Lyons, Colorado
Nestled in the shadow of 14,259-foot Longs Peak and just 24 minutes from Boulder, 30 minutes from Loveland, and 40 minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park, Lyons is a mile-high haven and gateway to the Rockies. The small town of 1,800 lies at the intersection of mountains and the St. Vrain River while surrounded by picturesque views and outdoor adventures.
Culture: Small Mountain Town with Old-Fashioned Feel
An abundance of outdoor activities and red rimrock sandstone characterize Lyons. The beautiful St. Vrain River flows through the town, dotted with tubers and kayakers in summer months. Residents enjoy world-class hiking, biking, and fishing right in their backyard. The active community is vibrant with historical community events, summer concerts, and the internationally renowned Planet Bluegrass music festival.
Lyon's Town streets are lined with local antique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and two riverfront parks.
Open space areas surrounding Lyons are abundant, including Heil Valley Ranch, Rabbit Mountain, and Hall Ranch. Trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The 5.5-mile Picture Rock Trail connects Heil Valley Ranch trails to Lyons and Hall Ranch trails. As a testament to community involvement in Lyons, Picture Rock Trail was built by volunteers.
An escape from bustling city life, Lyons is a short drive from busy economic centers to the south and east.
Economy: Tourism and More
Lyons is a small mountain town with an active and growing business community. Visitors flock to Lyons as day-trippers, wedding guests, and festival-goers. The area is characterized by amenities to serve residents and tourists. Visitors can even stay at WeeCasa Tiny Home Resort, which offers a variety of tiny homes to rent or vacation.
Businesses include home-grown coffee shops, delicious and organic food in small grocery markets, artist and music studios, antique stores, gift shops, casual and elegant dining, top-ranked schools, and a quaint historical museum.
Known as “Red Rimrock Country,” several sandstone quarries sell the beautiful rocks to accentuate landscaped yards across the county.
Restaurants include the famous Lyons Fork, Oskar Blues, and Smokin’ Dave’s Barbeque. Venues such as the Lyons Farmette offers farm to table dinners for weddings and other events.
Many residents commute to work in Boulder, Loveland, Longmont, and the surrounding area.
Real Estate
Lyons offers a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums in a range of prices. Median home value is lower than nearby Boulder, offering more affordable options. With its dramatic scenery, the area also offers luxury homes. Recent sales show an average home price of $505,000. Approximately 68 percent of Lyons homes are owned, compared to 25 percent rented.
