WINSLOW GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Into the Bowl: An Exclusive Descent to the Floor of Meteor Crater
A guided, advanced-level hike that takes experienced hikers down the Astronaut Trail and onto Meteor Crater’s floor—this guide distills what to expect, how the itinerary flows, and who should (and shouldn’t) book.
Into the Bowl: An Exclusive Descent to the Floor of Meteor Crater.
Step beyond the rim and into one of Earth’s most arresting impact scars. The Floor Tour is an ultra‑exclusive guided hike that follows the historic Astronaut Trail into Meteor Crater itself, letting visitors study mining remnants, geology, and the training sites once used by NASA from a vantage point reserved until recently for scientists and astronauts.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hike the Astronaut Trail into the crater
Participants descend the historic Astronaut Trail and reach the crater floor—an experience framed by steep walls, rare interior panoramas, and interpretive stops led by a Meteor Crater expert.
Explore the crater’s hidden interior
On the crater floor, guests investigate geological features and photo opportunities unique to this preserved impact site, seeing the landscape from a perspective normally reserved for research and astronaut training.
Artifacts, mining remnants, and NASA lore
Along the route and on the floor, hikers encounter historic mining remnants and learn how the site was used to train NASA astronauts and conduct scientific study.
What the day feels like
What the tour feels like
The tour moves deliberately: check in at the Visitor Center, brief for safety, then set off under guide direction down the Astronaut Trail. The pace is active and interpretive—short stops for geology, history, and photographs lead to a sustained exploration of the crater floor before a return hike and optional time back at the visitor center.
THE DESCENT
Hike the Astronaut Trail into the crater
Participants descend the historic Astronaut Trail and reach the crater floor—an experience framed by steep walls, rare interior panoramas, and interpretive stops led by a Meteor Crater expert.
THE FLOOR
Explore the crater’s hidden interior
On the crater floor, guests investigate geological features and photo opportunities unique to this preserved impact site, seeing the landscape from a perspective normally reserved for research and astronaut training.
THE HISTORY
Artifacts, mining remnants, and NASA lore
Along the route and on the floor, hikers encounter historic mining remnants and learn how the site was used to train NASA astronauts and conduct scientific study.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should sit it out.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The guided Floor Tour is approximately 2 hours round trip and follows a structured sequence from check‑in to return.
All guests check in at the Meteor Crater Visitor Center prior to the safety briefing and start of the hike.
This is an advanced‑level hike over steep, uneven terrain; guests should be comfortable with strenuous hiking for the duration of the tour.
No pets are allowed on the tour; those with mobility limitations or heart conditions are not recommended to participate.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Floor Tour?
Approximately 2 hours round trip.
Where do I meet for the tour?
Check in at the Meteor Crater Visitor Center before the safety briefing and start of the hike.
Is there an age requirement?
The tour is suited to older children and adults accustomed to strenuous hiking; consult operator guidance for specific age suitability.
Can I bring my pet?
No—pets are not allowed on the tour.
Are there health or mobility considerations?
Yes—this advanced hike is not recommended for guests with mobility limitations or heart conditions due to steep, uneven terrain.
What will I see on the floor of the crater?
Guests explore geological features, mining remnants, and locations tied to NASA astronaut training as part of the interpretive tour.