Is Meteor Crater Worth Seeing

On our way to the Petrified Forest, we decided to stop at Meteor Crater. Meteor Crater is “the world's best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth.” I was surprised that they had the largest fragment out on display where we were encouraged to touch it and make a wish. We did!

Thinking about visiting Meteor Crater? Wondering is Meteor Crater worth seeing? At $22 per person, this isn’t a cheap activity. Get our experience, tips, and when we think Meteor Crater isn’t worth that price tag. Don’t have time to read this now? Pin it for later!

Meteor Crater Arizona

Due to weather, we weren’t able to take the guided rim tour. I was disappointed and frustrated. We just paid $18 per person and we couldn’t take the rim tour? The price has increased and it is now $22 per person!

The three lookout points were still open so we headed outside. BAM! Very cold and strong winds hit us. Now I understood and I was actually grateful they had canceled the rim tour. The tour would have been miserable in that weather.

We headed up the stairs to the highest lookout point. That lookout point had a great view but it was very windy. I almost dropped my phone multiple times trying to take pictures and video. We headed back down the stairs to check out the other lookout points.

I was more impressed with Meteor Crater than I thought I was going to be. At first, I was hesitant due to the ticket price but overall it was worth it. Yes, it is another big hole but it’s definitely unique. It was formed "approximately 50,000 years ago with the energy of more than 20 million tons of TNT." The crater is privately owned by the Barringer family and that family's story fascinated me.

Penguin felt that Meteor Crater was bigger and more impressive than he anticipated (it helps not to look at any pictures ahead of time that might spoil it), but frankly, it was overshadowed by seeing the Grand Canyon just days before.

The price has increased and it is now $22 per person!

Meteor Crater Tips

Check the weather and contact Meteor Crater before visiting since the weather can cause the guided rim tour to be canceled.
At $18 per person I was disappointed that we couldn’t do the guided rim tour. At $22 per person, it is not worth the visit if you can’t do the guided rim tour.
Visit Meteor Crater first if you plan to see both Grand Canyon and Meteor Crater back-to-back.

Planning a trip to Arizona? We highly recommend a trip to the Grand Canyon. Check out our Grand Canyon Winter Photo Album article. Looking for things to do in Arizona? Take a look at our Arizona articles. Where are we going next? Don’t miss an adventure, subscribe today.