Buy Navajo Rugs in Crownpoint, New Mexico

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Crownpoint is a town in McKinley County, New Mexico, United States. It is on the Trails of the Ancients Byway, one of the designated New Mexico Scenic Byways. Crownpoint is known for its monthly auction of exquisite handmade Navajo rugs held at Crownpoint Elementary School. Auctions are usually held on the 2nd Friday of each month, but not always! There is no admission fee. Rug viewing begins at 4 p.m., and runs until 6 p.m. This gives prospective buyers ample time to examine each rug as the weavers bring them in. Auctioning begins at 7 p.m., and usually ends around 10:00 pm. Purchases can be picked up any time after the sale until closing time. We encourage payment by cash or traveler's checks. However, we will accept personal checks. Sorry, no credit cards. The elementary school provides a food and beverage concession, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Native American artisans also offer a large selection of jewelry, pottery, and crafts in the halls outside the gymnasium. The Crownpoint Rug Auction gives buyers the unique opportunity to purchase Navajo rugs directly from the weavers themselves, at prices well below retail. The Crownpoint Rug Weavers Association has been auctioning rugs from all over the reservation since 1968. The auction has grown steadily in popularity, and brings buyers from all over the United States and the world. Before the actual auction, you can hold rugs in your hands and appreciate them up close. Some sell for $50 or less, and some sell for thousands of dollars. Even if you don't buy anything, you are in for a treat. No two rugs are alike!! Before and during the auction, a truly large number of Native American crafts people have their wares on sale. You will be astounded at the jewelry, pottery, beadwork, and other items. Many pieces of jewelry, for example, are on sale for $5. You would have to pay two or three times more to purchase the same items elsewhere. Their is no lodging in Crownpoint. You can stay in you RV in front of the auction at the school for free. Motel accommodations are available just off of I-40 in Gallup (50 miles west of Thoreau) and Grants (30 miles east of Thoreau)Note: Train whistles run all night every 30 minutes in Gallup and Grant.

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