Goat Hill is considered a cultural landscape for its association with the Santa Fe Trail. From the hill’s expansive overlook, the lower end of Railroad Canyon, the Raton group of mesas and multiple volcanic peaks can be seen. This includes a ten-mile portion of the Mountain Route of the Santa Fe Trail from its descent from 7,834′ high Raton Pass.
On August 23, 1911 – before New Mexico became the 47th state on January 6, 1912 – local resident Robert Kruger planted a 35-foot pole atop Goat Hill in Raton and flew an “Old Glory” American flag. Today, Goat Hill still flies an American flag as well as sporting the “Raton” sign (reminiscent of the Hollywood sign). Visitors can enjoy the panoramic views from the city park at the top of the hill. From Canyon Drive: If coming from North, Turn right onto Moulton Ave. OR if coming from South, Turn left onto Moulton Ave. Turn left onto Hill Street, then Turn left at Southwell Mountain Drive.
Raton, NM
photo by Elmo Baca.
