Journal 37: The Four Seasons in Pinehaven

One of Pinehaven’s quiet charms is that the seasons don’t fake it here. They arrive with all their quirks and glory. Plenty of communities promise four seasons, but Pinehaven lives them in perfect balance. In this post, we will explore what each season brings to Pinehaven, uncover how Cuchara’s weather sets it apart from the rest of Colorado, trace the subtle ways these patterns have evolved over the past decade, and give some tips for each season.

Perched high in the Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Pinehaven enjoys a seasonal rhythm unlike anywhere else in the state. Its lofty elevation and alpine landscape shape a climate that’s as distinctive as its mountain views. In this post, we will explore what each season brings to Pinehaven, uncover how Cuchara’s weather sets it apart from the rest of Colorado, trace the subtle ways these patterns have evolved over the past decade, and give some tips for each season.

Spring (March – May)

Spring comes in a playful stop-and-start: melt, mud, the first brave shoots of green, the bears come out of hibernation and elk calves start their wobbling walk through the meadows. In Pinehaven, spring is never in a hurry. March often clings to its winter coat, with deep snow still blanketing the ground. By late spring, daytime highs may flirt with the 50s and 60s °F, yet winter has a way of barging back in, sometimes overnight.(1)  One day might bring golden sunshine and melting drifts, the next a fresh layer of snow.(2)  It’s the classic high-country mood swing, starkly contrasting the Eastern Plains of Colorado, where warmer days settle in far earlier. Here in the mountains, elevation keeps true spring waiting just a little longer.

For cabin owners in Pinehaven, spring is equal parts beauty and unpredictability, so the best approach is to be ready for anything. Here’s practical advice tailored to these stop-and-start months:

• Plan for snow and mud in the same week. Keep snow shovels, ice melt, and warm clothing handy even in late April. At the same time, have boots, mud mats, and a place to store wet gear when temperatures jump and the melt begins.
• Protect your property from wildlife encounters. With bears emerging from hibernation, secure trash, bird feeders, and pet food. Never leave food, scented items in vehicles or outside. Elk calves may appear in yards or meadows so admire from a distance and keep dogs leashed.
• Manage meltwater around your cabin. As snow melts, runoff can pool around foundations or create icy spots overnight or in the shade. Clear drainage paths and use gravel or sand to improve traction on walkways.
• Prepare for rapid weather swings. Keep extra firewood and propane stocked for surprise cold snaps, and be sure vehicles have good all-weather tires. A sudden snowstorm can still close roads or make travel difficult.
• Time your seasonal maintenance wisely. Spring may tempt you to start staining decks or opening up outbuildings, but wait for a consistent stretch of mild, dry weather. Rushing these jobs in the high-country climate can waste effort and materials.

Summer (June – August)

Summer is the high-country classic with warm sunlit days, cool blanket-worthy nights, and monsoon clouds that roll in to drum out an afternoon shower. In Pinehaven, it’s the kind of season that makes you want to linger outside all day. June ushers in average highs around 82 °F (28 °C) and cool, comfortable nights near 49 °F (9 °C). The air holds a pleasant 42% humidity, and with about a one-in-five chance of daily precipitation, you can expect the occasional refreshing shower.(3)  By July and August, afternoon thunderstorms become part of the daily rhythm. They roll in dramatically and then clear just as quickly.(4)  These mild, mountain-kissed days draw hikers, mountain bikers, disc golfers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.(5)  And while the Front Range and Eastern Plains often swelter above 95 °F, Cuchara’s lofty perch keeps summer heat in check.(6) 

For cabin owners in Pinehaven, summer is as inviting as it is dynamic. The season encourages outdoor living, but it also demands awareness of mountain-specific quirks. Here’s practical guidance to make the most of it while keeping your property and safety in mind:

• Prepare for daily thunderstorms. Plan outdoor activities early. The mornings are usually clear and by midafternoon you can expect clouds, lightning, and sudden downpours. Unplug sensitive electronics during storms and install surge protectors. Trim overhanging branches to prevent wind damage in sudden gusts.
• Manage wildfire risk. Keep your defensible space clear: remove dead branches, stack firewood away from structures, and mow tall grass. Avoid using outdoor grills near or in the forest on high fire danger days. Have an evacuation kit ready as wildfire season can overlap with summer.
• Keep lightning safety in mind. Stay indoors or in a vehicle when storms approach; if you can, avoid tall trees and open meadows. If you’re caught outside, move to a lower elevation and crouch (don’t lie flat).
• Protect and enjoy wildlife encounters. Store food and trash securely as bears are still active and curious in summer. Use binoculars for viewing elk, deer, and birds, but don't feed them. Attracting wildlife will usually also attract whatever animal is higher up the food chain. You don't want your property to become the dinner bell for preditors. Remind guests to leash pets to prevent wildlife conflicts.
• Maintain property in good weather. Summer’s mild, dry mornings are perfect for staining decks, repairing roofs, and cleaning gutters. Inspect water and the exterior of your cabin as summer access is easier than in winter.

Fall (September – November)

Fall steals the show with a full gold-leaf performance, as aspens ignite against the dark pines. Fall in Pinehaven opens like a golden postcard. The mild, sun-washed days slowly give way to the sharp, invigorating chill of November, when highs hover near 49 °F and nights dip to a brisk 18 °F.(7)   Blessed with more than 300 days of sunshine each year, the area seems to set its aspen leaves ablaze, making fall colors pop against the deep blue sky.(8)   Yet beneath the beauty, the climate is quietly changing. Since 1970, autumn temperatures across Colorado have risen by about 3.4 °F, and Cuchara’s fall, vibrant as ever, is no exception to the trend.(9) 

For cabin owners in Pinehaven, fall is as dazzling as it is transitional. The season invites you to savor golden days and crisp evenings, but it also calls for preparation as the mountains shift toward winter. Here’s practical guidance to enjoy the beauty while keeping your property and safety in mind:

• Prepare for rapidly cooling nights. Keep firewood stocked and heating systems serviced before the first hard frost. Test space and wall heaters or backup heat sources in case of an early-season cold snap.
• Winterize outdoor systems early. Drain and store hoses, shut off exterior water lines, and insulate exposed pipes before temperatures dip below freezing. Clean steps, walkways, or gutters to prevent ice dams once snow arrives.
• Use the dry weather for exterior maintenance. Fall’s sunny days are perfect for staining decks, sealing gaps, and touching up paint. Inspect roofing, chimneys, and flashing before winter storms set in.
• Protect against wildlife intrusions. As nights cool, rodents and other wildlife look for warmth. So be sure to seal small entry points and store food in secure containers. Check that chimney caps and vent covers are in place.
• Prepare for snow season transition. Have snow shovels, ice melt, and vehicle winter kits ready. Its also a good idea to schedule delivery of firewood or propane now before winter demand spikes and roads become harder to navigate.

Winter (December – February)

Winter in Pinehaven wraps the village in a deep, snowy stillness. December brings daytime highs near 39 °F (4 °C) and nights that regularly sink to 18 °F (−8 °C).(10)  From December through March, the snowpack stays reliable, with fresh layers adding 9–13 cm each week. Then, just when you think the season is winding down, late March often delivers its heaviest snowfall, sometimes piling up to 17 cm in a single week.(11)  This pristine blanket transforms Cuchara Mountain Park, once a bustling ski resort, into a playground for cross-country skiers. downhill skiing, and snowshoers, where every trail feels like a quiet winter escape.

For cabin owners in Pinehaven, winter is as breathtaking as it is demanding. The season transforms the mountains into a snowy wonderland, but it also calls for preparation to navigate its unique challenges. Here’s practical guidance to fully enjoy the beauty while keeping your property and safety in mind:

• Keep snow removal tools ready. Have shovels, roof rakes, and ice melt on hand before the first major snowfall. Clear walkways and driveways regularly to prevent dangerous ice buildup.
• Protect plumbing from freezing. Insulate exposed pipes and consider heat tape for vulnerable lines. Let faucets drip during extreme cold to keep water moving.
• Maintain reliable heat sources. Service your primary heating system before winter begins. Keep backup heat options ready in case of power outages.
• Prepare for power interruptions. Stockpile extra firewood, blankets, and non-perishable food. Keep flashlights, batteries, and a charged backup power bank for phones.
• Stay winter-mobility ready. Equip vehicles with snow tires or chains, and store emergency supplies inside. Consider scheduling propane or firewood deliveries early, before deep snow limits access.

Changes Over the Decade

Over the past decade, Colorado has experienced a slight warming of the climate. Between 2001 and 2022, average statewide temperatures ran about 1.4 °F higher than the 1971–2000 norm. Seven of the ten hottest years ever recorded have occurred since 2010.(12)  Winters are easing up, too: in Denver, the average winter temperature has ticked upward from 33.7 °F in 1970 to 34.3 °F in 2024.(13)  Summers, on the other hand, have grown more intense, with major cities now enduring roughly four more extreme-heat days each year than they did in the 1970s.(14)  Colorado’s snowpack has also taken a hit, shrinking by 20–60% since the 1950s. This change has effected winter recreation and water supplies alike.(15)  In the Colorado River Basin, a key driver of the region’s weather, temperatures have climbed more than 2 °F since 1980, advancing at a rate of about 0.5 °F per decade.(16) 

Four Seasons, Endless Beauty

So, what’s the takeaway? Three things: First, altitude rules the rhythm. Pinehaven’s high elevation creates four distinct seasons. Compared with Colorado’s plains and the Front Range, warmth arrives later, heat is tempered, and winter hangs on longer, so timing and expectations need to be “mountain-paced.” Second, mountain living is proactive, not passive. Each season comes with concrete, recurring tasks. Living well in Pinehaven means prepping before the weather flips. Third, the climate trend is warming, and it matters locally. Expect shifting seasonal timing to make defensible space, maintenance scheduling, and resource planning even more critical.

Pinehaven’s four seasons unfold like chapters in a mountain novel, each with its own vivid personality. Winters are cold and snow-draped, springs arrive reluctantly but with dramatic flair, summers stay mild yet hum with afternoon thunderstorms, and autumns glow sunny and crisp. For generations, Pinehaven’s high elevation has created unique and distinct seasons, each bringing its own magic.(17)

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Footnotes

Parenthetical numbers in the text (e.g., 5) correspond to the sequentially numbered citations listed below.

1. Snow Forecast. 'Historical Snowfall Data for Cuchara Mountain.' https://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Cuchara-Mountain/history 

2. 350 Colorado. 'Climate Change in Colorado.' https://350colorado.org/climate-change-in-co/ 

3. Wanderlog. 'Cuchara Weather in June.' https://wanderlog.com/weather/67852/6/cuchara-weather-in-june 

4. Snow Forecast. 'Historical Weather Data for Cuchara Mountain.' https://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Cuchara-Mountain/history 

5. Wikipedia. 'Cuchara, Colorado.' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuchara%2C_Colorado 

6. Colorado Climate Center. 'Climate of Colorado.' https://climate.colostate.edu/climate_long.html 

7. Weather for You. 'Cuchara, CO Weather Normals.' https://www.weatherforyou.com 

8. Cuchara’s River Bed and Breakfast. 'Attractions in Cuchara.' https://cucharasriverbnb.com/attractions.html 

9. Axios. 'Colorado Fall Weather Warming.' https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/12/colorado-fall-weather-warming 

10. Wanderlog. 'Cuchara Weather in December.' https://wanderlog.com/geoInMonth/67852/12/cuchara-in-december 

11. Snow Forecast. 'Historical Snowfall Data for Cuchara Mountain.' https://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Cuchara-Mountain/history 

12. Colorado Climate Change Report. 'Temperature and Precipitation Trends.' https://climatechange.colostate.edu/chapters/2_temp_precip.html 

13. Axios. 'Colorado Winters Are Warming.' https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/11/19/colorado-winters-warming 

14. Axios. 'Heat Waves in Colorado.' https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/07/30/heat-waves-weather-colorado

15. Wikipedia. 'Climate Change in Colorado.' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_change_in_Colorado 

16. Colorado River Science. 'Recent Climate Change in the Basin.' https://coloradoriverscience.org/Recent_climate_change

17. Author’s note: In preparing this article, the author used AI-assisted tools for research support, proofreading, fact-checking, and stylistic refinement. The narrative, analysis, and historical interpretations are the author’s own, and responsibility for accuracy rests solely with the author. The blog’s research methodology statement is available at:

https://cabininthepinescuchara.blogspot.com/2019/03/methodology-sources-and-use-of-research.html