Dorgan Sublett Trail

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.