Cabin in Emerald Lake
Searching for a relaxing yet adventurous getaway?
Reserve a Cabin in Emerald Lake and experience the best of Colorado’s mountains, forests, and lakes.
At Pine River Lodge, we’ve been welcoming guests since 1960, offering cabins with the coziness of the mountains plus modern amenities.
With lake views by day and starry skies at night, your Cabin becomes more than a place to stay—it’s part of your story.
Why choose a Cabin in Emerald Lake
Forget the crowds and noise of hotels, our Cabins provide privacy, space, and a true connection to nature.
Enjoy mornings in nature and evenings under the stars.
Here’s what makes a Cabin in Emerald Lake special:
- Private cabins with complete kitchens for stress-free meals
- Outdoor seating, BBQ grills, and fire pits for memorable nights
- Indoor heated pool and playground to keep kids entertained
- Central high-speed internet access at the main lodge for remote work or streaming
- Year-round access to hiking, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, and more
What to expect in your Cabin
Every Cabin in Emerald Lake is designed for comfort and convenience.
Inside, you’ll find cozy living spaces, full kitchens stocked with cookware, air-conditioning, and satellite TV.
Outside, enjoy your own fire pit, BBQ grill, and space to unwind.
Some cabins also include lakefront views, giving you that perfect mountain-lodge feel.
Types of Cabins in Emerald Lake
No two trips are the same, which is why we offer a variety of options:
- 1-bedroom Cabins for couples seeking a romantic escape
- 2-bedroom Cabins perfect for parents with kids
- 3-bedroom or larger Cabins for multi-family trips
- Lakefront Cabins with scenic mountain-lake backdrops
- Pet-friendly Cabins so dogs are welcome too
Things to do near Emerald Lake
Your Cabin isn’t just a cabin—it’s your base for exploring. Emerald Lake offers something in every season:
Summer adventures
Summer brings warm days and endless outdoor fun.
Spend your mornings hiking or biking local trails, afternoons kayaking or paddleboarding on Vallecito Lake, and evenings grilling dinner outside your cabin.
Fishing is especially popular this time of year, with plenty of opportunities around Vallecito Lake.
Fall getaways
When the crowds thin out, fall colors transform the valley.
Aspens turn gold and orange.
Hunters also find this season ideal, with easy access to the San Juan National Forest from your Cabin in Emerald Lake.
Winter escapes
Winter is for cold-weather adventure seekers.
With Purgatory and Wolf Creek ski resorts nearby, plus snowmobiling trails and a fully groomed Nordic track, your cabin becomes a cozy retreat after long days outside.
Ice fishing is also popular from January through March, with tournaments that bring visitors statewide.
Spring refresh
Spring is a season of renewal, perfect for older couples.
Trails begin to open, wildlife comes alive, and the lake starts warming up for those first outdoor adventures of the year.
Itineraries from your Cabin in Emerald Lake
Couples’ weekend (2 nights)
- Friday: Arrive, relax by the lake, grill dinner, sit by the fire and unwind
- Saturday: Morning hike, lunch in Durango, sunset paddle, quiet evening in
- Sunday: Coffee with mountain views, slow morning
Family vacation (3–5 nights)
- Pool and playground time each morning
- Exploring local trails and lakeside spots
- Evenings: s’mores
Winter adventure week
- Ski Wolf Creek one day, Purgatory the next
- Snowmobile on Middle Mountain trails
- Evenings in your cabin, cooking meals
Cabins vs hotels or Airbnb in Emerald Lake
Why choose a cabin over a hotel or Airbnb?
Hotels are often cramped and lack kitchens or outdoor space.
Airbnb options can be unpredictable.
At Pine River Lodge, you get the consistency of professional management with the charm of a private cabin.
Our Cabins in Emerald Lake combine convenience with authentic Colorado experiences.
When to book your Cabin in Emerald Lake
Summer: Busiest time of year from families and couples—book months ahead.
Fall: Great for hunters and leaf-peepers, less crowded than summer.
Winter: Limited cabins available (only 14 are winterized), so book in advance.
Holidays: Christmas and New Year weeks fill quickly—returning guests often rebook a year ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Do the cabins have kitchens?
Yes. Every cabin includes a fully equipped kitchen with cookware, dishes, and utensils.
Are the cabins pet-friendly?
Yes. Several cabins are pet-friendly, but not all units allow pets.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes. High-speed internet is available at the main lodge, and some cabins offer limited coverage.
What activities are nearby?
Hiking, fishing, boating, skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, hunting, and day trips to Durango.
Is there a pool?
Yes, an indoor heated pool is open seasonally, plus a playground for kids.
Book your Cabin in Emerald Lake today
Cabins book fast, especially in peak summer.
Secure your spot to stay in one of the most beautiful spots in Colorado.
Book your Cabin in Emerald Lake today and start planning your trip.