Cortez Summer cabin
Searching for a relaxing yet adventurous getaway?
Plan your trip with a Summer cabin in Cortez and enjoy the best of Colorado’s mountains, forests, and lakes.
At Pine River Lodge, we’ve been welcoming guests since 1960, featuring cabins with the authentic lodge vibe with everything you need.
From lakeside mornings to cozy nights by the fire pit, your Summer cabin becomes more than a place to stay—it’s part of your story.
Why choose a Summer cabin in Cortez
Unlike hotels or standard vacation rentals, our Summer 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 Summer cabin in Cortez special:
- Private cabins with ready-to-use kitchens for stress-free meals
- Outdoor seating, BBQ grills, and fire pits for authentic mountain evenings
- Indoor heated pool and playground to keep kids entertained
- Central high-speed internet access at the main lodge for staying connected
- Year-round access to seasonal adventures
What to expect in your Summer cabin
Every Summer cabin in Cortez 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 hot tubs, giving you that perfect mountain-lodge feel.
Types of Summer cabins in Cortez
No two trips are the same, which is why we offer a variety of options:
- 1-bedroom Summer cabins for quiet getaways
- 2-bedroom Summer cabins perfect for young families
- 3-bedroom or larger Summer cabins for groups
- Lakefront Summer cabins with incredible views of Vallecito Lake
- Pet-friendly Summer cabins so dogs are welcome too
Things to do near Cortez
Your Summer cabin isn’t just a cabin—it’s your gateway to Colorado fun. Cortez 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 steps from your cabin.
Fall getaways
When the crowds thin out, fall colors transform the valley.
The forest glows in red, yellow, and orange.
Hunters also find this season ideal, with easy access to the San Juan National Forest from your Summer cabin in Cortez.
Winter escapes
Winter is for skiers, snowboarders, and snow lovers.
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 make the lake come alive in winter.
Spring refresh
Spring is ideal for slower escapes, perfect for travelers wanting calm.
Trails begin to open, wildlife comes alive, and the lake starts warming up for spring paddling and casting.
Itineraries from your Summer cabin in Cortez
Couples’ weekend (2 nights)
- Friday: Arrive, relax by the lake, grill dinner, enjoy wine under the stars
- Saturday: Morning hike, lunch in Durango, sunset paddle, quiet evening in
- Sunday: Coffee with mountain views, late checkout if available
Family vacation (3–5 nights)
- Pool and playground time each morning
- A ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Evenings: s’mores
Winter adventure week
- Ski Wolf Creek one day, Purgatory the next
- Snowmobile on Middle Mountain trails
- Evenings in your cabin, warming up in the hot tub
Summer cabins vs hotels or Airbnb in Cortez
Why choose a cabin over a hotel or Airbnb?
Hotels are often impersonal 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 Summer cabins in Cortez give you space, privacy, and service you can count on.
When to book your Summer cabin in Cortez
Summer: Peak season from families and couples—book months ahead.
Fall: Great for hunters and leaf-peepers, more relaxed than summer.
Winter: Limited cabins available (only 14 are winterized), so plan early.
Holidays: Christmas and New Year weeks book up fast—returning guests often rebook a year ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Do the cabins have kitchens?
Yes. Every cabin includes a ready-to-use kitchen with cookware, dishes, and utensils.
Are the cabins pet-friendly?
Yes. Several cabins are pet-friendly, but book early to secure one.
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.
Ready to book?
Cabins book fast, especially in holiday seasons.
Don’t miss your chance to stay in one of the most beautiful spots in Colorado.
Plan your stay your Summer cabin in Cortez today and start planning your trip.