Located just outside Durango, O-Bar-O Cabins offers a rustic escape for travelers who love the outdoors. You'll be treated to amenities like riverfront patios, hot tubs and firepits with serene mountain views on all sides. During the day, explore Durango’s unique blend of outdoor adventure, historical charm and quirky Colorado culture. At night, return to O-Bar-O Cabins for warm cups of cocoa and chats by a roaring fireplace.
Stay in O-Bar-O’s charming abodes set against towering pines and the rushing Florida River, a tributary of the Animas. The gentle slope leading to the river acts as a mellow “beach” for visitors to sit and take in nature. You’ll find cozy furnishings and Colorado-themed decor like antique snowshoes, cowboy hats hung on the wall and faux taxidermy (no critters were harmed decorating these cabins!). Guests can explore the grounds without having to worry about crowded trails or noisy city distractions.
Book the Chipmunk or Birdsnest cabins for an intimate stay or a couple’s retreat. Families will love the two-story, deep-red Hummingbird Cabin with its spacious layout and easy river access. The Columbine and Riverview cabins feature a connecting door, perfect for larger groups. All are just a stone's throw away from San Juan National Forest, several alpine lakes and meandering horseback riding trails. See all cabin options
O-Bar-O Cabins lovingly refer to themselves as the "Ritz-Carlton of cabins" because their wooded lodgings are flush with amenities like fully equipped kitchens to cook and entertain your party after a day of adventuring. Snuggle up in plush robes as you sit by the crackling fireplace, or enjoy dinner under the stars as you grill juicy steak and fresh trout on your private deck. If you’re looking for a large group getaway, rent Big Bear Den, which comfortably sleeps 10 and boasts a loft accessible by spiral staircase and an ample outdoor space for fly-fishing and open-air meals. Or you can rent the entire property for family reunions or host an outdoor-lovers’ wedding on their verdant grounds.
The hosts — Herb and Natalie — up the hospitality ante by taking care to greet their guests by name and sharing personalized tips for exploring the area. They even bake homemade cookies and give out snack bags to ensure guests never go hungry. You’ll find Herb tending to the grounds with dog Pearly Girl on his lap — or bump into Natalie searching for gift-shop goodies at the Durango Farmers Market. Don’t be shy, say “hi!”
You can't get much more Colorado than a blog that's run by a dog. Here, Pearly Girl, a small white pup with rusty spots and a big personality, runs a webpage (ghostwritten by her owners, of course) offering suggestions and words of wisdom to help guests make the most of their stay. Six of the 10 cabins on-site are dog-friendly, offering treats, pet dishes and toys to make your furry friend feel at home on vacation. The Creekside cabin is ideal for pups with its fenced-in yard, while the Bluespruce, Aspen and Ponderosa cabins have fenced decks perfect for chilling with the whole family. Call ahead for a crate and comfy dog-bed rentals.
Where else can you get a massage riverside? Let O-Bar-O Cabin's experienced massage therapists help you unwind and fix your aches after a long day of hiking. Just steps from your home base, nestled amid fragrant pine trees, you can receive personally tailored massages during your stay. Whether you need a deep-tissue release or a gentle muscle-soothing touch, certified professionals offer different styles on request, rather than a formal spa menu. As you relax at the outdoor spa, you’ll feel the breeze moving through the branches of majestic evergreens. Pay close attention and you’ll hear the sweet songs of the mountain chickadee. The happy bubbling of the water adds to an unforgettable experience.
You'll never forget the sauna and muscle-soothing hot tubs. Sink into delicious warmth as you hear the rushing waters pass you by. Lie back and breathe in the fresh mountain air. At night, unwind and turn your gaze upward at Durango's sparkling sky. Crystal bowls ring through the air as they set the scene for a healing sound bath and meditation. In the winter, find respite from snowy conditions in a toasty barrel sauna crafted by Herb and Natalie's neighbor; it doesn’t get more local than that! Guests love to roll around in the powdery snow or take an icy dip in the river before they enjoy the sauna for ultimate relaxation.
“O-Bar-O is a little hidden gem just 10 minutes outside of downtown Durango. My husband and I stayed for four nights at the end of September, and it was truly spectacular. The cabins looked great online, but they were even better in person. We were in the Chipmunk cabin and it was so spacious and clean and had such a cozy welcoming vibe. The outside amenities were perfect too — a deck with a lovely view of the Florida River, a grill, a fire pit, a hot tub, etc., not to mention daily visits from sweet Pearl. Herb and Natalie made sure every little detail was covered, all the comforts of home without the crazy! The only downside is that we couldn’t stay longer, but we will be back.” — Vicky M., Tripadvisor
You don’t have to travel far for fun: Step outside your camp and cast your line in the river. Just a five-minute drive away, you’ll find the sprawling San Juan National Forest, encompassing over 1.8 million acres of land ranging from desert mesas to alpine peaks. Challenge yourself with a hike on the Ice Lake Basin or learn about Ancestral Puebloans at the centuries old archaeological site Chimney Rock National Monument.
Nearby, Mesa Verde National Park allows visitors to explore ancient cliff dwellings on guided tours. If you’re looking to unwind, take a dip in one of Durango Hot Springs’ 32 oxygen-rich mineral springs, or enjoy colorful fall foliage while you float in an inviting Japanese soaking tub.
Travelers can take in sweeping views of the San Juan Mountains on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a historic coal-powered train. In downtown Durango, visit Old West landmarks like the Strater Hotel and Diamond Belle Saloon, all a quick drive from O-Bar-O Cabins.
Photos courtesy of O-Bar-O Cabins