Fodor's Colorado by Fodor's Travel Guides

Author:Fodor's Travel Guides
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fodor's Travel
Published: 2019-02-18T16:00:00+00:00

LYONS

17 miles north of Boulder via U.S. 36.

Lyons is a peaceful, down-to-earth community of 2,000 residents that’s tucked inside the red-sandstone foothills at the confluence of the North St. Vrain and South St. Vrain creeks. Founded in 1881, it’s crammed with historic buildings—there are 15 structures listed in the National Register of Historic Places—and the whole downtown area feels like a turn-of-the-20th-century frontier outpost. The cafés, restaurants, art galleries, and antiques stores attract lots of visitors, who also come for the recreation opportunities and top-notch music festivals.

GETTING HERE AND AROUND

To drive to Lyons from Boulder, travel north on U.S. 36.

FESTIVALS

The summer outdoor music season kicks off in June, followed by the Lyons Good Old Days festival, and goes into September with midweek concerts in Sandstone Park (at 4th and Railroad avenues). Cafés and restaurants host bands regularly. Check the Chamber of Commerce website for event schedules.

Planet Bluegrass. At the end of July, Planet Bluegrass presents RockyGrass—an internationally renowned bluegrass festival that features a combination of legendary artists as well as up-and-comers. The venue—an idyllic outdoor setting under red-rock cliffs on the banks of the St. Vrain River—is also host to FolksFest in August. In addition, Planet Bluegrass’s indoor Wildflower Pavilion stages about a dozen concerts in the spring and fall. 500 W. Main St. 303/823–0848, 800/624–2422 www.bluegrass.com.

ESSENTIALS

Visitor Information Lyons Area Chamber of Commerce. 303/823–6622 www.lyons-colorado.com.

EXPLORING

LaVern M. Johnson Park. Located along the banks of the St. Vrain River, this lovely park has something for everyone, from picnic areas and a playground to a winter-season ice-skating rink. Bird-watchers come from all over to see eagles nesting in the sandstone cliffs here. There’s also a white-water park for kayakers and tubers, a splash pad, tubing on the river, and camping. 601 Park Dr. 303/823–6622 www.townoflyons.com.

Lyons Classic Pinball. FAMILY You wouldn’t expect such a pinball extravaganza in tiny Lyons, but there it is, behind the Oskar Blues brewpub, with nearly 40 classic pinball games. The change machines (and fellow gamers) make it a simple and fun evening stop. 339-A Main St. 303/823–6100 www.lyonspinball.com Closed Mon.–Wed.

SPORTS AND THE OUTDOORS

HIKING AND MOUNTAIN BIKING

Hall Ranch. Nearly 14 miles of trails at Hall Ranch are open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians (but not dogs). The Bitterbrush Trail/Nelson Loop follows the Bitterbrush Trail for 3¾ miles, climbing 914 feet through meadows, pines, and rock outcroppings. It connects to the 2¼-mile Nelson Loop, which leads to the Nelson Ranch House. The loop’s slight 300-foot elevation gain brings you onto a plateau with great mountain views. Allow five to six hours to hike. Mountain bikers can avoid the rocks by approaching the Nelson Loop via the Antelope Trail, which climbs a mile from the trailhead off Apple Valley Road. Note: The Nighthawk Trail (4.7 miles) is only open to hikers and equestrians. Lyons ¾ mile west of Lyons on Hwy. 7 www.bouldercounty.org.

Heil Valley Ranch. The Picture Rock Trail leads up to Heil Valley Ranch from the Lyons side. It’s a rocky 5¼ miles up 983 feet to join the other trails on this open-space property.

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