At a Glance
- Lumberyard VRBO: 9.9/10
- Lumberyard Airbnb: 4.94 stars
- Location: 55 4th Ave, Ouray
- Hot Springs Walk: 5 minutes
- Units Available: 5 units, sleeps 10
- Dog Policy: Dog-friendly, no fee
What Sets the Lumberyard Apart in Ouray's Lodging Market
Ouray has several well-regarded hotels and B&Bs — the Beaumont Hotel is a historic landmark, the Box Canyon Lodge has a distinctive geothermal hot tub setup, and the Rivers Edge Motel offers good value. These are legitimate options for travelers who prefer daily housekeeping and a front desk. But they're all optimized for the hotel experience: you sleep there, you don't really live there.
The Lumberyard at 55 4th Ave is designed for how adventure travelers actually use a base: long days out, real recovery needs, full kitchen for meal prep, laundry access for gear, space for dogs, and the ability to spread out across five units if you're traveling with a large group. The 9.9/10 VRBO rating across hundreds of stays reflects a property that consistently delivers what adventure travelers need.
The Location Advantage
Location in Ouray matters more than in most towns because Ouray is small enough that proximity to the hot springs and Main Street significantly changes the trip experience. 55 4th Ave puts you 9 blocks on foot from the hot springs pool, 3 minutes from Main Street restaurants, and within easy walking distance of the Canyon Creek trailhead. You don't need a car to access the core of what makes Ouray special.
The Box Canyon Lodge has geothermal tubs but is positioned slightly away from the main pedestrian flow. The Beaumont is historic but operates at hotel pricing with a less flexible cancellation policy. For guests who want walking access to everything Ouray offers, The Lumberyard's location is among the best in town.
The Dog-Friendly Difference
Dog travel in Colorado mountain towns is common — these are outdoor-focused destinations that attract outdoor-focused travelers. But 'dog-friendly' policies at hotels are often heavily qualified: 25 lb weight limit, one dog maximum, $30/night fee, ground floor only, can't leave dog in room. For travelers with larger dogs or multiple dogs, these restrictions eliminate most options.
The Lumberyard has a genuine dog-friendly policy — dogs are welcome in all five units. For the traveler with a larger dog or multiple dogs, this isn't a minor preference — it's the difference between being able to stay at all. Ouray's trails, the Uncompahgre Gorge, and Box Canyon Falls are highly dog-friendly, making the whole trip work as a dog-inclusive adventure.
Booking and Communication
Hotel bookings are transactional — you confirm a room type, a rate, and a date. Vacation rental bookings involve a property with specific characteristics, and the ability to communicate directly with the owner before you arrive is genuinely valuable. Road conditions on 4WD passes, current hot springs hours, equipment storage recommendations, early check-in availability — these questions get answered by a hotel front desk with generic information and by The Lumberyard's owners with direct, property-specific knowledge.
Book direct at ouraycondos.com to skip platform fees and reach the owners directly. Given the 9.9/10 VRBO score, those owners are demonstrably responsive and helpful — that's not an accident, it's a management philosophy.