Meet your Host

Hello, I'm René! In 2004, my family and I made the exciting move from Santa Barbara shores to the breathtaking Southwest Colorado. Here, we've truly found our home. Every day offers a new adventure and a chance to connect with nature.

With nearly a decade of experience as a B2B consultant in the beautiful Four Corners area, I have a deep understanding of the local landscape and community. In 2015, I took a leap and founded Shanty Chic, where I manage charming mountain cabins in the picturesque Vallecito Lake.

As your dedicated host and concierge, I am available to answer any questions or recommendations in the area so this can truly be a memorable trip! I have a guest book in each cabin with detailed information of the cabin, area, hikes, restaurants and activities. We can also arrange to meet at the cabin so I can better understand your needs, goals, and desires, allowing me to tailor your experience to perfection! My top priority is to provide you with a comfortable cabin, stocked with just about everything you'll need, while you explore all that Vallecito Lake and the surrounding areas have to offer.

Chaco Canyon

Pictured above. Explore an ancient and profound landscape by foot, bike, guided tours, or the night sky! Chaco was an epicenter for the ancestral Pueblo people from 850 to 1250 CE (Common Era). To this day, it remains a sacred and personal place for many Indigenous peoples. Please visit with respect.

Chimney Rock Make reservations for the Full Moon hike: https://www.chimneyrockco.org/full-moon-program Chimney Rock is a series of dwellings and a breathtaking geologic feature in our very own San Juan Mountains. The Ancestral Puebloans held this space as sacred, and we hope you do as well. It's an honor to visit!

Happy Guests

It's what I strive for!

"We had the most wonderful time at the cabin. Beautiful views, amazing fun paddling around on the lake and we loved the hiking and walking trails. Rene' is so helpful and gave us great recommendations for food and entertainment. I could have stayed another month or two. Thanks for sharing your property with us!!"

"This is one of the best vacation rentals we've ever stayed in. The house was cozy and spotlessly clean. This is one of those locations that has the perfect combination of accessibility and remoteness. Having "beachfront" access on this lake is rare, but this house has it! It's very well provisioned with free access to a canoe and kayak and everything else. Life jackets, fishing equipment, etc. Every little detail has been accounted for. René was responsive but not overbearing. It doesn't get any better than this."

★★★★★

★★★★★