Between Petrified Forest National Park and Flagstaff, Arizona, is the most intact, impact crater in the world. The large crater, a mile wide and more than 550 feet deep, was studied by scientists and in the early 1900’s, was determined to have been created by a meteor, which hit the Earth more than 50,000 years ago. The Discovery Center at the site features displays and exhibits on the history of meteors and this location, with a movie about the crater playing throughout the day in the theater. Viewing platforms and telescopes are located along the crater rim.
The visitor’s center is open daily, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. the remainder of the year.