What Crownpoint is known for

Located in the northwestern corner of New Mexico, the Crownpoint Destination encompasses a variety of areas, including Native American reservations, off-reservation trust areas, national forests, and cities. The namesake of the region, Crownpoint, is a city situated in the Navajo Nation, with a population of 2,500 people according to the 2010 census. It is found on the Trails of the Ancients Byway, one of the New Mexico Scenic Byways. The city is seven square miles and was originally established in 1912 by Samuel F. Stacher.[1] Another prominent city in the destination is Gallup, which has a population of 21,678 people as of the 2010 census. The city is centrally located between the Navajo and Zuni Reservations, to the north and south, respectively, with the Petrified Forest National Park being located to the east, just outside of the destination.[4]

The Crownpoint Destination, particularly around the city of Gallup, has a variety of attractions that tourists may visit. Hiking is possible in the area, and one notable trail is the Church Rock Trail, found at Red Rock Park. Church Rock is made of sandstone that was formed 205 million years ago. The park has another trail that intersects with Church Rock, Pyramid Peak. Both hikes offer views of sandstone and the surrounding desert and are considered “family-friendly” due to the length and elevation gain. Another activity to participate in near Gallup is hot air balloon rides. The balloons take riders through red rock canyons and over rocky spires. Lastly, the Trail of the Ancients may interest some visitors. The trail is a scenic byway that runs through the destination, guiding passers-by through multiple archeological and geological sites such as Chaco Canyon; Crownpoint, the namesake of the destination; El Morro National Monument; and Zuni Pueblo.[3]

One notable feature of the region is that Route 66 passes through the cities of Gallup and Grant. In 1916, legislation for federal highways began passing, allowing for the formation of interstate highways, including Highway 66, more commonly known as Route 66. Over time, a television series titled “Route 66” helped the highway grow in popularity as the main characters took on various adventures. Attractions along the route included motor courts with adjoining stores, the Petrified Forest National Park, and other small-town features. From the time period of the early 1920s to the 1970s, Route 66 and the various attractions along the highway grew in popularity before being bypassed in the 1970s by modern four-lane highways. [6]

Geography

The Crownpoint Destination is in northeastern New Mexico, with the northern border of the destination resting on the state line of New Mexico and Colorado and the western edge of the region being on the border of New Mexico and Arizona. Cities found within the area include Gallina, Tierra Amarilla, Nageezi, and Crownpoint, the namesake of the destination. The region also contains portions of the Santa Fe National Forest, Carson National Forest, Acoma Pueblo, and Laguna Pueblo.

The largest city in the destination is Gallup, New Mexico. The city is located in the southeastern area of the region and is characterized by relatively warm and dry summers, with “freezing, snowy, and windy” winters. For warm weather activities, it is recommended that tourists visit between the months of June to September. During these months, the average high temperature is above 78 degrees Fahrenheit, with the hottest month being July. The daily temperatures in the month of July generally fall between 86 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest time of the year is reported to be from November to February, where the average high is around 51 degrees Fahrenheit.[5]

As previously mentioned, part of the Santa Fe National Forest is located in the region. The national forest spans 1.6 million acres of land, including mountains, mesas, and forests. The elevation throughout the forest ranges from 5,000 to 13,000 feet, encompassing gorges and volcanic formations. Recreation is possible throughout the acreage, including bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and hunting.[8]

As the region is located in the southern United States, much of the wildlife in the area is adapted to warmer temperatures, particularly in areas of the destination that are classified in the Arizona/ New Mexico Plateau EPA Level 3 Ecoregion, which encompasses most of the Crownpoint Destination. Plants that can commonly be found in the region include one-seed juniper, tree cholla, rubber rabbitbrush, Utah agave, and prickly Russian thistle. As the region is found in a relatively desert place, there are also a variety of reptiles that call the area home. Gopher snakes, great short-horned lizards, and plateau-striped whiptail can be found throughout the region. Other animals that may be seen by those visiting the destination include burrowing owls, Gunnison's prairie dogs, and North American porcupines.  [7]

History

Across the state of New Mexico, there have been a variety of Native American tribes settled throughout history. In the destination specifically, parts of the Navajo Nation—including parts of the Navajo Nation Off Land Trust, Acoma Pueblo, Laguna Pueblo, Zuni Reservation, Ramah Navajo Indian Reservation, and the Jicarilla Apache Nation Reservation. The Acoma Pueblo is believed to have been established in the 12th century and is regarded as “the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States.” Sometimes referred to as the “Sky City,” it is reported that fewer than 50 tribal members live in the earthen-made buildings of the city. The Laguna Pueblo has a population of 7,700 people and is currently the largest Keresan-speaking Pueblo in the country. Some of the homes on the Pueblo have been dated to around 3000 B.C. Lastly, Navajo Nation is the largest U.S. Native American tribe, with over 298,000 members, 106,800 of those living in the state of New Mexico. Although there are smaller groups of Navajo people living in the Alamo, Ramah, and To’hajiilee, the main region of the Navajo Nation is found in New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.[2]

The city of Gallup is the largest in the Crownpoint Destination. Originally settled in 1880, the town was used as a stagecoach stop becoming the construction headquarters of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad. Gallup was named after David L. Gallup, who was a railway paymaster. In 1985, with the discovery of coal, the city grew and became a railroad divisional terminal. Due to its location between Navajo Nation and the Zuni Reservation, Gallup is also the area headquarters for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Today, the city is used as a shipping point for goods such as cattle, wool, forest products, and hides. [4]