Geology

Meteor Crater

Coconino County, AZ

Coordinate verified

Best-preserved simple impact crater on Earth—about 1.2 km across and 170 m deep—formed ~50,000 years ago by a nickel-iron meteorite on the Colorado Plateau. Privately operated Barringer Crater visitor center on the north rim offers overlooks, exhibits, and guided rim walks; the site is a National Natural Landmark used for Apollo astronaut training.

Field facts

RegionCoconino County, AZ
Coordinates35.0281, -111.0232
AccessPaved spur south of I-40 between Flagstaff and Winslow; admission fee
OperatorBarringer Crater Company (private) / National Natural Landmark
Age~50,000 years (Pleistocene impact)
Size~1,200 m diameter, ~170 m deep

Nearby locations

Map preview

Explore the area

The interactive map and its tiles load only when requested.

Plan ahead. Leave no trace. Verify current access before traveling.