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


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Map Key

0.4

Miles

0.7

KM

Point to Point

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

Family Friendly This trail can be as long as you like. There are remains of the Sublett Farmhouse less than a tenth of a mile where the kids can explore. There are great sweeping views all along the trail.

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:

Hiking Project Staff with improvements by David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 4 votes

#23710

Overall
  3.8 from 4 votes
5 Star
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Trail Rankings

#507

in Texas

#23,710

Overall
12 Views Last Month
249 Since Jul 18, 2016
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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

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Check-Ins

Nov 22, 2023
Lily Adams
Nov 13, 2021
David Hitchcock
Dec 23, 2018
Chad Falk
Oct 14, 2018
Patti B
1 mile round trip, great trail to see a few old homesteads. Dorgan still has amazing stone fireplace. Great views of Santa Elena canyon
Apr 6, 2018
Crystal Burchfield
Mar 12, 2018
Kaleb Kleiss Hoeft
Cool farmhouse ruins 0.8mi
Jun 13, 2016
Brian Lubbert
Fantastic solitary hike up a tight canyon. Great views of the cliffs. Stairs leading up after the trailhead offer great views.
Jun 11, 2016
Brian Lubbert
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