Area Attractions

Staff that are away from their families frequently organize potluck dinner gatherings for a variety of occasions. Highly competitive and skilled local chefs compete in the Annual Crownpoint Cook Off for coveted titles. The Crownpoint Rug Auction Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov , held monthly, draws visitors from distant locales. Employees have also organized the Crownpoint Windchasers soccer team, Crownpoint Book Club, and Quilting Club. Gardening is another popular hobby. The Employee Association organizes holiday dinners and events.

Many locations within Crownpoint are suitable for bicycling, hiking, and jogging, and are within walking distance of employee housing. Locals utilize the local "mesa" for recreation. Exercise equipment, including free weights, treadmills, and stationary bicycles are located at the Diabetes Wellness Center and Employee Fitness Center, which are both available at no charge to employees. The Navajo Nation organizes Just Move It Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov , a series of non-competitive runs and walks held across the Navajo Nation.

Opportunities for outdoor recreation abound. Several National Forests and Wilderness Areas are popular for hiking, bicycling, rafting/kayaking and photography. In the winter, many of our staff enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing in the spectacular San Juan mountains. Many ski resorts are within driving distance, including Durango Mountain Resort and Wolf Creek Ski Area. The Grand Canyon is a five hour drive away.

Athletes can compete in several large scale events that take place annually, such as the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  in Durango, the Mt. Taylor Winter Quadrathalon Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov , the Shiprock Marathon, and the Narbona Classic. Top-rate golf courses are located in Farmington (Pinon Hills Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov ) and Grants (Coyote Golf Club Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov ). Fly fishing is popular in northern New Mexico, especially at the San Juan River.

History / archaeology buffs will delight in Chaco Culture National Historical Park Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov , located one hour from Crownpoint. Mesa Verde Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  boasts some of the most notable and best preserved archaeological sites in the United States. Many other National Parks are located in our area, some within driving distance for a day trip, such as El Malpais Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  and El Morro Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov .

Many cultures call New Mexico home. Each summer, the Eastern Navajo Fair is held in Crownpoint (rodeo, pow-wow, live music, dancing), and our facility frequently sponsors a float in the parade. The Gathering of Nations Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  is North America's biggest Pow-Wow, and is held in Albuquerque each year. You may be invited to a private native ceremony/gathering to celebrate a graduation, coming of age, or marriage. The Santa Fe Opera Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  has grown to become recognized as one of the world's leading cultural festivals. Santa Fe is also known for its many museums, art galleries, and historic cathedrals. Albuquerque hosts concerts of many music genres. Make sure to experience the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  in October.

Evening classes covering local culture and language are available at the two colleges in Crownpoint, Navajo Technical University Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  and a branch of Dine College . The cafeteria at Navajo Technical University is open to the public and provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner on weekdays. Hotel rooms are available at Navajo Technical University.

A full-service grocery store, laundromats, and gas stations/convenience stores are located in Crownpoint. Employees travel to Gallup (45 minutes away) for more shopping, services, and entertainment. The closest airport is Albuquerque, 2 hours away. Satellite television and high speed wireless internet are available in Crownpoint. Several shopping malls, flea markets, and food markets in Albuquerque provide access to products ranging from gourmet/international food, to equipment for outdoor adventures.

Employees are encouraged to participate in service activities, such as mentoring a local youth, assisting with the Adopt-a-Highway litter pick-up, or serving with one of the many local religious organizations.