Chico Cattle Ranch Colorado USA Our working cattle ranch has hosted guests for vacations that revolve around a large-scale working ranch since 2000. Guests are intimately involved in all ranch life to the extent that they desire, whether this be on horseback, fixing fences or putting feed out for the cattle. We have found that making a contribution to the daily ranch activities gives our guests the biggest thrill, so programs have been developed to include guests so that they are a part of the daily work’s success. There are ample opportunities to take time off on your own for hiking, wildlife viewing, swimming or fishing in one of the ranch’s 5 lakes. During the spring and fall, there is a bird banding station works on the ranch because it is one of the biggest migratory flyways in Colorado. There are over 320 birds on the Chico Bird list. Working Ranch Cattle Drive, Round Up Family Vacation Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Center-based ride Meeting: outside of Colorado Springs Airport:   Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS) Transfer: Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS) Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Tax: 5.13 %  

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

* flexible arrival day (Sunday arrival prefered) with minimum of 6 nights
Availabe Dates (as of 3/22/23): Mar 26 to Apr 8 + Apr 23 to May 13 + Jun 11-17 + Jul 30 to Aug 12 + Aug 20-26 + Sep 3-30

Please, note that this package does not necessarily include horseback riding each day. As this is a working ranch, activities are dictated by the kind of work that needs to be done at the ranch. This means that some days might include fencing projects, fixing pipeline leaks, driving out to check water and mineral instead of riding.

Because the Chico is a professional working cattle ranch, days can be long and varied. We recommend that guests take time to ride at home before coming so that they can fully enjoy the adventure of working on a horse with cattle. We do not recommend that people with less than strong intermediate riding skills participate in our programs, unless they are athletic and do not mind being sore.

A weeklong stay is 6 nights, beginning on Sunday and ending Saturday at noon. If guests decide to stay longer than 6 nights, please be sure to note that we do not offer activities from 12pm on Saturday through Sunday. These are off times for our ranch staff and horses. There are no guided activities on the day of arrival.

A typical day includes heading out on the ranch for part of the day, either on horseback or in a vehicle, and then spending time doing other activities in the afternoon. Guests are invited to join in on everything that it takes to make the ranch work: checking fence, monitoring grass growth and water, fixing pipeline leaks, working in the leather shop and machine shop, moving cattle, welding, grazing planning, and more.

In addition to horses, the ranch uses aircraft and motorbikes to move livestock and check conditions and water across the ranch. This allows us to be as efficient and nimble as possible, often cutting a job time in half by using a helicopter or bike as opposed to a horse. Guests should be prepared to be alongside all means of transport during their stay.

It is important to note that even though the Chico is a serious working ranch, we do not expect guests to do more than they want, which means we leave ample time for relaxing or designing shorter days to accommodate whatever personal preferences a guest has.

Guests are intimately involved in all parts of ranch life to the extent that they desire and based on the daily ongoing ranch work, whether this be on horseback, fixing fences or putting feed out for the cattle. We have found that contributing to the daily ranch activities gives our guests the biggest thrill, therefore programs have been developed to include guests so that they are a part of the daily work’s success.

There are ample opportunities to take time off on your own for hiking, wildlife viewing, swimming, or fishing in one of the ranch’s five lakes. During the spring and fall, there is a bird banding station on the ranch because it is one of the biggest migratory flyways in Colorado.



Themed Week (special rate applies - please inquire)

Leather & Riding Workshop
We are opening up our leather shop for a special workshop. Whether you are a beginner, enthusiast or a semi pro, join our leather team to create a product that you can take home with you. This could be a pair of chinks, a leather satchel or maybe a delicately tooled belt. Get creative and learn practical skills such as pattern making, tooling and all of the steps that go into finishing leather. All tools and instruction are supplied.
This is a great opportunity to learn a craft that was born on the ranch out of necessity from a team that is now making products for international brands.

Painting Camp with Jill Soukup
Join renowned artist Jill Soukup for the 6th year of her painting workshop focusing on drawing and painting horses. Long time friend, Jill, among other accolades, was the Featured Artist at Coors Western Art Sale and Best of Show for Cowgirl Up!, Caballeros Western Museum 2017. Discussions and exercises will cover the importance of understanding equine anatomy, what makes a good drawing, composition and color. Activities will include photo opportunities of horses running, horses working under saddle, cowboys and cowgirls riding and working cattle, sketching and studying corralled horses, demonstrations and critiques.

Horsemanship Experience with Cam Schryver 
A natural horsemanship experience with renowned horseman, Cameron Schryver. Cam is two-time World Champion Extreme Cowboy and all those that have had the pleasure of riding with him know that his teaching methods are clear, practical and above all, fun. By applying working ranch horsemanship and riding by feel, you will leave the week feeling a deeper connection to the horse and will better understand how  to communicate, developing a better handle. Days are spent with one-on-one horsemanship instruction, educational demonstrations, moving and working cattle on the ranch in accordance to the grazing plan. Spend the evenings in camp around the fire or dinner table on the prairie discussing the day’s experiences.

                                        Colorado Springs area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	43	45	52	60	69	80	85	82	75	63	51	43
Average Low Temperature (°F)	17	20	26	34	43	52	57	56	48	36	25	18
Average High Temperature (°C)	6	7	11	16	21	27	30	28	24	17	11	6
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-8	-7	-3	1	6	11	14	13	9	2	-4	-8
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	1	1	4	5	7	6	8	8	4	3	2	2

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Our altitude and proximity to the mountains provides for a year-round, mild climate. Classified as an alpine desert, we enjoy an average of 300 days of deep blue skies, abundant sunshine and low humidity. The region’s climate is often as pleasant in the winter months as it is during the rest of the year. We receive 15-16 inches of precipitation annually and get less snow than Denver, Salt Lake City or Minneapolis. The weather in Colorado Springs is a key element in the region’s appeal, giving you ample opportunity to enjoy all that we have to offer.

In the cooler months, layers are also recommended for maximum comfort. The low humidity keeps out the bone-chilling cold found in other destinations. Bring a warm coat, but think about throwing in a T-shirt and shorts just in case you are here during one of our sunny and relatively warm winter days. Snow may be in the forecast, but it melts and evaporates quickly.

Facts To Help You Plan
- Typically cool in the mornings and evenings, but gets warm during the day - layers are good!
- Air can feel dry and thin, so drink plenty of water and bring your favorite lotion
- The ranch is a BYOB. Wine glasses and corkscrews will be set out at dinner. The ranch can purchase alcohol for you ahead of time and it will be added to your invoice
- Laundry facilities available to everyone to use at no extra cost

Recommended Items
- Well fitting jeans
- Boots with a riding heel
- A wide brimmed hat
- Hiking Boots
- Jacket for layering
- Long sleeve shirts for riding
- Swim suit to enjoy the hot tub
- Body/hand lotion
- Bug repellant
- Water Bottle
- Sun Screen
- Lip Balm
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Sunglasses
- Backpack for hiking
- We provide saddle bags.
- Helmets are not mandatory but recommended for your own safety. Helmets are not available at the ranch so bring your own if you like.

* Some guests have recommended a pair of spandex bicycle shorts to wear under your jeans while riding!

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodation
This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent at the same location.

Description
Guests are hosted in a newly renovated, historic structure dating back to the early 20th century and featuring a three-foot thick adobe. There are two rooms available for guests and both have one queen bed and a set of bunks.
There is one bathroom that is shared between the two rooms, as well as a full kitchen/sitting room. Fresh towels are available throughout the week.
A washer and dryer are available to use for an additional fee. WIFI is available onsite.



Room Occupancy
There is no single supplement fee.


Meals
All meals are included from dinner on first day to breakfast on last day.

Guests prepare their own breakfast and a sack lunch in the kitchen, with provided groceries.
Dinners are shared and prepared by staff in their personal homes or brought down to the ranch and enjoyed together.

Alcoholic drinks are not included, but we can pick up alcohol for guests prior to arrival and add total to the bill upon check-out. Guests are also free to bring their own.



Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all severe food allergies with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Appaloosa, Clydesdale, mostly Quarterhorses
Pace:		average of 4 hours each riding day
Level:		(4 to 5 out of 5)    Strong Intermediate
Age:		Min 12
Weight:		Max 230 lbs / 105 kg
Riders:		Min 1	Max 6

Pace
We are a working ranch so don't do walk/trot/lope rides. Everything we do is dictated by the necessity of the animals. Most riding is done at a trot, though occasionally we will lope. We don't recommend this tour if you are a beginner or novice rider.

Horses
The Ranch breeds and raises registered quarter horses. Our goal is to create the best remuda we possibly can. Our studs and brood mares are selected carefully based on disposition, athleticism, and livestock sense. We also strive to create a string of horses that can work long days on a ranch and thrive on native pasture with minimal supplemental feed. We train all of our colts here on the ranch, from halter and saddle-breaking through more advanced conditioning.

Off-ranch activities
We are able to arrange off-ranch activities like fly fishing and white water rafting for a negotiated rate. These charges will be added to the guests’ tab upon departure.

Passports

Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).

Passport Note

(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.

(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.

(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).



The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.

ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

 

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).

Visas

Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:

1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.

Visa Note

(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.

Validity

Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.

Applications to:

Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).

Working Days Required

Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	N/A
Other EU	Yes
Visa Required?
British	No/2
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	N/A
Other EU	1
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	No
USA	N/A
Other EU	Yes