Winslow Meteor Crater | Winslow

Information

Landmark: Winslow Meteor Crater
City: Winslow
Country: USA Arizona
Continent: North America

Winslow Meteor Crater, Winslow, USA Arizona, North America

Winslow Meteor Crater is a well-preserved impact crater located in the Arizona desert, approximately 56 kilometers (35 miles) east of Flagstaff, Arizona.

Visual Characteristics

The crater is a circular depression measuring approximately 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) in diameter and 170 meters (570 feet) deep. Its rim rises about 45 meters (150 feet) above the surrounding plain. The exposed rock layers of the crater walls display distinct horizontal striations. The crater floor is composed of impact breccia and fragmented meteoritic iron.

Location & Access Logistics

The crater is accessible via Interstate 40, taking Exit 233 for Meteor Crater Road. The turnoff is approximately 35 miles east of Flagstaff and 18 miles west of Winslow. Meteor Crater Road is a paved, 4-mile (6.4 km) access road leading directly to the visitor center. Ample paved parking is available at the visitor center. No public transport directly serves the crater.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The crater was formed approximately 50,000 years ago when a large iron meteorite, estimated to be 50 meters (165 feet) in diameter, impacted the Earth at high velocity. The impact event created the massive depression and scattered meteoritic fragments across the landscape. The surrounding environment is arid desert scrubland.

Key Highlights & Activities

Observation decks are situated on the crater rim, providing direct views into the impact site. Guided rim tours are offered daily, detailing the impact event and geological features. An indoor exhibit area within the visitor center displays meteoritic fragments and information about the crater's formation and scientific study. Self-guided exploration of the paved rim trail is permitted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

A modern visitor center is present, containing restrooms, a gift shop, and a small museum. Shaded viewing areas are available on the observation decks. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available at the visitor center and along the rim. Food vendors are not present at the crater; visitors should bring their own provisions or plan to eat in nearby Winslow or Flagstaff.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting and temperature, early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended. Summer months (June-August) can experience high temperatures, with daytime highs often exceeding 32°C (90°F). Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) offer more moderate temperatures. No tide considerations apply.

Facts & Legends

The crater was once privately owned by the Barringer family, who conducted extensive mining operations in an attempt to extract iron from the meteorite. Their efforts, though unsuccessful in recovering significant quantities of iron, contributed greatly to the scientific understanding of impact craters. A unique tip for visitors is to look for small, dark, metallic fragments scattered on the ground in the vicinity of the crater, which are actual pieces of the impacting meteorite.