There's a lot to see and do at Chico Basin Ranch

Hiking and biking

There are literally hundreds of miles of trails, tracks, and country roads to explore on foot or by mountain bike. Grab your lunch and search for the perfect view of 14,000-foot Pikes Peak or wander along the riparian pathways of Chico Creek.

Day passes are $15 per person.  Check in at Ranch Head Quarters where a map and ranch policies are available.  You will be asked to fill out a liability waiver and a registration form.

Birdwatching

320 bird species have been sighted on the Chico Basin Ranch, many of which are rare. Spring (April and May)and fall (September and October) are the best times to catch migratory species, but all seasons have their highlights. The 5 ponds and riparian and spring fed streams are home to warblers, waders, and waterfowl.  The prairy provides important habitat for such grassland species as Burrowing Owls, Mountain Plover, and Swainson's Hawks.  Hiking along the Chico Creek banks will lead to many owl sightings, where there are many roosting areas.

The ranch has a bird banding station, managed by the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, in the fall and spring, that is open to the public.  School groups are welcome, and the ranch has educators who take students and adults through formal programs created by ranch education personnel.  Important data is being gathered from birds that includes: weight, sex, age, general condition and body fat - all indicators that may provide an important link to their future well-being.  The ranch also works with Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory and the Colorado Division of Wildlife on monitoring bird habitat along Black Squirrel Creek.

For school groups wanting to schedule a day at the station, please call the office for details: (719) 683.7960.  these programs are very popular, so please call well ahead.

The Chico also has a birding trail outlined in a detailed map, which shows the popular birding spots, and what kinds of birds can be found at different places.  These spots are located within approximately 5 miles of each other, at the northern end of the ranch, near the entrance used by visitors.

Day passes are $15 per person, and for groups over 6, $10 per person.  Birding is open year round.  For those interested in going birding on the Chico Basin Ranch, follow directions to the ranch HDQ where a kiosk can be found.  Detailed instructions are available at the kiosk.  Visitors will be asked to fill out a liability waiver and a registration form.  Bird lists, birding trail, map and ranch policies and rules are available at the HDQ check in station. 

Field sketching, painting, photography

Inspirational subjects abound! Wildlife, prairie wildflowers, wide open spaces.