The 7 Most Impressive Impact Craters On Earth

By
Holly Toledo

3. Meteor Crater (Barringer Crater), Arizona, USA: The Quintessential Impact Bowl

Barringer Meteor Crater in Arizona. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons @D. Roddy, U.S. Geological Survey

Perhaps the most visually iconic and best-preserved impact crater on Earth, Meteor Crater (also known as Barringer Crater) near Winslow, Arizona, is a stunning testament to a relatively recent cosmic collision. Formed around 50,000 years ago by an iron meteorite about 50 meters (160 feet) across, this nearly mile-wide and 550-foot-deep bowl is a breathtaking sight. Its arid environment has kept its features remarkably intact. Privately owned, it has a visitor center on the rim, allowing people to grasp the immense power of the impact and see firsthand the dramatic result of an object from space striking our planet.

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Holly Toledo
Hey there! I'm Holly Toledo, a 20-something wanderluster originally from the sunny shores of Puerto Rico, now calling the beautiful Pacific Northwest my home. When I'm not diving into the latest fashion trends or catching up with friends, you can bet I'm planning my next big adventure. I've been lucky enough to explore most of Europe and South America, and every trip fuels my passion for discovering new places, cultures, and experiences. I'm beyond thrilled to be part of the HeyTourist.com team, where I get to share my travel tips and stories with fellow explorers like you! Let's make your next journey unforgettable!

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