Charming and underrated gem of a town, Lyons, Colorado, is nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, just a short drive from both Boulder and Estes Park. It’s known for its quirky personality, beautiful natural surroundings, and a walkable charming downtown full of hidden gems, Lyons is the perfect off-the-beaten-track destination for travelers looking to experience something unique.
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Lyons is always a must-stop for us when we are on the way from Boulder to Estes Park. We finally decided to stay a few days instead of just a day-trip and we absolutely loved it!
⛰️Whether you’re stopping for a break on your way to Rocky Mountain National Park or planning a weekend getaway, Lyons offers plenty of reasons to stay a while. [We have a Guide to RMNP Easy Hikes too!]
☀️Bring this budget-friendly and easily packable 30L Backpack [Amazon] so you’re prepared for impromptu hiking near Lyons!🌄
- Why Lyons, Colorado is Special:
- Best Things to Do in Lyons, Colorado:
- Unique Places to Stay in Lyons:
- How to Get to Lyons:
- A Great Stop on the Way to Estes Park
- Why We Love Lyons and think it is a "Must-do"
- Essential Packing List Items for a Lyons Trip:
- FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions) on Visiting Lyons:
- Keep Reading for More Travel Inspiration:
Why Lyons, Colorado is Special:
Lyons is more than just a pass-through town—it has a deep-rooted history, a vibrant arts scene, and a strong sense of quirky community.
Once a hub for sandstone quarrying, the town retains its rustic charm while embracing a fun and eclectic vibe. With locally owned shops, live music, and outdoor adventures near downtown, Lyons is an underrated destination worth exploring. Plus, its location between Boulder and Estes Park makes it a perfect stop for those seeking adventure, great food, and small-town charm.
Don’t just stop though, stay for a bit in this hidden gem of a town!
Best Things to Do in Lyons, Colorado:
Despite its small size, Lyons is packed with activities and attractions that make it a true underrated and off the beaten track gem.
- Explore LaVern M. Johnson Park – This gorgeous park along the St. Vrain River is perfect for a picnic, a scenic walk, or even a quick dip in the water on a hot day. It also has a fantastic playground for families and camping.
- Play Pinball at Lyons Classic Pinball – Step back in time and play on over 30 vintage pinball machines at this nostalgic arcade. It’s a fun stop for both kids and adults! We had so much fun here that we went twice!
- There’s also some classic arcade games and different rooms to discover with games. We loved the giant ones and classic Galaga. Sadly, they are only open Thursdays through Sundays so take that into account when planning.
- Grab a Bite at St. Vrain Market – Whether you’re craving a fresh sandwich, artisanal cheese, or homemade pastries, this market is the go-to spot for a delicious and casual lunch.
- Enjoy Coffee at Barking Dog Café – A local favorite, Barking Dog Café serves up some of the best coffee and breakfast burritos in town. It’s the perfect place to fuel up before a day of exploring.
- Visit Moxie Bread for a bite – We had amazing coffee and lunch paninis here! There is outside seating with great views. It is a short walk from Main Street.
- Hike at Hall Ranch Open Space – Just outside of town, Hall Ranch offers incredible hiking and mountain biking trails with stunning views of the foothills and red rock formations.
- Stop by Oskar Blues Brewery – No visit to Lyons is complete without a stop at Oskar Blues Brewery. This beloved brewery, known for its craft beers and lively atmosphere, is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. Grab a pint and enjoy live music or delicious pub fare.
- Visit the Lyons Redstone Museum – Dive into Lyons’ fascinating past at this charming museum, which showcases the town’s history from its quarrying days to its modern-day evolution.
☀️Find the best stylish resort wear outfits for your trip that are still budget-friendly on Amazon!
Unique Places to Stay in Lyons:
If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s as unique as the town itself, Lyons has you covered. We loved our weekend at A-Lodge!
- A-Lodge Lyons – A converted motel turned beer garden and adventure hub, A-Lodge is the perfect stay for those who love the outdoors, great music, and craft beer. After a day of exploring, you can relax in their cozy lodge or hang out at the beer garden (Rock Garden) and chill with a drink, great music, and fellow travelers. We can’t wait to go back to A-Lodge! Read Reviews Here
We loved the rooms at A-lodge! They also have a small sofa seating area and kitchen. We loved hanging out in the Rock Garden listening to music each night and having a cocktail. There’s such a great vibe there! They also have a small vintage store too for shopping! They did such a great job with A-Lodge! We will definitely stay again next time!
- WeeCasa Tiny Home Resort – Love the idea of staying in a tiny home? WeeCasa is the world’s largest tiny home resort, offering a variety of adorable and well-designed tiny houses right on the banks of the St. Vrain River. It’s an experience you won’t forget! It is just across the river from Lavern M. Johnson Park. Read Reviews here
- Camp at LaVern M. Johnson Park – Make sure to book this early because it is popular and fills up! Campsites with amazing views of the cliffs surrounding the park.
✨You can also rent an RV to camp! Search for an RV to rent
Here!
🎥 Check out our YouTube video short of our Lyons, Colorado trip!
How to Get to Lyons:
The best way to reach Lyons is by flying into Denver International Airport (DEN), which is about an hour’s drive away.
- Renting a car is highly recommended, as public transportation options to Lyons are limited.
From Denver, take I-25 North to Highway 66 West, which leads directly into Lyons. Alternatively, if you’re coming from Boulder, you can take US-36 West and then Highway 66, a scenic drive that takes only about 20 minutes. The drive to Lyons offers stunning foothill views, making it a beautiful start to your adventure.
✈️Save money on flights to Colorado:
A Great Stop on the Way to Estes Park
If you’re headed to Estes Park or Rocky Mountain National Park, taking a break in Lyons is a fantastic idea. Unlike the more touristy stops along the way, Lyons offers a peaceful and authentic Colorado experience without the crowds. Plus, with its close proximity to Boulder, it makes a great day trip from the city.
Why We Love Lyons and think it is a “Must-do”
Lyons has always been a “must-do” for us on the way to Estes Park. It’s the kind of place that surprises you in the best way every time. It’s quirky, welcoming, and full of character. Now that we’ve experienced staying a few nights, we will plan it that way again because we loved it!
Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, live music, or just relaxing with a good cup of coffee or cocktail in a beautiful setting, you’ll find something to love here.
So, if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track destination in Colorado, put Lyons on your list. It’s an underrated gem that deserves more love—and once you visit, you’ll see why!
Essential Packing List Items for a Lyons Trip:
- ☀️We love this perfect RFID blocking waist bag for travel that can also be worn crossbody on Amazon! ⛰️
- Lightweight Hiking Backpack – [Amazon] It fits enough for a day trip and is super lightweight.
- Portable Phone Fast Charger – [Amazon] You don’t want to run out of battery on a hike! This fast-charge model has a built-in USB-c cable.
- 🌅Packable Bucket Hat – [Amazon] We love this khaki easy-pack hat to keep the sun at bay while hiking or just shopping!
FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions) on Visiting Lyons:
The best time to visit Lyons is from late spring to early fall (May to October). This period offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities, festivals, and exploring the nearby Rocky Mountains.
Yes! LaVern M. Johnson Park is pet-friendly, and you’re welcome to bring your furry friends along. Just be sure to keep dogs on a leash (up to 8 ft) and clean up after them to help keep the park enjoyable for everyone.
Absolutely! Lyons is just a 20-minute drive from Boulder, making it an ideal day trip destination. You can easily explore the charming downtown, enjoy local eats, and take in some outdoor adventure before heading back to Boulder.
Yes! Lyons hosts several popular festivals, including the RockyGrass Festival and the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, both held at the scenic Planet Bluegrass Ranch. These events draw music enthusiasts from across the country and offer a unique, vibrant atmosphere and fun.