If you carefully keep your bird records by state, be aware of the location of the state line and use the appropriate eBird hotspot or personal location when you submit a checklist. 

Raton Pass is a National Historic Landmark and the highest elevation point along the Santa Fe Trail, located on the state border between Trinidad, Colorado, and Raton, New Mexico. The pass sits at 7,834 feet and can be reached via I-25 or by railroad on the Amtrak Southwest Chief passenger train.

In the early 19th century, the Santa Fe Trail was used by pioneers traveling between Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Franklin, Missouri. East of Santa Fe, travelers could take either the Cimarron Route or the Mountain Route, which traversed Raton Pass. 

In the second half of the 19th century, the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway established a railroad route over Raton Pass. The railway was a large point of contention in a business rivalry with the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. In 1996, the route was adopted by the BNSF Railway Company.

Raton Pass is easily accessible along the paved I-25 (US-85 and US-87) between New Mexico and Colorado. The route is well-maintained and has a maximum grade of 6%. In good conditions, Raton Pass is relatively easy to traverse. There is an area to pull off and safely park at the “Welcome to New Mexico” sign.

You can also board the Amtrak train at the depot in Trinidad, and ride that to Los Angeles if you want.