Chico Cattle Ranch
Colorado USA: (CDCO02)
URL: https://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/co_chico_cattle_ranch.aspx
Introduction
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.
Accomodation
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 to the early 20th century and featuring 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 lunch on last day.
Breakfast and lunch are prepared by guests with groceries provided for them by the ranch based on what they'd like to eat.
Dinners are prepared and hosted by a different crew member each night.
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.
Riding
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.
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 trip, though occasionally we will lope. Rides are long and at a trot. We don't recommend this tour if you are a beginner or novice rider.
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.
Itinerary
Because the Chico is a professional working cattle ranch, days can be long. 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 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 always includes riding out to move cattle for part of the day, and then spending time doing other activities in the afternoon, different every day. We try to schedule the week so that the shorter riding days are at the beginning and gradually becoming longer as the week passes. This practice varies depending on riding abilities and weekly ranch work schedule. For example, people with a high level of riding skill can go right into long days in the saddle.
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.
2020 Themed Week (special rate applies - please inquire)
Leather & Riding Workshop
May 10 - 16, 2020
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
May 17 - 23, 2020
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
May 31 - June 6, 2020
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.
Rates and Dates for Chico Cattle Ranch
Rates include:
Accommodations at ranch with shared bath, all meals from dinner on first day to lunch on last day, riding, taxes
Gratuity:
Gratuities are not included and are typically 15-20% of total bill.
%
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Gratuity:
10 %
Dates Note:
* flexible with minimum of 3 nights
2019 blacked-out dates: April 28 to May 28, Jun 2-22, Sep 8-15 & Oct 1-5.
Rates do not include:
Alcoholic drinks, transfers, medical insurane (mandatory), other activities such as fly fishing and white water rafting
Note:
Due to COVID-19 Corona virus pandemic and certain travel restrictions we are applying some temporary policy changes to some of our tours.
For Chico Cattle Ranch (CDCO02):
By booking with us you are agreeing to follow these protocols before and during the entirety of your stay for the safety of both our staff and guests.
- Please bring your own masks for the duration of your stay. We kindly request that all guests including children wear a mask outside of their room at all times.
- For the foreseeable, all guests are required to drive themselves to the ranch.
- Please do not enter any buildings other than your room, including the office, dining room and kitchen.
- We will not be offering daily housekeeping services.
- Please keep the front gate closed when entering and leaving the ranch.
- The public toilets are closed, please use the bathroom in your room. There is no access to the corrals or other areas on the ranch during this time unless with a guide for Activities.
- We will observe 8ft distance at all times.
- You must sign and return your liability form for each member of your group by email before arrival.
We are excited to share the ranch, surrounding area, the nature and wildlife with you.
Please enable us to do this safely by following the following protocols:
- You will be asked to travel in your own vehicle to and from programs on the ranch, for example when horses need to be trailered to other areas of the ranch or to the sand dunes you can follow the truck and trailer to that destination in your own vehicle. You do not need four wheel drive.
- Afternoon activities will include self-guided hikes, guided hikes, naturalist guided hikes by our expert historian and ecologist, self guided hikes to hot springs, fly fishing (can be all day activity, self-driven), learn to rope on the lodge lawn led by a staff member.
- Naturalist hikes and birding tours with John Rawinksi will require masks unless 6ft apart.
- Masks must be worn on rides by both staff and guests when cinches are tightened, when stirrups are adjusted, when we assist a guest on or off their horse. Masks can be lowered when riding 8ft apart.
- Tack and equipment will be sanitized after every guest's last ride.
Meal Time Protocol
- The majority of dining will take place outside on the patio or lawn. If weather conditions hinder outdoor dining you may be asked to dine in your room.
- All dining tables must be at least eight feet apart.
- All parties must consist of six or fewer persons.
- Hand sanitizer will be provided on every table.
- Guests are required to sit at their designated tables and are not allowed to combine tables or add members from other parties to their table. At your first meal please wait in a designated waiting area before being shown your designated table.
- Guests must wear a mask when not eating or drinking.
- Guests may not enter the kitchen under any circumstances.
- Parties must maintain a distance of six feet minimum from other parties while waiting for their table and while dining.
- You must maintain a distance of six feet from all staff members unless a staff member is actively serving your table.
Breakfast
- Coffee and tea will be available starting at 7am on the deck of the lodge. You may sit at your designated table. Hot breakfast will be served on the deck at 8 am.
- The chef will announce breakfast and ask you to secure your masks correctly while a server brings you your meal.
- Please leave your glasses, plates and cutlery on the table when you leave.
- Please leave your lunch slip on the table for collection.
Lunch
- Your lunch will be boxed and placed on your table with your breakfast.
- Lunches will consist of a choice of salad, sandwich or wrap, chips, piece of fruit, granola bar, napkin, necessary utensils and condiments.
Dinner
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx
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Other Info
Meeting: Ranch outside of Colorado Springs
Airport: Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS)
Transfer: Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS)
Climate:
Colorado Springs area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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43
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45
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52
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60
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69
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80
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85
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82
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75
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63
|
51
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43
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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17
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20
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26
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34
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43
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52
|
57
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56
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48
|
36
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25
|
18
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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6
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7
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11
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16
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21
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27
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30
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28
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24
|
17
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11
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6
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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-8
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-7
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-3
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1
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6
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11
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14
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13
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9
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2
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-4
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-8
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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1
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1
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4
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5
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7
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6
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8
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8
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4
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3
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2
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2
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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.
What To Bring:
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!
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