June 9, 2025
During the pandemic, our family decided to escape to Arizona’s sunny skies for a week. Located about 18 miles west of Winslow, Arizona, the Barringer Crater is an adventure in itself. I suggest pairing a trip to the crater with an unforgettable visit to the Lowell Observatory.
The scenic drive through the vast desert landscape builds anticipation for the extraordinary sight that awaits. As you approach the crater, the barren terrain gives way to a stunning and surreal view of this natural wonder.
From the moment you step out of your car, the sheer size of the crater is breathtaking. At nearly a mile across and over 550 feet deep, it’s hard to fully grasp its immensity until you’re standing on the rim. The landscape feels otherworldly, a stark and beautiful testament to the raw power of the cosmos.
A Cosmic Collision of Epic Proportions
The story of the Barringer Crater is as fascinating as the view it offers. Approximately 50,000 years ago, a nickel-iron meteorite, estimated to be about 150 feet in diameter, collided with the Earth at a staggering speed of 26,000 miles per hour. The impact released an explosion equivalent to more than 2.5 million tons of TNT, which largely vaporized the meteorite and displaced 175 million tons of rock.
What’s fascinating is that for many years, scientists believed the crater was the result of volcanic activity. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that a mining engineer named Daniel Barringer became convinced it was an impact crater. He spent years and a considerable fortune trying to locate the main body of the meteorite, which he believed lay buried beneath the crater floor. While his quest for a massive iron meteorite was ultimately unsuccessful (most of it had vaporized), his perseverance proved the crater’s extraterrestrial origins and gave the site its name.
Crater Rim Trail
To truly appreciate the magnitude of the Barringer Crater, embark on the Crater Rim Trail. The trail takes you along the rim, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the vast expanse below. As you walk the trail, you’ll feel the immensity of the impact and gain a sense of the forces that shaped this remarkable landscape.
Tips for Your Trip
Plan for a Couple of Hours: To fully experience everything the visitor center has to offer, including the movie, museum, and a guided tour, I’d recommend setting aside at least two to three hours.
Getting There: The Barringer Crater is conveniently located about 35 miles east of Flagstaff and 18 miles west of Winslow, right off I-40.
Hours and Tickets: They are open daily, but hours vary by season, so it’s a good idea to check their website before you go. You can purchase tickets online in advance or at the entrance.
Best Time to Go: We visited mid-afternoon, a few hours before close, and the light was perfect for photos.
Visiting the Barringer Crater is a journey through time and space, a chance to connect with the Earth’s incredible history and the cosmic forces that have shaped our planet. Whether you’re a science enthusiast, nature lover, or simply someone seeking a unique and awe-inspiring experience, the Barringer Crater promises a memorable adventure. So, pack your sense of wonder and embark on a voyage to this extraordinary natural wonder in the heart of the Arizona desert.
Photos by Wayne McGraw
The Garden Astronomer 