and music events, as well as living history exhibitions that delve into Winslow’s past as a prospecting and railroad hub. The other states along Route 66’s sprawling 2,500 miles are also planning events, including classic car parades, motorcycle rides, concerts, and more, making next year the best time imaginable to get your kicks on America’s Mother Road. A popular attraction in town is the La Posada Hotel, which dates back to the town’s heyday as a major railroad hub and showcases distinctive Southwest architecture and interior design.

Ready to Camp? Land at Meteor Crater RV Park

Just outside Winslow, Arizona, near the iconic Meteor Crater, Meteor Crater RV Park offers a peaceful retreat under expansive, star-filled skies. Surrounded by towering pines and wide-open landscapes, the park is conveniently located just off Interstate 40 at Exit 233, along historic Route 66.

Campers can choose from 71 spacious pull-thru RV sites, along with tent and dry camping options. The park features full hookups, gated entry, private restrooms with hot showers, laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, and ADA-accessible amenities. Families and four-legged travelers will appreciate the kids’ playground and dog park, while an on-site Mobil gas station and country store make resupplying easy.
Open year-round, Meteor Crater RV Park is an ideal stop for both overnight stays and extended visits. From your campsite, take in sweeping views—including Humphreys Peak rising on the western horizon—and enjoy some of the Southwest’s most brilliant night skies. It’s a welcoming home base for exploring Route 66, northern Arizona, and the natural wonders nearby.