Exploring Meteor Crater Natural Landmark: Road Trip Ideas

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One of the best parts of a road trip is the journey itself—the unexpected stops, detours, and side adventures along the way. On our recent trip to Grand Canyon National Park, we made time for a few memorable stops. Two we’ll never forget are Meteor Crater Natural Landmark and Petrified Forest National Park.

Towing our pull-behind camper through the Arizona desert, my husband, our adult son Ryan, our two dogs, and I cruised under a wide blue sky, ready for surprises. The open road stretched for miles with red rocks and sagebrush on both sides. Meteor Crater wasn’t just a quick roadside stop—it turned into one of those “wow” moments that made the whole trip even more special. We had read about it before but didn’t expect it to be so impressive in person. The size, the story, and the view from the rim made it unforgettable.

What is Meteor Crater?

Meteor Crater is exactly what it sounds like—a massive, awe-inspiring crater formed about 50,000 years ago when a meteorite traveling at roughly 26,000 miles per hour slammed into what is now northern Arizona. Standing at the rim and looking out across the nearly mile-wide crater is like stepping onto another planet. It’s humbling, a little surreal, and absolutely fascinating to think about the force and impact that created it.

Our Visit to Meteor Crater

We arrived mid-morning as the desert sun began to heat up. The parking area is large and easy to navigate, even for RVs and campers, which was a huge plus for us. We stretched our legs and checked on the dogs in the camper. They had water, shade, and good airflow since pets aren’t allowed inside the visitor center. Once they were settled, we headed inside.

The visitor center is well-designed and easy to explore. It gave us great background before we saw the crater itself. A short film explains the crater’s history and the science of meteor impacts. Even Ryan, who isn’t big on museums, found it genuinely interesting.

We took the self-guided tour along the rim trail. The crater is massive—over 550 feet deep and nearly 4,000 feet across. Its circumference is about 2.4 miles. Photos don’t capture the scale—it’s something you have to see in person. We even spotted old mining equipment from early meteorite searches.

Tips for Visiting Meteor Crater

If you’re planning to add Meteor Crater to your road trip itinerary, here are a few things that made our visit smoother:

• Arrive early: It’s cooler in the morning and less crowded.
• Plan about 1.5–2 hours: Enough time to watch the film, explore the museum, and walk the rim.
• Bring sunglasses, a hat, and water: Even short walks can feel intense under the desert sun.
• Leash and check your dogs before visiting: Pets can’t go beyond the parking lot, so plan to keep them cool and safe.
• Pay admission separately: The site isn’t covered by a National Parks Pass since it’s privately owned, but it’s absolutely worth the fee.

Adding the Petrified Forest to the Adventure

Not long after we left Meteor Crater, we made another incredible stop—Petrified Forest National Park. This park quickly became a highlight of our trip, especially because it’s unlike anywhere we’ve ever visited.

The landscape felt otherworldly. Massive, colorful logs of petrified wood lay scattered across the desert, each one glittering like ancient crystal. The Painted Desert section of the park stunned us with its vivid reds, purples, and oranges streaking across the hills.

We especially enjoyed:

Blue Mesa Trail – A short, steep trail that rewarded us with otherworldly views at every turn.

Crystal Forest – An easy loop where we saw some of the best petrified wood in the park.

Historic Route 66 segment – Marked by a 1932 Studebaker, it traces the path of the old highway.

Ryan, my husband, Daniel, and I stood quietly for a moment, just taking it all in. The dogs happily sniffed around us, enjoying the pet-friendly paved trails.

Why These Stops Made Our Road Trip Even Better

Road trips go beyond the destination. The unexpected stops and shared moments along the way create the memories that stick.

Meteor Crater reminded us how powerful and dramatic Earth’s forces can be. Petrified Forest revealed the quiet, lasting beauty that time leaves behind. Both places added depth to our Grand Canyon adventure and gave Ryan—and all of us—a stronger connection to the American Southwest.

If you’re heading to the Grand Canyon, carve out a little extra time to explore Meteor Crater and Petrified Forest National Park. These easy detours deliver unforgettable views, rich history, and a few extra “wow” moments you won’t want to miss.