"When I came to Chico Basin Ranch from San Jose, CA, I had two goals in mind. First, to fulfill a lifelong dream to experience a true working cattle ranch. Second, to learn about how to care for the land and a few cattle so that I could buy a little place of my own to share with family and friends.
Not only did the men and women at the ranch help me meet both goals, I learned many new skills.An added plus was refining my horsemanship and riding skills.this is the best way to go to school - hands on. If I was interested, they were ready to let me try. I learned how to drive a tractor, I helped repair a windmill, and as well as many other aspects ranchers do everyday.I will carry with me more than great information to achieve my goals, I will take with me many special memories.

~ Laurie Simms - California

"Thanks Duke, Jeremy, Jeff and Dave for the great time, and Janet for the wonderful meals, and most of all the great company. You promised us a busy time, and did you deliver. I will not forget the sight and sounds of the hundreds of cows and calves being driven down several ridges to blend into one big herd on their way to the pens for branding. A true cowboy experience. The Chico Ranch has great people, very outgoing and likeable.
Special bonds are made by sharing chores, stories, meals, and time in the saddle together. My week at Chico gave me a greater appreciation for the land and the dedicated people that work so hard to preserve it."

~ M.C. Chism - Texas

"The week for me, and believe it...Mike as well, was in no small way, a 'kick-ass' experience! The discovery of a different, but real life style...the challenge: if [I] can do it, [you] can do it too! The scenery, magnificent; and above all, the oh so natural, friendly and attaching ways of the whole Chico Basin Family. Taken for what we brought to the table, the 'real' environment you involved us in is so appreciated, and forever our memory...certainly 'embellished' bragging rights (w/pictures)."

~ Bob Sutter - Chicago

"The scenery was breathtaking and the horses were excellent. Not only did I get to pick a horse to ride I also chose what I wanted to do everyday. So if you like horseback riding and enjoy a little outdoor work check out Chico Basin Ranch. Yes, I spent half of my first day covered in mud and my back ached for the next three, but it was all part of the deal. 

~ Jane Sullivan - Canada

"Tara and I had an absolutely fantastic time, everyone without exception was kind and thoughtful. Even the horses (and some of the cows, with a few notable exceptions). We have taken away with us some lovely memories which we will cherish and have some great photos, some of which I am having blown up and framed."

~ Michael Deeks - London

"We wanted to go to a ranch that had a true ranch experience, not a dude ranch. We stayed in the ranch house they call the 'Casita.' The house was exceptionally comfortable, with the best cottonwood tree shaded yard for taking that afternoon nap. Five of us drove 300 head of cattle about 6 miles one morning. The horses are easy to ride and they really know how to get after a stray. We saw a lot of wildlife and some good border collie work by the ranch dogs. The ranch hands, Jeremy, Jeff, and Horacio were good friends during our stay, and made us feel at home. Duke Phillips is the ranch manager and made sure that we did what we wanted during our stay. We ended our stay with Duke giving us a perfect collie pup my daughter had her eye on, which we named Chico. So every time I look at her I can remember the good times at the Chico Basin Ranch. After your stay don't forget the hot springs over the mountain to soak your saddle sores."

~ Ray Heniff - Missouri

"What I expected was not my experience - it never is. I remember the Chico as one of the best vacations of my life."

~ Heather R. - California

"Duke, I want to express my thanks to you and your staff for such a pleasant visit. Everyone went out of their way to see that our stay was comfortable.
Ranching has been on my mind since high school and your program allowed me to experience the real thing. I was particularly pleased with the way you allowed us to blend in with the day to day activities, of course the branding was a perfect ending to a great week."

~ John Williams - Georgia

"We talk very often about the exciting week on [the Chico Basin] ranch. We got the real working ranch and cowboy experience that we were looking for.
We had a totally different kind of riding comparing to what we are using to ride in Germany. Driving cattle is very different to training for horse shows. It was a really good feeling. We lived in a very comfortable cottage that had everything we needed. We met wonderful people. Sherrie took care of our family and prepared the meals. Jeremy, Dave and Jeff became good friends with us from first day on. Especially Jeff was great. He had the special feeling getting good relationship to the boys. They had lots of fun together with riding, fishing, or motor biking. Generously he lent me his saddle when he saw that I had wounded knees. Our best wishes to all."

~ The Schillings - Germany