The Mesquite Trail

The Mesquite Trail

NPS Photo

Take a short hike along the Mesquite Trail, which follows part of the historic LX Ranch. Established in 1877 by Colorado merchants and ranchers W. H. Bates and D. T. Beal, the LX Ranch began when “crowded conditions” in Colorado prompted them to move their herds to the Texas Panhandle.

This easy 0.3-mile trail is located near the Alibates Visitor Center, right next to the butterfly garden. In spring and summer, enjoy a colorful display of wildflowers and take in stunning views of the Canadian River Valley. It’s an ideal walk for families with children or for visitors with limited time.

 

Barbed wire from 1877 along the Mesquite Trail

NPS Photo

Along the trail, you’ll notice a barbed wire fence—a revolutionary invention introduced in 1874. Barbed wire was the first wire technology strong enough to contain cattle, and its arrival marked the beginning of fencing across the vast Texas Plains. These bristling fences were far more affordable than traditional alternatives, making them a practical choice for ranchers.

The historic LX Ranch once stretched from what are now the cities of Dumas to Amarillo, spanning 20 miles in width and covering 1,000 square miles of open range. As you hike this trail, keep an eye out for signs of old cowboy dugouts. Life on the plains was harsh, and the early 1900s brought extreme and unpredictable weather conditions.

 

The Mesquite Trail in June

NPS photo

n 1884, the LX Ranch was sold to the American Pastoral Company, Ltd., based in London. The purchase included 210,597 acres of land, 45,000 head of cattle, and 1,000 horses. Among the ranch’s notable cowboys were Allie Bates and John Ray—names that still appear on geological maps—and Charles Siringo, famed author of Western Americana and a cattle rustler detective. Alan (Allie) Bates is believed to have lived in this area while working for the LX Ranch. Beginning in 1906, the American Pastoral Company started selling off parcels of the ranch to various buyers.