Trail Run Project Logo

This trail leads to the remains of farmsteads of the Dorgan and Sublett families, and spectacular views of the park.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

0.4

Miles

0.7

KM

98%

Runnable

2,199' 670 m

High

2,152' 656 m

Low

48' 15 m

Up

4' 1 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

8%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Historical Significance · Views

Description

The Dorgan Sublett Trail provides access to the remains of 4 farmhouses that were in operation in the area in the early 1900s. To access the trail, there is a small pullout along Ross Maxwell Drive where you can park your car. Immediately, you get views of the Sublett Farm. The rock walls sit to the left side of the trail, with Santa Elena Canyon and Mesa de Anguila in the background. The wide dirt trail continues to the right and wanders through the desert. At about two tenths of a mile sits another building owned by the Sublett family. This building is known as Las Casita. The trail climbs up the hill to where the remains of another house that the Subletts. Here, you get great views of Santa Elena Canyon and the floodplains of the Rio Grande River. This was once a thriving farmland, and depending on the day, you may see horses, cattle, or goats that have crossed the river from Mexico. Once you have enjoyed the views, the trail continues for another third of a mile to the Dorgan homestead. Here, you can see one of the walls and the fireplace which are still standing. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of Big Bend National Park. You can see Emory Peak, the Chisos Mountains, Mule Ears, and other formations from this vantage point. Once you have enjoyed the views, you can follow the trail a half mile back to your vehicle.

Shared By:

Trail Run Project Staff with improvements by David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 4 votes

#23409

Overall
  3.8 from 4 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
50%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#501

in Texas

#23,409

Overall
12 Views Last Month
249 Since Jul 18, 2016
Easy Easy

100%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

From the Dorgan homestead, you get a great view of the landscape of Big Bend. From this trail you can see landmarks like Mule Ears, Emory Peak, the Chisos Mountains, and other mountains that you can enjoy along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
Dec 12, 2021 near Lajitas, TX
Santa Elena Canyon from the trail.
Dec 12, 2021 near Lajitas, TX
The remains of the Dorgan farmstead is the last stop on the trail.  You can see one wall and the fireplace, and beautiful views of his portion of the park.
Dec 12, 2021 near Lajitas, TX
The first Sublett Farmhouse you pass just as you start the hike.
Dec 12, 2021 near Lajitas, TX
The trail winds through Ocotillo cacti on the way to the Dorgan homestead.
Dec 12, 2021 near Lajitas, TX
While there isn't much but desert now, this was once a fertile farmland.  From the trail, you can see where farmland use to be along the Rio Grande below the mountains.
Dec 12, 2021 near Lajitas, TX

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.