Wild life cabin in Emerald Lake
Dreaming of a relaxing yet adventurous getaway?
Plan your trip with a Wild life cabin in Emerald Lake and enjoy the best of Colorado’s mountains, forests, and lakes.
At Pine River Lodge, we’ve been welcoming guests since 1960, offering cabins with the authentic lodge vibe with everything you need.
Whether it’s coffee by the lake or s’mores by the fire, your Wild life cabin becomes more than a place to stay—it’s part of your story.
Why choose a Wild life cabin in Emerald Lake
Instead of staying in a generic hotel, our Wild life cabins offer you privacy, space, and a true connection to nature.
Start your day with fresh air, spend it outdoors, and finish by the fire.
Here’s what makes a Wild life 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 make family stays easy
- Central high-speed internet access at the main lodge for staying connected
- Year-round access to hiking, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, and more
What to expect in your Wild life cabin
Every Wild life 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 fireplaces, giving you that perfect mountain-lodge feel.
Types of Wild life cabins in Emerald Lake
No two trips are the same, which is why we offer a variety of options:
- 1-bedroom Wild life cabins for quiet getaways
- 2-bedroom Wild life cabins perfect for small groups
- 3-bedroom or larger Wild life cabins for family reunions
- Lakefront Wild life cabins with scenic mountain-lake backdrops
- Pet-friendly Wild life cabins so your four-legged friend can come along
Things to do near Emerald Lake
Your Wild life cabin isn’t just a cabin—it’s your gateway to Colorado fun. 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.
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 Wild life cabin in Emerald Lake.
Winter escapes
Winter is for snow days and cozy nights.
With Purgatory and Wolf Creek ski resorts nearby, plus snowmobiling trails and a fully groomed Nordic track, your cabin becomes a basecamp for snow adventures.
Ice fishing is also popular from January through March, with tournaments that draw anglers from across Colorado.
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 early-season boating and fishing.
Itineraries from your Wild life cabin in Emerald Lake
Couples’ weekend (2 nights)
- Friday: Arrive, relax by the lake, grill dinner, stargaze by your fire pit
- 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
- Nordic ski on Middle Mountain trails
- Evenings in your cabin, relaxing by the fire
Wild life 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 inconsistent.
At Pine River Lodge, you get the consistency of professional management with the charm of a private cabin.
Our Wild life cabins in Emerald Lake offer better amenities, better access, and better value.
When to book your Wild life cabin in Emerald Lake
Summer: Busiest time of year 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 book in advance.
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 complete 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 are within range.
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 Wild life cabin in Emerald Lake today
Cabins book fast, especially in holiday seasons.
Secure your spot to stay in one of the most beautiful spots in Colorado.
Reserve your Wild life cabin in Emerald Lake today and start planning your trip.