Chico Basin Ranch Review

I wish that I'd known about this place sooner. It's close to Colorado Springs and is such a great place for birding! Three of us logged 61 species in one day (May 17) despite high winds and missing the peak of the migration season. A few highlights include Ash-throated Flycatcher, MacGillivray's Warbler and Northern Waterthrush.

Wasn't what we expected but hear it's great for bird people. Not exactly what you would expect from a western ranch.

Exceedingly well run working cattle ranch. Emphasis on long term sustainable health and improvement of the Cholla cactus/Grass prairie. Abundant wildlife, especially birds. The lakes attract migrating waterfowl and the riparian areas attract large numbers of migrating or summer warblers, Orioles, flycatchers, raptors and other birds. Some Eastern species like Brown Thrasher and Blue Jay. Sometimes Greater Roadrunners. Healthy year round populations of Scaled Quail. Pronghorn, deer, horses, cattle.

If you're from the Denver area, it's a long drive, but if you're a birder, it's worth it. A few species that don't get farther north! You definitely will feel like you're getting away from the urban spawl of the front range.

Took my students to see them tag the birds and learn why. They did a wonderful job. Very informative.

This place is amazing. It is the real deal, a working ranch, not a "spa" resort. You do need to know how to ride, their other property is more suitable if you can't, or if you don't want to get involved in the work - so just ask them. The experience will stay with you for a very long time and it's a life changer for many.

Awesome staff! My son loved his fun field trip here!

My son and I went for a visit to scout out potential career fields. He is a high school senior and interested in working with animals. Both Samantha, in the office, and Savannah, who did our tour, went out of their way to make the experience engaging for my son.