Chico Basin Ranch

Lodging

Our guests stay in one of two comfortable ranch houses located near the ancient lake bottom we call the Vega Pond. The houses are clean and comfortable and furnished in southwestern and Western style with art produced on the ranch from our annual Artists Gatherings. The houses include private baths and sleep 6-10.

Activities

WORKING RANCH EXPERIENCE: We emphasize learning about herding and raising cattle, natural horsemanship, cowboy traditions, range management, and wildlife. Guests are involved, at whatever level they choose, in the everyday activities that make this ranch work. We invite you to come ride with us to gather a 5,000 or 10,000 acre pasture, or brand 150 to 600 calves in one day�the old way: on top notch cow horses, using long ropes and teamwork. Early risers can see the ranch�s remuda of cowhorses being run in for the day�s work. We�ll help you choose a horse from our string, whistle up the dogs, then ride out together to gather & move cattle, brand, doctor, or whatever is happening that time of year. If you want an authentic experience, this is it; nothing is made up. Live your dream of being a cowboy or cowgirl on the Chico Basin Ranch. HORSEBACK RIDING: The Chico Basin Ranch gives experienced riders a chance to ride our experienced cowhorses side-by-side with us across miles of varying terrain. ACTIVITIES: Cattle drives. Brandings. Weaning and shipping calves. Doctoring. Calving. Fishing. Swimming. Hay Rides. Birdwatching. Wildlife Photography. Fossil & Arrowhead Hunting. Canoeing. BOX T COWBOY CAMPS: Offered five times this year, a maximum of 12 participants play active roles in the management of the ranch during our busiest times of the year, calving season, mid season, and fall round-up. April 30-May 6, September 17-23, 24-30 are the dates set for the 2006 Box T Camps. A special Box T Women's Camp is April 23-29 and Family Cowboy Camp is June 25-July 1, 2006. Except for Family Camp the camps are adult only weeks and will each focus on different areas of ranch management as the April camp will be centered on monitoring the calving process out on the prairie, the July camp on range management and cattle herding, and the September camps on the management of the bulls and fall round-up. Each camp includes tent camping, chuckwagon meals, heavy emphasis on cattle management, as well as horseback and non-horseback related activity to give participants the opportunity to involve themselves hands-on in the management of the ranch while they are with us. Great food, deep Colorado starry skies and campfires -of course!

Children

The Chico Basin Ranch is family-oriented. Due to the vigorous nature of our work, our riding is best suited to riders 14 years and older. We have special activities for children so that parents may have some time to themselves if they wish.

Dining

Chico Basin Ranch offers wholesome meals. Our table fare includes hearty ranch meals and regional specialties. These meals feature Ranch-raised natural products such as grass-fed dry-aged beef, organic vegetables and fruit(when in season). Alcohol is not provided, but if you let us know what you expect to consume during your stay, we can purchase it for you.

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