Chico Basin Tented Camp
Colorado Springs, The Rockies, United States of America
At a Glance
Spend a week on a working cattle ranch for an immersive cowboy experience
Sleep under the stars in a canvas tent furnished by Filson
Unplug from the modern world and reconnect with nature
Become part of the team at Chico Basin and learn how to gather and work cattle on horseback
One-on-one instruction of how to develop horsemanship skills
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Best time to Visit
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Special themed weeks at Chico Basin are available from March to October, covering the warmer months of spring and summer and the spectacular fall colors of autumn. Get in touch with our ranch specialists for more information on our specific workshops available.
Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your vacation to Chico Basin Tented Camp or take a look at our itineraries to United States of America
Description
The Chico Basin Tented Camp is beautifully set on 87,000 vast acres of the eastern Colorado Prairie. Surrounded by nothing but boundless wilderness, a stay under canvas at Chico promises a one-of-a-kind ranch experience.
Part of a real working cattle ranch managed by experienced cowboys and cowgirls, the Chico Basin Tented Camp offers guests the chance to escape the modern world and refine horsemanship skills in a remote environment that celebrates one of America's oldest living traditions: Ranching. The experienced team at Chico Basin have been camping out for many years during large cattle works, annual bison roundups, spring brandings and fall gathers. Led by seasoned professionals, each week at the ranch is slightly different and focuses on different aspects of ranch life. Guests will be taught how to connect with horses on a deeper level and encouraged to develop a greater understanding of authentic American cowboy culture.
Each morning, you’ll wake to fresh coffee and a home-made breakfast cooked over a fire before you head down to the stables to saddle your horse at sunrise. Head out as the sun comes up to move the herds from pasture to pasture and spend your days on horseback learning how to better communicate with these incredible horses and develop skills of how to handle them during the challenging process of moving and working cattle. In the afternoons, you might be repairing fences, checking water or working in the leather shop depending on the needs of the livestock. With one-on-one horsemanship instruction and educational demonstrations, each day will bring with it new insights into the world of American ranching and a rewarding opportunity to explore the role it plays in protecting the ecosystem and it's wildlife.
After a hard day’s work on the ranch, enjoy a hot outdoor shower and relax in camp before dinner is called by the team. Expect bison pot roast, local produce salads, fresh dutch oven baked breads and a glass of wine while watching the mellow sunset over the distant Pikes Peak. When dinner is over, take the conversation to the crackling camp fire or retire early to your cosy lantern-lit tent, tastefully furnished by Filson. We think there is no better way to connect with the ranch’s natural surroundings than to enjoy home-cooked meals whilst enjoying sweeping panoramas of the Colorado prairie and relaxing under the stars.
Accommodation
The camp has six beautifully furnished tents complete with a plush double bed, a lantern to be lit at night time, storage space and two Filson deck chairs, perfect for relaxing and soaking in the morning sun with a cup of coffee.
Childcare
Children aged 8 years and up are welcome at Chico Basin Tented Camp but it is advisable for children to have previous comprehensive riding experience.
Facilities
Chico Basin Tented Camp is fully hosted with a number of facilities on site. Hot running showers are powered by wood burning stoves and flushing toilets are available just steps away from your own tent.
There is also a daily maid service who will tend to your tent whilst you are out riding.
Activities
Staying at Chico Basin Tented Camp isn't your typical dude ranch experience. Your stay will be rewarding, educational and sometimes challenging as you are fully immersed in the ranching lifestyle, living and working alongside an expert team of dedicated ranchers. Being actively involved in working cattle, animal care, conservation work and learning horsemanship skills allows guests to feel a sense of contribution to a passionate ranching community.
With down time in the evenings, guests can enjoy wildlife watching and keep an eye out for prairie dogs, mule deer and coyotes.
Location & directions
Colorado Springs, The Rockies, United States of America
Chico Basin Tented Camp is located off the CanAm Highway just 40 miles south of downtown Colorado Springs.
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