How to Hike Meteor Crater Rim

Located in northern Arizona, Meteor Crater — also known as Barringer Crater — is one of the best-preserved meteorite impact sites on Earth. Formed approximately 50,000 years ago by the collision of a nickel-iron meteorite, this colossal depression spans nearly a mile in diameter and plunges 570 feet deep. While the crater itself is a geological marvel, the true immersive experience lies in hiking its rim. Hiking Meteor Crater Rim offers more than just scenic views; it provides a profound connection to Earth’s cosmic history, geology, and the raw power of natural forces. This guide delivers a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough for safely and meaningfully exploring the crater’s edge, whether you're a seasoned hiker, a geology enthusiast, or a curious traveler seeking an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Unlike many national parks, Meteor Crater is privately owned and meticulously managed by the Meteor Crater Enterprises team, ensuring accessibility without compromising preservation. The rim trail is not a rugged backcountry trek, but a carefully maintained path that balances visitor safety with educational value. Understanding how to hike Meteor Crater Rim isn’t just about following a trail — it’s about preparing for the environment, respecting the site’s scientific significance, and maximizing your sensory and intellectual engagement with one of nature’s most dramatic landmarks.

This guide is designed to be your complete resource — from logistical planning and trail navigation to interpreting geological features and capturing the moment responsibly. Whether you’re visiting during peak summer heat or a crisp autumn morning, these insights will help you transform a simple walk into a memorable, informed, and safe journey along the edge of a celestial collision.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Plan Your Visit in Advance

Before setting foot on the rim trail, research and planning are essential. Meteor Crater is located about 37 miles east of Flagstaff and 45 miles west of Winslow, off Interstate 40. The site is open daily, but hours vary seasonally — typically from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM in summer and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in winter. Check the official website for real-time updates on closures due to weather or special events.

Reservations are not required for general admission, but purchasing tickets online in advance can save time at the entrance. There are multiple ticket tiers: basic admission includes access to the rim trail, visitor center exhibits, and a short film. Premium packages offer guided tours and access to the Meteorite Museum. For hikers, the basic ticket is sufficient — the rim trail is self-guided and freely accessible to all ticket holders.

Consider the time of year. Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the most comfortable temperatures, averaging 60–80°F. Summer months can exceed 100°F with minimal shade, while winter may bring snow, ice, or strong winds. Avoid midday hikes in summer; plan for early morning or late afternoon to reduce heat exposure.

2. Prepare Your Gear

While the rim trail is relatively flat and well-maintained, proper gear enhances safety and comfort. Here’s what to pack:

• Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots — The trail surface is compacted gravel and dirt, with occasional loose rock. Avoid sandals or flip-flops.
• Hydration system — Carry at least one liter of water per person. The desert environment dehydrates quickly, even on overcast days.
• Wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses — Sun exposure is intense at this elevation (over 6,000 feet).
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+) — Apply liberally before starting, and reapply every two hours.
• Lightweight, breathable clothing — Wear moisture-wicking fabrics. Layers are recommended for temperature shifts.
• Small backpack — To carry water, snacks, camera, and emergency items.
• Power bank — For phone navigation and emergency use.
• Binoculars — Optional but highly recommended to observe distant geological details and wildlife.

Do not bring drones, bicycles, or pets on the rim trail. These are prohibited to preserve the site’s integrity and ensure visitor safety.

3. Enter the Visitor Center

Upon arrival, park in the designated lot and proceed to the visitor center. This is not just a ticket booth — it’s the gateway to understanding what you’re about to experience. Spend 15–20 minutes exploring the exhibits. Interactive displays explain the meteorite’s composition, the science of hypervelocity impacts, and how scientists determined the crater’s origin. Watch the 15-minute documentary film in the theater; it provides context that transforms your hike from a visual tour into an educational journey.

Take a moment to study the large-scale topographic map of the crater on the wall. Note the trail markers and the location of the three primary viewing platforms: North Rim View, East Rim View, and the main South Rim Trailhead. The South Rim is the most popular starting point and offers the most comprehensive panoramic view.

4. Begin Your Hike at the South Rim Trailhead

Exit the visitor center and follow the clearly marked signs to the South Rim Trailhead. The trail begins at a paved platform with informational panels and a metal railing. This is where most visitors take their first photographs. Take a deep breath — you’re standing on the edge of one of the most significant geological events in Earth’s recent history.

The trail is a 1.1-mile loop that encircles the crater’s southern and eastern edges. It is mostly level, with gentle elevation changes and well-graded surfaces. The path is wide enough for two people to walk side-by-side and is ADA-accessible in sections, though some parts have gravel and slight inclines.

Start walking counterclockwise. This direction aligns with the natural flow of visitor traffic and ensures you’ll encounter the most dramatic viewpoints in sequence. The first 0.3 miles offer gradual exposure to the crater’s depth. As you walk, pause at the interpretive signs. Each one highlights a different aspect: the meteorite’s estimated size (about 50 meters wide), its speed (roughly 26,000 mph), and the energy released (equivalent to 2.5 megatons of TNT).

5. Observe Geological Features Along the Trail

As you continue, look closely at the exposed rock layers along the rim. These are the uplifted strata of the Coconino Sandstone and Hermit Shale, thrown upward by the force of impact. The crater’s rim is not a smooth edge — it’s a jagged, fractured ring of broken bedrock. Notice the color contrast: the lighter, sandstone layers versus the darker, more compacted shale beneath.

At the 0.6-mile mark, you’ll reach the East Rim Overlook. This is the most dramatic viewpoint. From here, you can see the entire crater bowl — its terraced walls, the central uplift, and the faint remnants of the meteorite’s impact melt zone. The scale is hard to grasp from ground level. Use your binoculars to spot small rock fragments scattered near the base — these are impact breccia, a mixture of shattered rock and melted material that solidified after the collision.

Continue along the trail. The next 0.3 miles follow the eastern curve of the rim, offering shaded sections under scattered juniper trees. This is a good spot to rest, hydrate, and reflect. The silence here is profound. Unlike urban parks, there are no distant traffic sounds — just wind, the occasional birdcall, and the weight of geological time.

6. Return to the Visitor Center

After completing the loop, you’ll re-enter the area near the South Rim Trailhead. You can now choose to revisit any viewing platform or explore the museum’s meteorite collection. Don’t miss the 1,400-pound fragment of the original meteorite on display — it’s the largest ever recovered from the site.

Before leaving, use the restroom facilities (available near the gift shop) and dispose of any waste properly. Leave no trace — even small items like tissue or wrappers can disrupt the fragile desert ecosystem.

7. Extend Your Experience (Optional)

If you have extra time and energy, consider visiting the nearby Little Meteor Crater, a smaller, less-known impact site located about 10 miles east. It’s unmarked and requires a short off-road hike, but it’s a hidden gem for those seeking solitude and deeper geological context.

Alternatively, drive to the Wupatki National Monument (30 minutes away) to explore ancient Puebloan ruins built atop volcanic rock — a reminder that humans have lived alongside this landscape for millennia.

Best Practices

Respect the Site’s Scientific Integrity

Meteor Crater is not just a tourist attraction — it’s an active research site. Scientists from NASA, universities, and geological surveys regularly study the crater to better understand planetary impacts on Mars, the Moon, and other celestial bodies. Never step off the designated trail. Even a single footprint can disturb sediment layers that hold critical data. Do not collect rocks, dust, or fragments — it’s illegal and undermines decades of research.

Practice Leave No Trace Principles

Follow the seven Leave No Trace principles:

1. Plan ahead and prepare.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
3. Dispose of waste properly.
4. Leave what you find.
5. Minimize campfire impact.
6. Respect wildlife.
7. Be considerate of other visitors.

There are no trash cans along the trail. Carry out everything you bring in, including food wrappers, water bottles, and tissues. The desert environment takes decades to decompose even organic materials.

Stay Aware of Weather and Environmental Conditions

Arizona’s desert climate is unpredictable. Sudden thunderstorms can roll in during summer, creating flash flood risks in the crater basin. If you hear thunder or see dark clouds, return to the visitor center immediately. Lightning is a real danger in open, elevated areas.

Wind is another factor. The crater acts as a natural wind tunnel, and gusts can reach 30–40 mph, especially in spring and fall. Secure loose items like hats and cameras. Avoid standing too close to the edge during high winds — the drop is steep, and footing can be unstable.

Manage Your Pace and Energy

Even though the trail is short, the altitude (6,100 feet) and sun exposure can be taxing. Walk at a steady pace. Take breaks in shaded areas. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or excessively thirsty, stop and rest. Dehydration and heat exhaustion are common among visitors underestimating the environment.

Children and elderly visitors should be accompanied and monitored closely. The trail is safe, but the psychological impact of standing on the edge of a 570-foot-deep crater can be overwhelming for some.

Photography Etiquette

Photographing the crater is a highlight for many. To capture the best images:

• Visit during golden hour — sunrise or sunset — for warm, low-angle light that enhances texture and depth.
• Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full scale of the crater.
• Include a person in your shot to convey scale — the crater is so vast that without a reference, its size is hard to comprehend.
• Do not use tripods during peak hours; they obstruct paths and create hazards.
• Respect quiet zones — some visitors come for reflection, not noise.

Engage with Educational Materials

Don’t just walk — observe and learn. Read every interpretive sign. Ask questions at the visitor center. The staff are trained in planetary science and often share fascinating insights not found in brochures. This is your chance to connect with the science behind the spectacle.

Tools and Resources

Official Website and Mobile App

The Meteor Crater official website (www.meteorcrater.com) is your primary resource. It offers:

• Real-time weather and trail conditions
• Interactive 3D map of the crater and trail
• Downloadable PDF trail guide with geological annotations
• Live webcams showing current views of the rim

Download the Meteor Crater Mobile App (available on iOS and Android). It includes GPS-enabled audio tours, augmented reality overlays showing the meteorite’s trajectory, and a scavenger hunt feature for families. The app works offline, making it ideal for areas with limited cell service.

Topographical and Geological Maps

For advanced hikers and geology students, the US Geological Survey (USGS) provides detailed topographic maps:

• USGS Topo Map: Meteor Crater, AZ — Scale 1:24,000
• Geologic Map of the Meteor Crater Area — Published by the Arizona Geological Survey

These maps show fault lines, rock strata, and impact ejecta patterns. They’re available for free download on the USGS and AZGS websites. Print one before your visit or load it onto a GPS device.

Recommended Reading

Deepen your understanding with these authoritative resources:

• Impact Cratering: A Geologic Process by H. J. Melosh — A foundational text on crater formation.
• The Meteorite Crater of Arizona by Daniel Barringer — The original 1913 scientific account by the crater’s namesake.
• Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology by Edward J. Tarbuck and Frederick K. Lutgens — Includes a chapter on meteorite impacts.

Mobile Tools for Hikers

Use these apps to enhance your experience:

• AllTrails — For real-time trail reviews and photos from other hikers.
• Gaia GPS — For offline maps and elevation profiles.
• Sun Surveyor — To plan your visit around optimal sunlight for photography.
• MyFitnessPal / WaterMinder — To track hydration levels in hot conditions.

Local Guides and Educational Programs

While the rim trail is self-guided, the crater offers weekly ranger-led walks on weekends. These 45-minute sessions focus on geology, Native American cultural connections to the land, and the history of scientific discovery at the site. Check the website calendar — these programs are free with admission and fill up quickly.

For school groups or organized tours, advanced booking is required. The site offers curriculum-aligned STEM programs for K–12 students, making it an exceptional field trip destination.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Geology Student’s Journey

Emma, a sophomore geology major from the University of Arizona, visited Meteor Crater as part of a field course. She arrived at 7:30 AM with her notebook, hand lens, and rock hammer (used only for observation, not collection). She spent two hours walking the rim, sketching the exposed strata and noting the differences in rock texture between the uplifted layers and the surrounding plains.

At the East Rim Overlook, she used her phone’s compass app to measure the angle of the crater wall — approximately 35 degrees — and compared it to textbook diagrams of simple impact craters. Later, she uploaded her photos and notes to a class forum, sparking a discussion on how Meteor Crater differs from lunar craters due to Earth’s atmosphere and erosion.

“Standing on the rim, I realized the crater wasn’t just a hole — it was a three-dimensional archive,” she wrote in her field journal. “Every layer told a story older than dinosaurs.”

Example 2: The Family Adventure

The Rodriguez family — parents and two children, ages 8 and 12 — visited on a spring weekend. They started at the visitor center, where the kids participated in the “Crater Explorer” scavenger hunt app. They found hidden symbols matching meteorite fragments, solved simple impact physics puzzles, and earned digital badges.

On the trail, the father used a smartphone app to project a 3D animation of the meteorite’s descent onto the crater bowl — the children gasped as they saw the impact flash. At the end, they collected a small, legally permitted souvenir: a polished piece of Arizona desert quartz from the gift shop, labeled with its geological origin.

“We didn’t just see a crater,” said the mother. “We felt like we’d traveled back in time — and our kids actually asked to read more about space when we got home.”

Example 3: The Solo Hiker’s Reflection

After a difficult year, James, a retired engineer from Chicago, took a solo trip to Arizona. He arrived at dawn, walked the rim in silence, and sat for an hour at the North Rim View. He didn’t take photos. He just listened — to the wind, to his own breath.

“I thought about how small we are,” he later wrote in an online forum. “A rock from space, traveling faster than a bullet, came down and carved this. And here I am, 50,000 years later, standing on the edge, wondering if I’ve ever done anything that mattered as much.”

He left a small stone on the trail — not as a marker, but as a quiet tribute. “I didn’t take anything. I just left a piece of my own world behind,” he said.

Example 4: The Photographer’s Challenge

Lena, a landscape photographer from Portland, spent three days at Meteor Crater during a solar eclipse. She used a drone (legally flown outside the 500-foot perimeter) to capture aerial shots, and a 300mm telephoto lens to isolate details of the crater’s rim texture. She waited for the exact moment when the sun aligned with the crater’s central peak, casting a perfect shadow that revealed the depth in startling contrast.

Her series, “Edge of Time,” was later exhibited in a Phoenix gallery and featured in National Geographic. “Meteor Crater isn’t beautiful because it’s pretty,” she said. “It’s beautiful because it’s real. It didn’t ask to be seen. It just happened — and we’re lucky to be here to witness it.”

FAQs

Is hiking Meteor Crater Rim difficult?

No, the rim trail is not physically demanding. It’s a 1.1-mile loop with minimal elevation gain (less than 100 feet). The surface is compacted gravel and dirt, suitable for most fitness levels. However, the high altitude and desert sun can make the hike feel more strenuous than it appears. Take breaks and stay hydrated.

Can children hike the Meteor Crater Rim?

Yes. The trail is family-friendly and suitable for children aged 4 and up. Strollers are not recommended due to gravel and slight inclines, but baby carriers are fine. The visitor center has interactive exhibits designed for kids, making it an excellent educational outing.

Are pets allowed on the rim trail?

No. Pets are not permitted on the rim trail or within the crater’s protected zone. This is to protect wildlife, preserve the geological integrity, and ensure visitor safety. Service animals are allowed with proper documentation.

How long does the hike take?

Most visitors complete the loop in 45 to 75 minutes, depending on how often they stop to observe, photograph, or read interpretive signs. Plan for at least two hours total to include the visitor center exhibits and museum.

Is there shade on the trail?

There is limited shade. Scattered juniper and piñon pine trees provide small patches of cover, particularly along the eastern section. There are no large canopies. Sun protection is essential.

Can I climb down into the crater?

No. Climbing into the crater is strictly prohibited. The walls are unstable, and the terrain is hazardous. Access is restricted to preserve the site and prevent injury. All viewing is done from the rim.

What’s the best time of year to hike?

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the most comfortable temperatures and clear skies. Summer is hot but offers long daylight hours. Winter can be cold and windy, with occasional snow — but the crisp air and fewer crowds make it ideal for quiet reflection.

Do I need a permit to hike?

No permit is required beyond general admission to the site. All visitors must purchase a ticket to access the rim trail. There are no separate hiking permits.

Is the trail wheelchair accessible?

Portions of the trail are ADA-compliant, including the main viewing platforms and visitor center. However, the full 1.1-mile loop includes gravel sections and slight inclines that may be challenging for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Contact the visitor center in advance for specific accessibility options.

Can I bring food or drinks on the trail?

Yes. You may bring water and snacks. However, all waste must be carried out. There are no food vendors on the trail — only at the visitor center. Avoid sugary or messy foods that attract wildlife.

Is there cell service on the rim?

Cell service is limited and unreliable. Download maps and guides in advance. The visitor center has Wi-Fi, but signal fades quickly beyond the building.

Conclusion

Hiking Meteor Crater Rim is more than a walk — it’s a passage through time. You’re not just observing a hole in the ground; you’re standing at the epicenter of a cosmic event that reshaped the landscape long before humans walked the Earth. The trail is short, the climb is gentle, but the impact — both literal and metaphorical — is profound.

By following this guide, you’re not just preparing for a hike. You’re preparing to witness a moment of planetary history. You’re learning to see the world through the eyes of a geologist, a scientist, a poet — and perhaps, for a few quiet moments, through the eyes of a meteorite hurtling through the void.

Leave with more than photos. Leave with understanding. Leave with respect. And when you return home, tell others not just about the crater — but about the silence that follows when you stand on the edge of something ancient, powerful, and utterly indifferent to your presence. That’s the true gift of hiking Meteor Crater Rim.