A Natural Wonder on the Mother Road
Just off historic Route 66 near Winslow, Arizona, lies a dramatic geological marvel known as Meteor Crater. Formed by a fiery space rock that collided with Earth over 50,000 years ago, this colossal depression is one of the best-preserved impact craters on the planet. For generations of Route 66 travelers, the crater has offered a rare glimpse into the cosmic forces that shape our world, all within a short detour from the legendary highway.
The Impact that Made History
Meteor Crater—also called Barringer Crater after mining engineer Daniel Barringer who first studied it—is approximately 3,900 feet in diameter, over 550 feet deep, and rimmed by rock debris that rises 150 feet above the surrounding desert plain.
Around 50,000 years ago, a nickel-iron meteorite estimated at 150 feet wide slammed into the Earth’s surface at speeds exceeding 26,000 miles per hour. The force of the impact released energy equivalent to 10 megatons of TNT, instantly excavating a massive bowl-shaped cavity and vaporizing much of the meteorite.
Although Native American tribes likely knew of the crater long before modern science, it wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that Meteor Crater gained scientific attention. Daniel Barringer was convinced the crater was formed by a meteorite and spent years attempting to mine the site for valuable iron. His efforts proved the impact origin theory, though little iron was ever recovered.
A Landmark on Route 66
When Route 66 was commissioned in 1926, it quickly became a major path for travelers heading west. The highway passed just north of the crater, making it a convenient and compelling roadside stop.
Throughout the mid-20th century, billboards and roadside attractions drew curious motorists to the site. Meteor Crater became one of many “must-see” landmarks along the Mother Road, with families pulling off to marvel at this seemingly alien landscape. In the heyday of Route 66 travel, a visit to Meteor Crater was as much a part of the journey as the Grand Canyon or Petrified Forest.
Even after the decommissioning of Route 66 in the 1980s, Meteor Crater retained its status as an iconic destination thanks to its proximity to Interstate 40, which closely parallels the old Route 66 corridor.
Visiting Meteor Crater Today
Today, Meteor Crater is a fully developed and visitor-friendly destination operated by the Barringer family. Known officially as Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum, the site offers:
- Panoramic observation decks for views into the vast crater
- Guided rim tours (weather permitting)
- A discovery center and museum filled with interactive exhibits on meteoritics, planetary science, and space exploration
- A theater showing a short film about the crater’s formation
- A gift shop and Subway restaurant for travelers needing a break
- A fragment of the original meteorite, available for viewing and even touching
Located about 6 miles south of I-40 Exit 233 and only 20 minutes from Winslow, the crater remains a staple stop for Route 66 enthusiasts, families, space geeks, and geology buffs alike.
Route 66 Nostalgia and the Crater
While Meteor Crater itself isn’t directly on Route 66, its identity has long been entwined with the famous highway. Vintage postcards, gas station memorabilia, and classic billboards once beckoned travelers with slogans like “See the Great Meteor Crater – Only Minutes Away!”.
Today, retro Route 66 travelers continue to include Meteor Crater on their itineraries as a cultural and geological highlight of the Arizona stretch. Many Route 66 guidebooks, both vintage and modern, feature the site prominently.
Winslow, the closest town, provides a perfect launching point. Visitors can “Stand on the Corner” in downtown Winslow, then head south for a literal moonshot into Arizona’s cosmic past.
Directions to Meteor Crater from Interstate 40 in Arizona:
Meteor Crater is located just south of Interstate 40, approximately 20 miles west of Winslow and 35 miles east of Flagstaff. Here’s how to get there:
From Interstate 40 (I-40):
- Take Exit 233
This is clearly marked as the exit for Meteor Crater Road. - Turn South onto Meteor Crater Road
(Also labeled as County Road 6930.) - Drive approximately 6 miles
Follow the paved road south directly to the Meteor Crater Visitor Center. The crater and facilities are at the end of the road — you can’t miss it.
Address for GPS:
Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum
Interstate 40, Exit 233
Winslow, AZ 86047
Website: www.meteorcrater.com
Final Thoughts
Meteor Crater is more than just a hole in the ground—it’s a testament to Earth’s dynamic history and humanity’s curiosity about the cosmos. For Route 66 road trippers, it offers the chance to witness one of nature’s most powerful moments frozen in time. Whether you’re a history buff, science fan, or just chasing the romance of the open road, a stop at Meteor Crater delivers impact in more ways than one.
Additional Info:
- Location: Meteor Crater Rd, Winslow, AZ 86047
- Hours: Typically open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with seasonal variations
