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Photo: Jon Sullivan, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
This is an exceptionally well preserved meteor (impact) crater, although not the largest in the world as sometimes claimed. The crater was formed approximately 50,000 years ago by an explosion estimated to be the equivalent of 2.5 megatons of TNT, or 150 times the force of the atomic bomb that destroyed Hiroshima. The meteorite itself was estimated to be 150 feet across and weighed approximately 300,000 tons. Although most of the meteorite itself vaporized upon impact, large chunks of nickel-iron remnants have been found in the surrounding area. It is historically important, as this was the site that informed much of the early theoretical work on the nature of meteorite impacts. Apollo astronauts trained here due to its similarity to lunar topography. The site is privately owned and includes a well-done visitor center with a number of interpretive exhibits and an on-site restaurant called Blasted Bistro. There short trails to viewpoints as well as a guided tour that goes around the rim.
Meteor Crater, or Barringer Crater, is an impact crater about 37 mi (60 km) east of Flagstaff and 18 mi (29 km) west of Winslow in the desert of northern Arizona, United States. The site had several earlier names, and fragments of the meteorite are officially called the Canyon Diablo Meteorite, after the adjacent Canyon Diablo.
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Winslow owes much of its fame to the Eagles' hit song of the 1970s, "Take It Easy," with lyrics that talk about "standin' on a corner in Winslow, Arizona." If you want to relive the song, the town has erected a small exhibit at Standin' on the Corner Park in the downtown area; go there and see if a girl in a flat bed Ford slows down to take a look at you.
A small museum with exhibits detailing the history of the Winslow area.
Founded by Latter-day Saints in 1876, the town was abandoned in 1881 due to flash flooding. It is now on the register of National Historic Places, and 37 buildings have been partially restored.
Offers opportunities for canoeing, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. Clear Creek Canyon, a deep rock canyon with petroglyphs, is accessible only by canoe. It is possible to camp here; see listing below.
This park preserves over seven separate ruined pueblos, and over 300 archeological sites. The park hosts interpretive programs throughout the year, and has a number of hiking trails as well as a year-round campground.
Chevelon Steps Petroglyphs
Over 3000 petroglyphs are located on what is now a working cattle and buffalo ranch. The petroglyphs are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and have been determined to cover a period spanning 6000 years produced by several Native American cultures. Personal guided tours are offered by the ranch owner Brantley Baird and his ranch hand Clem Rogers.