How to Hike Meteor Crater from Phoenix

Many adventurers and nature enthusiasts based in Phoenix dream of visiting one of the best-preserved meteorite impact sites on Earth—Meteor Crater, also known as Barringer Crater. Located approximately 40 miles east of Winslow and 120 miles northeast of Phoenix, this natural wonder offers a breathtaking glimpse into the power of cosmic forces. While it’s not a traditional hiking destination with marked trails winding through forests or mountains, the experience of hiking around Meteor Crater is a unique blend of geology, history, and outdoor exploration. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan, prepare for, and execute a successful day trip from Phoenix to Meteor Crater, including how to navigate the terrain, what to bring, and how to maximize your experience safely and responsibly.

Unlike typical hikes, the “hike” at Meteor Crater refers to walking the rim trail—a paved, accessible path that encircles the edge of the crater, offering panoramic views and interpretive signage. For those seeking a more immersive experience, nearby backcountry trails and off-trail exploration options provide opportunities to extend your journey. Whether you’re a casual visitor or a serious geology enthusiast, understanding the logistics, terrain, and environmental context is essential. This guide transforms a simple day trip into a meaningful, educational, and unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Plan Your Route from Phoenix to Meteor Crater

Start by mapping your journey. The most efficient route from Phoenix to Meteor Crater is via I-17 north to I-40 east. From downtown Phoenix, take I-17 north for approximately 110 miles to Exit 217 near Flagstaff. Then, merge onto I-40 East and continue for about 40 miles until you reach Exit 233, which leads to Meteor Crater Road (also known as State Route 66). The total distance is roughly 120–130 miles, depending on your starting point in the Phoenix metro area.

Travel time is approximately 2 hours without traffic or stops. However, plan for a 2.5-hour drive to account for rest breaks, fuel, and potential delays. Leave Phoenix by 6:00 a.m. to arrive at the crater by 8:30 a.m., allowing ample daylight for exploration. Early morning departures also help you avoid the intense afternoon heat, especially critical during summer months.

Step 2: Purchase Tickets and Check Opening Hours

Meteor Crater is privately owned and operated by the Meteor Crater Enterprises, and admission is required to access the visitor center and rim trail. Tickets can be purchased online in advance at meteorcrater.com or at the on-site ticket booth. Online booking is strongly recommended, especially during peak seasons (March–October), to guarantee entry and reduce wait times.

Standard admission includes access to the rim trail, visitor center exhibits, the film theater, and the interactive displays. As of 2024, adult tickets are $22, youth (ages 6–17) are $12, and children under 5 enter free. Seniors and military personnel receive discounted rates. Group rates are available for parties of 15 or more.

Opening hours vary seasonally. From April to October, the site is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In winter months (November–March), hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Always verify current hours on the official website before departure, as weather or special events may alter schedules.

Step 3: Prepare Your Gear for the Rim Hike

The rim trail is a 1.1-mile loop, mostly paved and wheelchair accessible, but conditions can vary. Even though the trail is well-maintained, you must be prepared for desert conditions. Essential gear includes:

• Sturdy walking shoes – While the path is paved, loose gravel and uneven surfaces near viewing platforms require supportive footwear.
• Hydration system – Carry at least 1 liter of water per person. The desert air is extremely dry, and dehydration can occur rapidly, even in cooler months.
• Wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses – The sun is intense at this elevation (over 5,500 feet). There is minimal shade along the trail.
• High-SPF sunscreen – Apply liberally before departure and reapply every two hours.
• Lightweight, breathable clothing – Long sleeves and pants made of moisture-wicking fabric offer sun protection without overheating.
• Small backpack – To carry water, snacks, camera, and personal items.
• Portable phone charger – Cell service is limited at the crater. Download offline maps and save the site’s GPS coordinates.

Do not rely on vending machines or concessions for hydration. The on-site café offers drinks and snacks, but prices are higher than average. Bring your own food and water to ensure you stay adequately fueled.

Step 4: Begin Your Rim Trail Hike

Once inside the visitor center, pick up a free trail map and interpretive brochure. The rim trail begins at the main observation platform. The path is clearly marked with signage and runs clockwise and counterclockwise around the crater’s edge. The trail is flat and mostly paved, making it suitable for all fitness levels, including families with children and seniors.

As you walk, pause at each of the nine designated viewing platforms. Each offers a different perspective of the crater’s interior and includes educational panels explaining the science behind the impact event. The crater is 570 feet deep and 3,900 feet wide—larger than the diameter of many city blocks. The scale is difficult to grasp until you stand on the rim and see the sheer drop into the basin below.

Take your time. Spend at least 45–60 minutes on the trail. Use the binoculars provided at each platform to examine the exposed rock layers and the scattered fragments of meteoritic material embedded in the surrounding desert. Look for the distinctive breccia—rock formed from shattered fragments fused together by the immense heat and pressure of the impact.

Step 5: Explore the Visitor Center and Exhibits

After completing the rim trail, head inside the visitor center. The exhibits are among the most comprehensive on meteorite science in the world. Highlights include:

• A full-scale replica of the 150,000-year-old iron meteorite that created the crater—weighing over 30 tons.
• Interactive touchscreens demonstrating the physics of hypervelocity impacts.
• Real meteorite fragments you can touch, including pieces of the original impactor.
• A 15-minute immersive film shown in the theater, narrated by astronauts and scientists, detailing the discovery and research history of the crater.

Allow 30–45 minutes for the exhibits. The center is air-conditioned and provides a welcome respite from the desert sun. Don’t miss the gift shop, which offers authentic meteorite specimens for sale (certified and legally sourced) and educational books for all ages.

Step 6: Extend Your Adventure with Off-Rim Exploration

For experienced hikers and geology enthusiasts, the rim trail is just the beginning. Beyond the fenced perimeter, the surrounding desert offers opportunities for off-trail exploration—but only if done responsibly and legally.

Adjacent to the crater property, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages public land where you can hike, explore, and photograph the surrounding landscape. Popular nearby routes include:

• Coconino National Forest Trails – Located 20 miles west near Winslow, these trails offer higher elevation hikes through ponderosa pine forests.
• Route 66 Historic Corridor – Walk the old alignment of Route 66 near the crater’s entrance for a blend of Americana and desert scenery.
• Desert Botanical Hike – A self-guided 0.5-mile loop near the parking lot showcases native flora like saguaros, creosote bushes, and brittlebush. A free brochure is available at the visitor center.

Important: Do not enter restricted areas. The crater’s interior is off-limits to the public for safety and preservation reasons. Climbing down into the crater is strictly prohibited and can result in fines or legal action. The walls are unstable, and the terrain is hazardous.

Step 7: Plan Your Return to Phoenix

After your visit, plan your return with the same care as your departure. Refuel your vehicle in Winslow, as gas stations are scarce between the crater and Phoenix. The last major service station is at the I-40 exit near Meteor Crater Road.

Consider stopping at the historic Pueblo Grande Museum in Phoenix on your way back if you have extra time. It offers insight into the Hohokam culture, which inhabited the region over 1,000 years ago—providing cultural context to the landscape you’ve just explored.

Best Practices

Timing and Seasonal Considerations

The best time to hike Meteor Crater from Phoenix is during spring (March–May) and fall (September–October). Temperatures during these months range from 60°F to 80°F, making for ideal outdoor conditions. Summer (June–August) brings extreme heat, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F. If you visit during summer, start your hike before sunrise and carry extra water.

Winter visits (November–February) are quiet and cool, with temperatures averaging 40°F–60°F. Snow is rare at the crater’s elevation, but frost can occur in the early morning. Dress in layers and be prepared for sudden wind gusts that can make the rim feel colder than the thermometer suggests.

Respect the Environment and Cultural Heritage

Meteor Crater is not just a geological marvel—it’s a sacred site to some Native American tribes, including the Hopi and Navajo, who consider it a place of spiritual significance. Even though it is not a federally designated sacred site, visitors should treat the area with reverence. Do not litter, carve into rocks, or remove any natural or man-made objects. Leave only footprints.

Stay on designated paths. The surrounding desert ecosystem is fragile. Disturbing the soil or vegetation can take decades to recover. Avoid stepping on cryptobiotic soil crusts—those dark, mottled patches on the ground. These living organisms are critical to desert soil health and are easily damaged by human traffic.

Photography and Drone Use

Photography is encouraged and the crater offers some of the most dramatic landscape shots in Arizona. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full scale of the impact basin. Tripods are allowed on the rim trail.

Drone use is strictly prohibited without written permission from Meteor Crater Enterprises. Unauthorized drone flights violate FAA regulations and the site’s private property rights. Violators risk fines and confiscation of equipment.

Group Management and Safety

If hiking with children or a group, establish clear boundaries before starting the trail. The crater’s edge is not fenced in every section, and the drop is steep. Keep children close and never allow them to run along the rim. Designate a meeting point in case anyone becomes separated.

Carry a whistle and a fully charged phone. While cell service is unreliable, emergency calls may still go through near the visitor center. Consider downloading the free AllTrails app for offline maps of the area.

Hydration and Heat Management

Dehydration is the most common health risk at Meteor Crater. Even in cooler months, the dry air accelerates fluid loss. Drink water before you feel thirsty. A general rule: consume 0.5 liters of water per hour of activity in desert environments.

Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, nausea, headache, and excessive sweating. If you or someone in your group shows these symptoms, move to shade immediately, drink water, and cool the skin with wet cloths. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

Wildlife Awareness

The area around Meteor Crater is home to desert wildlife, including coyotes, rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, and various lizards. Most animals are shy and avoid humans. Give them space. Never feed wildlife. If you encounter a snake, remain calm and slowly back away. Most bites occur when people attempt to handle or provoke animals.

Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, even in warm weather. Snakes often sun themselves on rocks or trails in the morning. Use a hiking pole to tap the ground ahead of you if walking off-trail.

Tools and Resources

Essential Digital Tools

• Google Maps / Apple Maps – Download offline maps of the route from Phoenix to Meteor Crater. Search for “Meteor Crater Visitor Center” for precise GPS coordinates: 35.0328° N, 110.9756° W.
• Weather.com or National Weather Service – Check the forecast for Winslow, AZ, which is the closest reliable weather station. Wind speed and UV index are critical for planning.
• USGS Topographic Maps – Access free topo maps of the crater and surrounding area at usgs.gov. The “Meteor Crater, AZ” quadrangle (1:24,000 scale) shows elevation contours and geological features.
• Earthquake Hazards Program – USGS – Learn about the seismic data collected from the crater’s formation. The site includes animations of the impact event.
• Arizona Geological Survey – Offers downloadable educational materials on the crater’s geology, including scientific papers and field guides.

Printed Resources

• “Meteor Crater: A Visitor’s Guide” – Available at the visitor center or online. Includes trail maps, impact science summaries, and historical timelines.
• “The Meteor Crater Story” by Daniel Barringer – A foundational text detailing the early scientific debates and discovery of the crater’s extraterrestrial origin.
• “Desert Hiking Handbook” by Arizona Highways – Contains tips on desert safety, flora and fauna, and regional trail systems.

Mobile Apps

• AllTrails – Offers user reviews and photos of the rim trail and nearby backcountry routes.
• Star Walk 2 – Use this app at night to identify constellations visible from the crater. The lack of light pollution makes it one of the best stargazing locations in northern Arizona.
• iNaturalist – Record and identify desert plants and animals you encounter. Your observations contribute to citizen science projects.

Recommended Reading

• “Impact Craters: A Guide to the Solar System’s Most Dramatic Features” by David A. Kring – A comprehensive scientific overview of crater formation across planets.
• “The Day the Earth Was Struck” by David H. Levy – A narrative account of the meteorite impact and its implications for planetary science.
• “Desert Solitaire” by Edward Abbey – A classic memoir of solitude and landscape in the American Southwest. Offers philosophical context for the awe-inspiring nature of the desert.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Geology Student’s Journey

Emily, a geology major from Arizona State University, visited Meteor Crater as part of a field course. She arrived at 7:00 a.m. with her professor and classmates. After walking the rim trail, she collected soil samples (legally permitted with a permit from the site) and documented rock layering using a field notebook and compass. She later used her observations to write a research paper on impact breccia formation. Emily emphasized the importance of bringing a hand lens and a field guide to mineral identification.

Example 2: The Family Day Trip

The Rodriguez family from Mesa brought their two children, ages 8 and 11, for a weekend outing. They packed sandwiches, juice boxes, and a scavenger hunt list created from the visitor center brochure. The kids loved the interactive exhibits and the chance to touch real meteorite fragments. They spent extra time at the gift shop choosing souvenirs and later created a scrapbook of their visit. The family returned home with a deeper appreciation for space science and desert ecology.

Example 3: The Solo Adventurer

Mark, a photographer from Tempe, visited Meteor Crater at sunrise in late October. He arrived before the gates opened and waited outside the entrance until 8:00 a.m. He captured the crater in golden hour light, with long shadows revealing the crater’s texture. He hiked the rim trail twice—once clockwise, once counterclockwise—to find the best angles. He used a drone (legally) from a nearby BLM area, capturing aerial shots that were later featured in a national photography magazine. Mark’s advice: “Bring patience. The best shots come when the light is perfect—and that only happens once a day.”

Example 4: The Educational Tour Group

A homeschooling co-op from Gilbert organized a field trip for 20 students and parents. They booked a guided tour in advance and received a custom curriculum packet from the visitor center. Students participated in a hands-on meteorite impact simulation using marbles and flour. Afterward, they wrote reflective essays on what the crater taught them about Earth’s vulnerability to cosmic events. The group later presented their findings at a local science fair, winning first place in the Earth Science category.

FAQs

Is it possible to hike down into Meteor Crater?

No. Hiking or climbing down into Meteor Crater is strictly prohibited. The walls are unstable, composed of fractured rock and loose debris. The descent is extremely dangerous, and the interior is off-limits to protect both visitors and the scientific integrity of the site.

How long does it take to hike the rim trail?

The 1.1-mile rim trail loop typically takes 45 to 60 minutes at a leisurely pace. This includes time spent at viewing platforms, reading interpretive signs, and taking photos. Faster walkers may complete it in 30 minutes, but we recommend taking your time to fully absorb the experience.

Are pets allowed at Meteor Crater?

Pets are allowed on the rim trail and in outdoor areas but must be kept on a leash at all times. They are not permitted inside the visitor center or museum exhibits. Bring water for your pet and clean up after them. The desert heat can be dangerous for animals—never leave pets unattended in vehicles.

Can I collect rocks or meteorite fragments?

It is illegal to remove any rocks, soil, or fragments from the Meteor Crater property. All natural materials are protected under state and federal law. The site is a registered National Natural Landmark. Collecting is permitted only on adjacent BLM land, but even then, you must follow BLM regulations and avoid protected areas.

Is the trail accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?

Yes. The rim trail is paved and fully ADA-compliant. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms, viewing platforms, and parking are available. The visitor center is also fully accessible. Electric scooters are available for rent on-site for an additional fee.

What’s the best time of day to visit?

Early morning (8:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.) is ideal. The light is soft, temperatures are cooler, and crowds are minimal. Sunset (5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.) also offers stunning lighting but may be crowded. Avoid midday (11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.) during summer due to extreme heat.

Is there cell service at Meteor Crater?

Cell service is extremely limited. Verizon may have sporadic coverage near the visitor center. AT&T and T-Mobile signals are often unavailable. Download all necessary maps, guides, and emergency contacts before arriving.

Can I camp near Meteor Crater?

No camping is permitted on the crater’s property. However, there are several nearby public campgrounds managed by the BLM and Coconino National Forest. Popular options include the Winslow KOA, Little Colorado River Campground, and the Petrified Forest National Park nearby. Plan ahead—sites fill quickly on weekends.

How was Meteor Crater formed?

Approximately 50,000 years ago, a nickel-iron meteorite about 150 feet wide and weighing 300,000 tons struck the Earth at a speed of 26,000 miles per hour. The impact released energy equivalent to 10 megatons of TNT, excavating 175 million tons of rock and forming the crater. The meteorite vaporized on impact, leaving behind only small fragments scattered across the surrounding desert.

Why is Meteor Crater important to science?

Meteor Crater is one of the first sites where scientists proved that craters on Earth could be caused by meteorite impacts—not volcanic activity. Its exceptional preservation allowed researchers to study impact dynamics, shock metamorphism, and ejecta patterns. It remains a critical analog for understanding craters on the Moon, Mars, and other planetary bodies.

Conclusion

Hiking Meteor Crater from Phoenix is more than a day trip—it’s a journey through time, space, and the raw power of nature. Unlike conventional hikes that focus on elevation gain or scenic vistas, this experience challenges you to contemplate the forces that shaped our planet long before humans walked the Earth. The rim trail may be short, but its impact is profound.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—from planning your route and packing the right gear to respecting the environment and engaging with the science—you transform a simple visit into a meaningful adventure. Whether you’re a student, a photographer, a parent, or a solo explorer, Meteor Crater offers something unforgettable.

Remember: this is not just a landmark. It’s a reminder of our place in the cosmos. The meteorite that created this crater came from deep space, traveling through the void for millions of years before colliding with our world. Standing on the rim, you’re not just looking at a hole in the ground—you’re witnessing the intersection of Earth and the universe.

So lace up your boots, fill your water bottle, and set out from Phoenix with curiosity and respect. The crater is waiting.