A ROUTE 66 TRAVEL GUIDE TO METEOR CRATER IN WINSLOW ARIZONA
More Than Just a Hole: The Story of Meteor Crater
Now, I’ve seen my fair share of impressive sights in this great country, but let me tell you, Meteor Crater is something else entirely. It’s a giant hole in the ground, plain and simple, but it’s a hole with a story that’ll knock your socks off. You see, this crater wasn’t formed by some volcano or earthquake; it was created by a rock from outer space, a meteorite that slammed into the Earth with the force of a thousand atomic bombs.
Want to experience the awe-inspiring scale of Meteor Crater? Our video takes you on a journey through this incredible natural wonder, with breathtaking views from the rim and fascinating insights into its formation.
Picture this: about 50,000 years ago, a massive hunk of iron, bigger than a football field, comes screaming through the atmosphere at over 28,000 miles an hour. It slams into the Arizona desert with an explosion that would make your ears ring for a month. The impact throws up millions of tons of rock and dust, creating a crater nearly a mile wide and over 550 feet deep. That, my friends, is what you call a cosmic collision!
A View from Above:
One of the coolest things about Meteor Crater is the observation deck. They’ve got telescopes set up so you can get an up-close view of the crater floor. You can see the different rock layers, the impact breccia (that’s the jumbled-up rock created by the impact), and even spot some of the meteor fragments that have been found in the area.
TAKE A TOUR OF THE GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
A Walk on the Wild Side:
if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a guided rim tour and hike along the edge of the crater. It’s a bit of a climb, but the views are worth it. You’ll get a whole new perspective on the crater’s size and see some of the unique plant and animal life that call this place home.
Best Places to stay in Winslow Arizona
Big Mike Favorite Place in Winslow is the La Posada Hotel but there are several other nice places too
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Training Ground for Lunar Explorers
Now, here’s something you might not know about Meteor Crater: it’s not just a tourist attraction; it’s also been a training ground for astronauts! Back in the 1960s, when NASA was gearing up for the Apollo missions to the moon, they needed a place where astronauts could get a feel for walking on a cratered surface. And where better than Meteor Crater, one of the best-preserved impact craters on Earth?
Astronauts like Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, the first men to walk on the moon, actually spent time here, learning about geology, practicing moonwalking techniques, and getting used to the challenges of exploring an extraterrestrial environment. It’s pretty cool to think that this place played a role in those historic missions.
A Piece of Space History: The Apollo Capsule
And speaking of space history, you can’t miss the Apollo capsule on display at the Visitor Center. This isn’t the actual capsule that went to the moon, but it’s a test capsule that was used to train astronauts for the missions. You can get up close and personal with it, see the cramped quarters where the astronauts spent their time, and imagine what it must have been like to blast off into the unknown.
It’s a powerful reminder of the incredible achievements of the space program and the bravery of those astronauts who ventured into the cosmos. And it’s a fitting tribute to the connection between Meteor Crater and the exploration of our solar system.
More Than Just a Hole:
Meteor Crater is more than just a hole in the ground; it’s a window into the history of our planet and a reminder of the incredible forces at work in the universe. So, if you’re ever in Arizona, be sure to make the trip to Meteor Crater. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Attractions East of Meteor Crater on Route 66
Winslow, Arizona
Famous for Standin’ on the Corner Park, inspired by the Eagles’ song. Also home to the historic La Posada Hotel and the Old Trails Museum.
Homolovi State Park
Just north of Winslow, this park protects ancient Hopi ruins and offers scenic trails and peaceful views of the high desert.
Holbrook, Arizona
Known for the quirky Wigwam Motel and colorful dinosaur statues. Downtown Holbrook features vintage Route 66 storefronts and murals.
Petrified Forest National Park & Painted Desert
This stunning national park straddles Route 66 and showcases vibrant fossilized wood and badlands with colorful desert hues.
Attractions West of Meteor Crater on Route 66
Meteor City Trading Post
Just west of Meteor Crater, this iconic stop features the world’s largest dreamcatcher and is being restored as a retro-style attraction.
Two Guns Ghost Town
Abandoned ruins with a wild history, including a former zoo, old trading post, and the eerie Apache Death Cave.
Twin Arrows
Two massive wooden arrows still stand as a quirky photo stop — and the remains of a once-bustling roadside diner and trading post.
Walnut Canyon Bridge (Winona, Arizona)
Built in 1924, this Parker through-truss bridge spans Walnut Canyon and was once part of the original Route 66 alignment. Though closed to traffic, it remains a poignant relic of the Mother Road’s early days. Located just north of Townsend-Winona Road
Walnut Canyon National Monument
A bit off Route 66 near Flagstaff, but worth the side trip. Ancient cliff dwellings are tucked into a dramatic canyon landscape.
Flagstaff, Arizona
A classic Route 66 town with a vibrant historic downtown, the famous Lowell Observatory, and access to hiking, skiing, and the San Francisco Peaks.
Route 66 Attractions
- Meteor Crater / Barringer Crater
- Apollo 11 Space Capsule
- Barringer Space Museum
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