Bear Paw Lodge
Best Cabins & Vacation Rentals at Lake Vallecito near the base of the San Juan Mountains in Colorado
Welcome to Bear Paw Lodge, ideally located near the scenic Vallecito Lake and surrounded by the majestic San Juan Mountains. We offer private, secluded mountain cabins and spacious vacation homes, each equipped with the amenities essential for a peaceful, relaxing stay. Stay with us and discover the perfect blend of natural beauty and comfortable accommodations in the stunning landscape of Southwest Colorado.
WELCOME TO BEAR PAW LODGE
The Best Cabins & Vacation Homes by Lake Vallecito
Private Cabins
Choose from our range of one to three-bedroom cabins at Bear Paw Lodge, each featuring a fully furnished kitchen, smart/streaming TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Enjoy living and dining areas, fireplaces or wood stoves, and charcoal grills. Our cabins provide a serene setting with essential comforts, making them ideal for couples, families. retreats and groups seeking a peaceful mountain retreat in Southwest Colorado.
Spacious Vacation Homes
Explore Bear Paw Lodge's selection of two to four bedroom vacation homes by Lake Vallecito. Each home is fully equipped with a kitchen, barbeque grills, fireplaces, and TVs. Many homes offer private outdoor picnic areas. Furnished with sheets, towels, and essential amenities, our vacation homes provide spacious and comfortable accommodations, perfect for family gatherings.
Location is Everything
Bear Paw Lodge is conveniently located near Vallecito Lake, providing easy access to this stunning natural wonder. Enjoy the beauty and recreational opportunities of one of Colorado's largest lakes just moments from your doorstep.
At Bear Paw Lodge, we believe that every detail matters. Our amenities are thoughtfully designed to enhance your stay, offering a seamless blend of comfort and convenience. Explore what makes our cabins, vacation homes, and common areas the perfect backdrop for your mountain retreat.
Unparalleled Comfort and Convenience
Cabin Amenities
Our cabins provide all the comforts of home, including fully equipped kitchens, cozy living spaces, and essential amenities. Enjoy the warmth of a fireplace or wood stove, and relax on your private outdoor picnic area.
Vacation Home Amenities
Our vacation homes offer spacious retreats for families and groups. With fully equipped kitchens, outdoor grills, and comfortable living areas, you'll have everything you need for a memorable stay.
Common Amenities
At Bear Paw Lodge, everyone can enjoy our common amenities. Our playground features swings, volleyball, cornhole, ladderball, spikeball, horseshoes, sandbox and a large, well-lit fire pit.
Bear Paw Lodge is your gateway to the beauty of La Plata County in Southwest Colorado. We offer you easy access to Vallecito Lake and the San Juan National Forest, and we're just a short drive to Durango, where you'll find a plenty of excellent restaurants, bars, and much more. Whether you seek outdoor adventures or a taste of local flavor, our lodge is the perfect basecamp for exploring the wonders of this region.
Close to the Area's Best Attractions
Things to Do
Southwest Colorado boasts a treasure trove of natural wonders. If you don't mind a short drive, you can explore the ancient heritage of Mesa Verde National Park or take in a day of skiing at Purgatory Resort. Closer to home, you can enjoy a varitey of watersports at Vallecito Lake. Whether it's history, adventure, or relaxation, Southwest Colorado offers it all.
Restaurants & Bars
Bear Paw Lodge is surrounded by a selection of excellent places to have a great meal or relax and enjoy a beverage...or two. Nearby, you can visit local favorites like Brenda's Old West Cafe. Or, make the short drive to Durango, and discover the historic charm of the Diamond Belle Saloon and the award-winning craft beer at Steamworks Brewing Company.
A Outdoor Paradise
Bear Paw Lodge, nestled between the majestic San Juan Mountains and the tranquil Vallecito Lake, offers unparalleled hunting and fishing experiences. Find premier spots for tracking elk and mule deer or casting lines for a variety of fish in these idyllic surroundings.
Discover what previous guests have to say about their experiences at Bear Paw Lodge.
Reviews
Gary Irby, Google Reviews.
Incredible setting. Great place for a visit. Everything is so well maintained. I love that it works for 1 person, an entire family reunion, or everything in between. My favorite part is the people. The hosts are amazing. Highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend this getaway.
Ryan Sagraves, Google Reviews
Our family absolutely loves this place and can’t wait to come back. The cabins are charming and rustic. The hosts are unbelievably helpful, welcoming and accommodating. Location is great - walking distance to several local restaurants and of course the most absolutely beautiful lake. Highly recommend for families, hikers. fisherman, hunters!
John Mercier, Google Reviews
We had a wonderful time at Bear Paw Lodge. We stayed in Teddy Bear which was cozy and warm and has a nice little kitchen for meal preparation. Technology worked great, no problem getting internet service. The staff is probably the best part, we felt like we were family. We’ll definitely go back!
Where is Bear Paw Lodge located, and what is nearby?
We are nestled in the heart of the Four Corners area in Southwest Colorado, just 22 miles northeast of historic Durango. Our exact address is 18011 County Road 501, Bayfield, CO. We are beautifully situated in the alpine forest just half a mile from the scenic Vallecito Lake shoreline and surrounded by the majestic San Juan National Forest and Weminuche Wilderness.
What types of accommodations do you offer?
We offer a wonderful variety of mountain lodging options to suit groups of all sizes. You can choose from our cozy 1 to 3-bedroom mountain cabins or our spacious 2 to 6 bedroom vacation homes located around Vallecito Lake. Whether you're planning a romantic couples' retreat, a family getaway, or a large family reunion, we have the perfect layout for you.
What amenities are included in our cabin or vacation home?
We want you to feel right at home! All of our rentals feature fully equipped kitchens (including a stove/oven, microwave, coffee maker and filters, dishes, pots and pans, silverware, and dish soap). You'll also enjoy comfortable living and dining areas, fireplaces or wood stoves, charcoal grills, smart/streaming TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi. We provide all essential bed linens, bath towels, washcloths, and basic soaps.
What on-site activities and common amenities are available?
Entertainment for all ages is right outside your door! Guests have full access to our common playground areas, which feature swings and a sandbox for the kids, as well as volleyball, cornhole, horseshoes, ladderball, spikeball, and a large, well-lit central fire pit perfect for evening relaxation under the stars.
What are your check-in and check-out times?
Check-in time is anytime after 3:00 PM, and check-out is before 10:00 AM. Upon arriving at Bear Paw Lodge, please head to our main office located on the North side of the lodge building to settle any remaining balance, grab your keys, and get a quick introduction to your mountain retreat!
Are you a pet-friendly property?
Well-behaved pets are warmly welcomed in our cabins, provided they are declared in advance! To ensure a great experience for everyone, pets must be on a leash when outside and are not permitted on the cabin furniture. Please note that not all of our vacation homes are pet friendly.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that plans can change. Deposits are refundable with 45 or more days' notice prior to your check-in date (minus a $50 booking fee per rental). For cancellations made under 45 days, deposits are non-refundable unless we are able to re-book the cabin or vacation home for your specific dates.
Is smoking permitted at the lodge?
To keep our spaces fresh and clean, all indoor cabins and vacation homes are strictly non-smoking. However, you are more than welcome to smoke outside on your private porch, deck, or in the open common areas(away from doors and windows). We just ask that you use the provided containers to safely dispose of cigarette butts.
What outdoor activities can we do around Vallecito Lake?
Bear Paw Lodge is a dream basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy incredible premier fishing (casting for a variety of local fish) and a wide array of watersports on Vallecito Lake. We are also surrounded by prime territory for tracking elk and mule deer during hunting season, plus endless miles of hiking and biking trails.
What are the best day trips to take from the lodge?
There is so much to see within a short drive! You can head into Durango to ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway or see the famous Bar-D Chuckwagon show. A bit further west, you can explore the remarkable ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park. If you are visiting close to the shoulder seasons, winter adventures await at Purgatory Resort!