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Blasted by the Cosmos: Discovering Meteor Crater on Route 66

  • Jenny Wallace
  • May 18
  • 2 min read

If you’re journeying across Arizona on Route 66 and looking for a truly out-of-this-world experience, Meteor Crater near Winslow deserves a firm spot on your travel list. As one of the most scientifically significant and visually impressive meteorite impact sites in the world, this landmark is not just a roadside attraction—it’s a full-blown geologic wonder that connects the natural world with the cosmic unknown.





A Collision That Shaped the Desert

Roughly 50,000 years ago, a massive iron-nickel meteorite—estimated to be 150 feet across—hurtled into what is now the Arizona desert, slamming into the Earth at over 26,000 miles per hour. The result? A crater nearly one mile wide, 550 feet deep, and 2.4 miles in circumference.

Unlike other impact sites around the globe, Meteor Crater has remained remarkably well-preserved thanks to Arizona’s dry climate and relatively sparse vegetation. It gives visitors a rare opportunity to stand at the edge of a literal impact zone and look directly into a perfectly defined cosmic scar on the planet’s surface.

Visitor Center: Where Science Meets Spectacle

Adjacent to the crater is the Meteor Crater Visitor Center, a modern and interactive facility that brings the site’s history and science to life. Here’s what you’ll find:

  • Museum-quality exhibits explaining impact physics, geology, and meteorites

  • The Apollo Astronaut Training Connection, showcasing how NASA used the crater to prepare moon-bound astronauts in the 1960s

  • The Discovery Center, with immersive displays and educational films

  • Real meteorite fragments, including a massive chunk from the original impacting body

  • Observation decks, offering sweeping views into the crater and the surrounding desert

For those wanting to dive deeper, guided rim tours are available seasonally, offering historical insights and photo ops that can’t be matched from the main platform alone.


Route 66 Meets Outer Space

Meteor Crater’s location just off Route 66 makes it a particularly fun and surreal detour for road-trippers. This isn’t just another quirky roadside attraction—it’s a symbol of Route 66’s rich blend of Americana and natural marvels.

While Route 66 offers diners, museums, and neon nostalgia, Meteor Crater reminds you that the story of the open road is also the story of Earth itself—its past, its fragility, and its place in the universe.


Travel Tips

  • Location: About 6 miles south of I-40 (Old Route 66), exit 233 near Winslow, AZ

  • Hours: Typically open daily, though hours vary by season

  • Admission: Ticket prices include access to the museum, theater, and observation points

  • Amenities: Gift shop, café, clean restrooms, and shaded seating areas available

Final Thoughts

Meteor Crater is more than just a hole in the ground—it’s a breathtaking monument to nature’s raw power and a reminder that the universe is vast, unpredictable, and intimately tied to the world we know. Whether you're a science lover, a history buff, or just a curious traveler chasing the magic of Route 66, a visit here is unforgettable.

Don’t miss the chance to stand on the edge of a crater made by a star-born rock. It's not just a detour—it’s a journey into deep time.


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