Birdwatching in Colorado 17 May 2019, 6:14 am

Mountain Bluebird

Bald Eagle

Boreal Owl

Belted Kingfisher

Canada Goose

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The 3 Coziest Cabins on Vallecito Lake, CO 27 Feb 2019, 9:28 pm

Whether you’re visiting Colorado’s gorgeous San Juan National Forest for a mid-winter skiing, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing adventure, you’ll always have a cozy, rustic, and scenic lakeside cabin to call home when you choose Pine River Lodge. All of our cozy cabins in Durango CO are within steps of serene Vallecito Lake, one of the area’s premier hidden gems. The quiet, pristine wilderness that surrounds Vallecito Lake is a four-season natural wonderland for nature enthusiasts. We’ve hand-selected three of our favorite wintertime Vallecito Lake cabins, all of which feature lake views, wood-burning fireplaces, and fully-equipped kitchens.

Cabin 30

Let’s start with one of our most popular three-bedroom cabins in Durango CO: Cabin 30. This gorgeous, hand-crafted log cabin sits near the top of the treeline, providing spectacular Vallecito Lake and San Juan National Forest vistas. Cabin 30 sleeps six, has two bathrooms, and features arguably the best living room on the lake. The living room has vaulted ceilings, a dazzling chandelier, a rock wood-burning fireplace, and a flatscreen television. Start each morning with a steaming cup of fresh-brewed coffee, a good book, and a warm blanket on the covered deck. On a particularly mild winter evening, enjoy hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows around the crackling on-site fire pit around dusk.

Cabin 25 – “Short Stop”

Despite only covering 640 square feet, Cabin 25, also known as “Short Stop,” has a large screened-in porch, a brick fireplace, two bedrooms, and an outdoor fire pit. The well-lit living area is quite large, and the fully-furnished kitchen has granite countertops and hand-crafted cabinetry. The screened-in porch peers out onto Vallecito Lake, which rests only 200 feet from the property. Watch a golden sunset on the porch, play board games around a crackling fire, or grill that walleye you caught on Vallecito Lake earlier in the afternoon! Short Stop sleeps four, but the living room’s sleeper couch can also fit another two individuals.

Cabin 28

It’s incredibly challenging to find one-bedroom cabins in Durango CO that feature a wood-burning fireplace – but Pine River Lodge has several, including Cabin 28. This cozy one-bedroom, one-bath cabin sleeps two, making it ideal for couples and honeymooners! You’ll spot the tall rock fireplace from the exterior of this lake-view cabin. Despite the cabin’s small size, you’ll be able to enjoy a leather sofa, hand-crafted rocking chair, fully-equipped kitchen, covered deck, and a sizable campfire space. The covered deck, which has the feel of a treehouse, has direct sightlines to tranquil Vallecito Lake.

Discounted Lodging in Durango CO – Buy 2 Nights, Get 1 Free!

For a limited time only, Pine River Lodge is offering a buy two nights, get one free online deal on all Durango cabin rentals. Simply use the promo code “B2G1” at the online checkout. This special offer ends April 15. There is a seemingly endless array of winter activities here in the San Juan National Forest, including cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing, sledding, and, of course, relaxing by a crackling fireplace! Take advantage of the discounted Durango lodging before we’re fully booked by visiting us online at PineRiverLodge.com.

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3 Underrated Winter Activities in Durango, Colorado 30 Jan 2019, 8:12 pm

We’re nearing winter’s peak here in peaceful Durango, Colorado, which means it’s time to start planning your upcoming snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing trip to Pine River Lodge. We have over two dozen Durango cabin rentals overlooking serene Vallecito Lake in the heart of Colorado’s lush San Juan National Forest on the edge of the Rocky Mountains. There’s a seemingly endless winter playground available here for outdoor enthusiasts aching for a snowy adventure. Most out-of-state tourists only know about Colorado’s world-class alpine skiing, but we have so much more to offer! Think outside the box this winter with a family snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing adventure near beautiful Durango, Colorado.

Snowmobiling

Pine River Lodge has easy access to dozens of breathtaking snowmobiling trails, which should come as no surprise. Both the San Juan Sledders Snowmobile Club and the Silverton Snowmobile Club meticulously groom their paths, which span hundreds of miles. The Vallecito Middle Mountain Road can be picked up on the north end of the lake, only a short trek from the lodge. Lemon Reservoir and Missionary Ridge are two nearby trails worth exploring, but you’re also free to try backcountry sledding – just make sure to read Durango’s safety tips and park guidelines before riding.

Cross-Country Skiing

The Vallecito Nordic ski trail is officially up-and-running as cool temperatures and snowfall have finally arrived here at Pine River Lodge. Our Durango cabin rentals are less than three miles from the trailhead. For those of you who don’t own cross-country skiing gear, please visit one of these local establishments located in nearby Durango. These diligently-groomed cross-country skiing trails span over 12 kilometers, cruising past Vallecito Lake and lush forestry at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

Snowshoeing

Pine River Lodge gladly provides our guests with snowshoe rentals for all ages! You’re encouraged to explore our lakefront property and the surrounding wilderness. Elsewhere, trekking deep into San Juan National Forest will provide an excellent challenge for seasoned snowshoers who’ll love these three adventures: Animas Mountain, Castle Rock, and Smelter Mountain.

Durango Cabin Rentals

Many of our Vallecito Lake cabins are discounted this winter (buy two nights, get one free until April 15). Take advantage of this excellent deal before we change our minds! After each full day of exploration, retreat to your Durango vacation rentals for a relaxing, cozy evening. Whip together a home-cooked meal, gather around the fireplace, and share stories of the day’s adventures. Give us a call today at 1-970-884-2563 to book a well-deserved escape into the peaceful Rocky Mountains!

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What to Bring for Your Colorado Winter Getaway 18 Dec 2018, 9:20 pm

Winter is here, and in Colorado, that means plenty of snow and wintertime fun! When looking for one of your perfect Durango cabin rentals, there is no need to look any further than Pine River Lodge. Situated in the San Juan National Forest within the Rocky Mountains, your winter getaway will be complete, so long as you come prepared.

What to Pack

No wintertime adventure is complete without the proper gear. When you stay at one of the Durando cabin rentals, you’ll want to make sure that you have everything so you can get the most out of your winter vacation. Pack away some gloves, thick, down jackets, and boots. Don’t forget sunglasses, as to ward off any snow blindness. Find some beautiful Durango cabin rentals with Pine River Lodge, and you’ll be all set for your delightful winter getaway.

Skiing Gear for Colorado

After selecting one of the fantastic Durango cabin rentals with Pine River Lodge, it’s time to get your ski on. You’ll want to get all the proper gear so you can enjoy the slopes in comfort. Goggles are an easy-to-miss item that works well for those taking on the snow. Gloves and mittens are a must-have, as are boots and thick socks. A ski jacket will keep you warm in the wintertime and when you’re on the slopes, and while it may seem ironic, don’t forget your sunscreen either! When staying with Pine River Lodge, you’ll have a cozy mountainside cabin to keep all your winter gear and relax after a long day skiing.

Where to Rent Gear

No winter trip is complete without the proper gear for it. Luckily, while staying at one of the beautifully appointed Durango cabin rentals with Pine River Lodge, you can rent snowshoes during your stay so you can enjoy all the snow has to offer! Go hiking with loved ones on beautiful snow as you relax in a mountain cabin getaway, and enjoy the winter sights in Durango. Pine River Lodge provides all that you need to make your winter vacation one to remember. From their delightful Durango cabin rentals to their nearby amenities, your perfect winter vacation awaits at Pine River Lodge.

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Celebrate the Holidays in Durango, Colorado 18 Nov 2018, 9:08 pm

While Pine River Lodge is a fantastic place to enjoy all year round, expert vacationers know that winter is the best time to visit. Come colder months, the quaint Rocky Mountain town of Durango turns into a winter wonderland complete with beautiful snowfall, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and a Polar Express train ride through the hills. Enjoy a storybook winter getaway with a Durango Christmas vacation. Here are just a few of the events and festivities that make Durango a holiday mecca!

Snowdown Festival

The annual Snowdown festival is labeled as ‘Colorado’s Premier Winter Celebration’ and takes place during the last week in January and through the first weekend in February. For over four decades, Snowdown has been providing visitors and locals with holiday spirit and winter cheer. Every year, the event focuses on a different theme and invites guests to participate. The non-profit festival offers multiple parades and a plethora or entertaining events. Visit the Snowdown website for more information on this year’s happenings!

Sleigh Rides

You’ve most likely sung the line, but have you ever really dashed through the snow? If the answer is no, Durango is home to multiple liveries and outfitters that can make your Christmas dreams come true. Visit local establishments such as San Juan Sky Outfitters, Buck’s Livery, Rapp Corral, and Prairie Fire Percherons to embark on a holiday horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow!

Polar Express

Kids and adults alike are sure to love this one-of-a-kind winter experience! While on your Durango Christmas vacation with Pine River Lodge, head to the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and get your ticket for the Polar Express Train Ride. All Aboard! The coal-powered locomotive pulls into the station, where the beginning scene will take place. Once everyone is on board and in their seats, get ready to enjoy hot chocolate delivered by waiters, a reading of the book on the way to the North Pole, and even a visit from Santa!

Hot Springs

Take some time to relax during your Durango Christmas vacation, and enjoy a long soak in the Trimble Spa Hot Springs. Take advantage of the naturally warm mineral-rich waters and let your stress melt away. The tranquil location in the beautiful Rockies provides a fantastic setting for this relaxing experience, and you will leave feeling rejuvenated and ready to enjoy some more Christmas cheer!

A Durango Christmas at Pine River Lodge

As evident from the vast variety of quality events and activities, a Durango Christmas vacation is a prime way to spend this holiday season. Enjoy quality time with your loved ones at Pine River Lodge, and experience everything this winter wonderland has to offer!

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3 Kid-Friendly Durango Activities 18 Oct 2018, 9:00 pm

A trip to Pine River Lodge in beautiful Durango, Colorado, is an ideal vacation for the whole family. Both you and your kids will love the plethora of fun things to do in this gorgeous Rocky Mountain locale. Experience the beauty of Vallecito Lake just outside of your cabin door. Along with the breathtaking natural Colorado beauty, many kid-friendly Durango activities are waiting for you to enjoy. Book one of our cozy Pine River Lodge cabins, and head out to the Rockies to make some lasting family memories. Here are three of the best Durango activities that both kids and adults will enjoy!

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Train

Visit the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum and travel through the Colorado countryside as people did in the 1800s. This incredible experience pays homage to the history of the town, as Durango was founded by the railway in 1880. The route has been used to haul tons of precious metals and countless passengers throughout its existence. Choose from a wide variety of riding options and take advantage of the railroad’s many packages and events, such as the famed Polar Express Train Ride. There is no doubt that this is one of the best kid-favorite Durango activities offered!

Durango Power House Science Center

Another great experience to bring the family to is the Durango Power House Science Center. This interactive science museum is perfect for curious kids who enjoy hands-on learning and activities. Let the little ones discover new concepts and connect the dots in this friendly and entertaining science center. Watch their faces light up as they understand various processes of everyday life. Power House is one of the most engaging Durango activities.

Mesa Verde National Park

For even more discovery, let the kids explore Durango’s incredible Mesa Verde National Park. Exploring these Native American ruins is an eye-opening and exciting glimpse into the history of beautiful Colorado. Embark on a guided tour with one of the park rangers, and let the kids ask every question that comes to mind. A walk through the beautifully carved rock caves will inspire the whole family and is one just one of the incredible experiences waiting for you in Durango.

Cabins in Durango, CO

Book your family vacation with Pine River Lodge and take advantage of the fantastic variety of kid-friendly Durango activities. Our cabins fill up fast, so make sure to call or visit our website today to book your stay on beautiful Vallecito Lake. Bring the kids to the Rockies and discover your new peaceful family getaway!

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Explore the Stunning Wilderness at Pine River Lodge 18 Sep 2018, 8:51 pm

Pine River Lodge, located amid the magnificent Rocky Mountains in the San Juan National Forest, is one of the most impressive and gorgeous getaway destinations in the United States. This premier Colorado lodge is situated on the shore of Lake Vallecito and provides guests with incredible access to the state’s best outdoor recreation locations. Take in the majestic mountain views and unmatched natural beauty while enjoying the various trails and forested areas. Here are just a few ways to explore and appreciate the stunning wilderness while on your Pine River Lodge vacation.

Hiking and Biking Trails

Pine River Lodge is ideally located around numerous trails perfect for hiking and biking. For an easy-to-moderate hike, try The Lake Trails or Pine River Trail. Meander around Vallecito Lake or trek through the meadows and canyons of the valley on Pine River Trail. Cave Basin Trail offers the most challenging hike with a high-elevation ten-mile roundtrip. Enjoy breathtaking views once you reach the Overlook of Emerald Lake. If hiking isn’t your thing, load up the mountain bikes and enjoy cruising through the beautiful Colorado forests surrounding Pine River Lodge. Peddle down beautiful rolling trails on Middle Mountain, Lemon Lake, or Engineer Mountain.

San Juan National Forest and Weminuche Wilderness

Spanning nearly two million acres of Colorado wilderness, San Juan National Forest is an incredible reserve just waiting to be enjoyed. You don’t need to travel far to appreciate this natural beauty as much of the area surrounding Pine River Lodge is within the National Forest’s boundaries. From scenic drives and nature viewing to fishing and hunting, a wide variety of recreational activities are available to guests. Along with the San Juan National Forest, Weminuche Wilderness is an incredible natural asset of the area. Part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, Weminuche Wilderness is the largest protected wilderness reserve in the state.

Pine River Lodge

Make your way out to Pine River Lodge and start appreciating the natural beauty of the majestic location. Weave through the mountain roads on bike or hike along breathtaking byways. The Colorado wilderness is waiting for you. Book your Pine River Lodge trip today and get ready to experience all Colorado has to offer.

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Fall Horseback Riding in Colorado 27 Aug 2018, 8:22 pm

Nothing says ‘Colorado’ more than saddling up and galloping through the gorgeous rolling countryside. Climb onto one of these majestic and gentle animals and experience the natural beauty of Colorado like never before. Here at Pine River Lodge, we can make your horseback riding dreams come alive. During your stay at one of the premier cabins near Durango CO, you will have the option to trod around stunning Vallecito Lake with one of the local liveries or leave the Lodge and enjoy riding through the breathtaking San Juan National Forest. Be sure to make the most of your autumn days by experiencing horseback riding in Colorado!

Lake Vallecito Horseback Riding

While on your relaxing Pine River Lodge fall getaway, you have the option to easily embark on an entertaining and inspiring horseback riding venture with the Stables at Elk Point. Conveniently make your reservations here when you get to the Lodge, and then head to the other side of gorgeous Vallecito Lake to view the area’s amazing landscape from horseback. Whether you’d like to ride for one hour or half a day, a stay at Pine River Lodge will give you access to no-hassle horseback riding.

Other Equestrian Adventures

If you wish to venture slightly further from the Lake for your ride, Buck’s Livery, located about an hour northwest of Pine River Lodge, is one of the best horseback riding cabins near Durango CO. Hit the trail and choose from a plethora of riding options. With many of the rides appropriate for children ages six years and older and pony rides for the younger ones, we are adamant that your time with Buck’s Livery will be fun for the whole family!

Pro Tip: Here are some things to remember to bring on your Colorado horseback riding adventure:

• Long pants
• Cowboy boots or tennis shoes
• Long underwear and layers (for those crisp fall days)
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Poncho/raincoat
• Bottled water
• Camera

With all of this information, you are well on your way to enjoying a fantastic Colorado horseback riding experience. Book your stay this fall at Pine River Lodge and take advantage of one of the best cabins near Durango CO.

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Visit Mesa Verde on your trip to Colorado! 23 Jul 2018, 6:18 pm

While you enjoy one of our Durango cabin rentals, we recommend you check out Mesa Verde National Park, the first national park of its kind!

What is Mesa Verde?

Mesa Verde National Park, Spanish for green table, was started by Theodore Roosevelt, to preserve the works of man. Mesa Verde National Park was designed to protect archaeological sites built by the Ancestral Puebloans, who lived in Mesa Verde for more than seven hundred years. As of now, Mesa Verde has over four thousand seven hundred archaeological sites. These sites include six hundred cliff dwellings, the mesa top sites of pit-houses, pueblos, and farming structures, with many more yet to be discovered. Mesa Verde National Park is a spectacular look into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who chose to make Mesa Verde their home. As they lived and flourished in this region, they eventually built extravagant stone communities in the sheltered alcoves of the canyon walls.

Mesa Verde Dwellings!

The Mesa Verde Dwellings are part of some of the best-preserved archeological sites in North America. The Ancestral Puebloans mainly lived on the mesa tops, most of them began living in pueblos they built beneath the overhanging cliffs. The structures range from one-room storage units to communities of more than one-hundred and fifty rooms. While still farming the mesa tops, the Puebloans continued to live in the alcoves, repairing, restoring, and constructing new rooms for almost a century. Then, they started migrating south into what we currently refer to as New Mexico and Arizona, ending the Ancestral Puebloan occupation of Mesa Verde.

Mesa Verde National Park is worth the thirty-minute drive from your Durango cabin rentals. The history and beauty, as well as the small town feel of downtown Mancos, make it an ideal day trip for the family!

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Splashing into Summer! 23 Jun 2018, 5:17 pm

Pine River Lodge offers a variety of mountain cabins with stunning views of Vallecito Lake. The lake provides a ton of activities from canoeing, kayaking, boating, and much more. However, don’t worry about packing up your water toys because we have great rentals in the area. Doc’s Marina rents out kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, pontoon boats, and fishing boats so you can come and enjoy the water.

Everything Water

Vallecito Lake is one of the vastest bodies of water in Colorado, and we would say the most beautiful too. It is sheltered by the mountain valley, 8,000 ft. above sea level. Vallecito, “little valley’ in Spanish, is located in the southwestern part of the state just 18 miles from Durango. Some of the top activities to partake in is fishing, paddle boarding, and boating.

Fishing can be a quick hour trip or a day-long adventure. Coast out to the center of the lake where the water is clear and the fish bite. The Lake provides easy access and large fish such as rainbow trout, brown trout, and northern pike. If you are looking for something with a little more movement, try out paddle boarding. Paddleboarding will test your balance and strength while you enjoy a gorgeous day on the lake. But make sure you sit down and rest and take in the views. If you want some family time, a pontoon is the way to go. Everyone can be together, and we guarantee the scenery won’t disappoint!

Before you get out on the water, remember to get your boating permit. Kayaks, canoes, paddle boards do not need a boating permit, but all motorized vessels do. Whether you rent kayaks or a boat from Doc’s Marina, you’ll have the time of your life splashing around in Vallecito Lake and remember your cabin at Pine River Lodge is just a short ways away. So after a long day of soaking in the sun and jumping in the water relax and refresh in your cabin. You won’t want to miss these fun summer activities, so call today, 970-884-2563, and get ready to make memories.

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