We recently compiled cabin ownership data from the 2024–25 Cuchara Directory, and the results, displayed in the colorful pie chart below, tell a fascinating story about who calls Pinehaven their home away from home. The pie chart displays each state’s share of Pinehaven’s 98 total cabins.
Here are a few interesting observations.
1. Regional Stronghold: Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
The biggest surprise? Well… maybe the least surprising surprise of all: Texas takes the crown with 22 cabins, more than 22% of Pinehaven's total. Apparently, when it comes to mountain retreats, everything really is bigger in Texas. But here’s the plot twist: some say it’s not just the views they’re after. Back in 1836–1845, Texas was its own country, and believe it or not, Cuchara was included in their claimed territory (see here). So maybe our Texas neighbors aren’t just here for the cool mountain air… maybe they’re patiently waiting to reclaim the territory, one cabin at a time. Either way, we’re happy they’ve invaded—er, settled in.
Colorado comes in second with 19 cabins (19.4%), followed closely by Oklahoma and Kansas, each with 18 cabins (18.4% apiece). These four states alone make up nearly 80% of our entire neighborhood. Clearly, the Southern Plains and Mountain West form the heart of our community and are linked by geography, history, and a shared love for this rugged slice of the Rockies.
2. The Long Tail: A Scattering of States.
But Pinehaven isn’t just for the usual suspects. Look closely and you’ll spot a smattering of owners from across the map:
- Arizona, Iowa, and New Mexico each have 2–3 cabins.
- Tennessee, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Florida, and Illinois all have a single cabin owner, making them rare birds in our mountain flock.
We’d love to hear from some of these “one-cabin states.” What brought you to Pinehaven? Family ties? Childhood memories? A spontaneous detour on Highway 12 that turned into love at first sight?
3. The Unknowns
A small portion of ownership, about 5%, falls under the “Unknown” category. This could include outdated records, trust-owned cabins, or owners who prefer to keep their contact info private. It’s a reminder that while numbers tell part of the story, there’s always more beneath the surface.
4. What This Says About Us
This pie chart does more than break down ownership, it reflects the spirit of Pinehaven. We’re a blend of nearby neighbors and out-of-state adventurers. Some of us grew up around these mountains. Others discovered them later in life. But all of us have found something here worth coming back to. And while we may represent different zip codes, one thing unites us: a love for the whispering pines, rushing creeks, and starry nights that make Pinehaven more than a place, it makes it a feeling.
5. Got a Story?
We’ll update this annually to see how our community evolves. In the meantime, post your own state and share how you discovered Pinehaven. We want to hear your story.(1)
1. 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
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