Christmas cabins in Emerald Lake
Dreaming of a relaxing yet adventurous getaway?
Plan your trip with a Christmas cabin in Emerald Lake and discover 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.
Whether it’s coffee by the lake or s’mores by the fire, your Christmas cabin becomes more than a place to stay—it’s part of your story.
Why choose a Christmas cabin in Emerald Lake
Forget the crowds and noise of hotels, our Christmas cabins give you privacy, space, and a true connection to nature.
Wake up to mountain air, enjoy coffee on your porch, and end the day around a fire pit under the stars.
Here’s what makes a Christmas cabin in Emerald Lake special:
- Private cabins with fully stocked kitchens for stress-free meals
- Outdoor seating, BBQ grills, and fire pits for memorable nights
- Indoor heated pool and playground to add fun for all ages
- Central high-speed internet access at the main lodge for checking in when needed
- Year-round access to outdoor fun in every season
What to expect in your Christmas cabin
Every Christmas cabin in Emerald Lake is designed for comfort and convenience.
Inside, you’ll find warm mountain décor, 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 fireplaces, giving you that perfect mountain-lodge feel.
Types of Christmas cabins in Emerald Lake
No two trips are the same, which is why we offer a variety of options:
- 1-bedroom Christmas cabins for quiet getaways
- 2-bedroom Christmas cabins perfect for small groups
- 3-bedroom or larger Christmas cabins for groups
- Lakefront Christmas cabins with incredible views of Vallecito Lake
- Pet-friendly Christmas cabins so your four-legged friend can come along
Things to do near Emerald Lake
Your Christmas cabin isn’t just a cabin—it’s your launchpad for adventure. Emerald Lake offers something in every season:
Summer adventures
Summer brings perfect conditions for adventure.
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.
Every hillside becomes a postcard.
Hunters also find this season ideal, with easy access to the San Juan National Forest from your Christmas 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 perfect place to warm up.
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 travelers wanting calm.
Trails begin to open, wildlife comes alive, and the lake starts warming up for those first outdoor adventures of the year.
Itineraries from your Christmas 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
- Day trips to Mesa Verde
- Evenings: family games
Winter adventure week
- Ski Wolf Creek one day, Purgatory the next
- Nordic ski on Middle Mountain trails
- Evenings in your cabin, cooking meals
Christmas cabins vs hotels or Airbnb in Emerald Lake
Cabin stays vs hotels—what’s better?
Hotels are often basic and lack kitchens or outdoor space.
Airbnb options can be hit-or-miss.
At Pine River Lodge, you get the consistency of professional management with the charm of a private cabin.
Our Christmas cabins in Emerald Lake offer better amenities, better access, and better value.
When to book your Christmas cabin in Emerald Lake
Summer: High demand from families and couples—book months ahead.
Fall: Great for hunters and leaf-peepers, quieter than summer.
Winter: Limited cabins available (only 14 are winterized), so plan early.
Holidays: Christmas and New Year weeks are reserved far in advance—returning guests often rebook a year ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Do the cabins have kitchens?
Yes. Every cabin includes a complete kitchen with cookware, dishes, and utensils.
Are the cabins pet-friendly?
Yes. Several cabins are pet-friendly, but availability is limited.
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 Silverton.
Is there a pool?
Yes, an indoor heated pool is open seasonally, plus a playground for kids.
Book your Christmas cabin in Emerald Lake today
Cabins book fast, especially in holiday seasons.
Lock in your getaway now to stay in one of the most beautiful spots in Colorado.
Plan your stay your Christmas cabin in Emerald Lake today and start planning your trip.