As Ranchlands’ Headquarter Ranch, the Chico’s principle enterprise is raising seedstock Beefmaster cattle and Beefmaster-cross commercial calves. Additionally, the Chico houses a diversified land-based business mix: guest programs, hunting and fishing, leather product manufacturing, education programs for K-12, college students and adults, ranch management training programs, arts programs, and ranch management services.

The Chico Basin Ranch, located 45 minutes southeast of Colorado Springs, encompasses nearly 90,000 acres of pristine shortgrass prairie with five spring-fed lakes and countless springs that feed two creeks – Chico and Black Squirrel. Owned by the State Land Board, the Chico has been managed by Ranchlands since 2002. As one of the largest uninterrupted stretches of shortgrass and sandsage prairie left in the country, the ranch is an important habitat for diverse populations of birds, pronghorn, deer, fish, insects, prairie dogs, coyotes, badgers, and much more.

Guests are hosted in a newly renovated, historic structure dating to the early 20th century and featuring three-foot thick adobe walls in the May Camp division of the ranch. There are two rooms available for guests and both have one double 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. A washer and dryer are available for your use. Fresh towels are available throughout the week and maid service is provided if staying more than one week, or upon special request. Your neighbors include several members of our full-time staff who are available to assist you with any needs throughout the week.

Adjacent to your quarters is a spring-fed lake and wetland that is home to a large number of waterfowl and perfect for warm water fishing and swimming. This can also serve as a place for sketching, writing, or enjoying an afternoon siesta in the shade. Chico Creek runs below the house and provides an ideal place for a morning or evening hike with plenty of wildlife along your route. The ranch’s population of mule deer and whitetail deer find refuge in the marshy creek bottom, and a diverse range of birds call the meandering cottonwood grove home. At night, the ink-black sky illuminates with more stars than you imagined possible.