Changes to Chico Basin Ranch Access
Birding Access Is Open through October 6, 2024
The new restricted visitation is a result of new terms imposed by the State Land Board of Colorado, not Aiken Audubon. We are working to make the best of the situation and we appreciate your patience as we work to comply with the new requirements of the lease.
Please note the following access changes at Chico Basin Ranch:
- Visitation in fall 2024 will be allowed ONLY: Sept 2 through Oct 6. The last day of bird banding is Oct 4. The ranch will be closed to birders the remainder of the year.
- Birders are required to register and pay in advance (click below).
- Registration for each day opens seven days in advance. For example, registration for Sept 2nd opens on Aug 26th @ 7:00 am.
- Visitation is capped at 20 birders/day, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., and access is limited to the banding station, Headquarters Pond (HQ pond area, not including area behind gate) and Rose Pond.
- The fee is $15/person. All proceeds go towards maintaining access to Chico Basin Ranch for birding.
- Groups interested in making a reservation should reach out to chicoregistration@aikenaudubon.com.
- All sales are final unless birding is closed at Chico due to muddy road conditions (see below).
- In the event roads are impassable due to muddy conditions, we will notify registrants as early as possible that birding is closed for the day and refunds will be issued.
- Consider signing up for Aiken’s emails (monthly) to receive regular updates.
Registration for each day opens @ 7:00 am seven days in advance.
First day to register for fall birding is is August 26, 2024.
chicoregistration@aikenaudubon.com