Community >> Lyons
Nestled just 20 short miles east of Rocky Mountain National Park, at the crossroads of U.S. Highways 7 and 36, sits the beautiful and active town of Lyons—also known as the “Double Gateway to the Rockies.” Because of its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, Lyons offers great hiking and biking opportunities, as well as some spectacular mountain views. The North and South St. Vrain creeks merge at Lyons, which provides for some great tubing opportunities and again, great scenery. Lyons estimated population from the 2000 census reports roughly 1,500 people.
Lyons was first settled by the Ute Indians—who still have a prevalence among the town, long before ranchers and farmers settled the area in the 1850s and 60s. The town was officially founded in 1880 by the establishment of a red sandstone quarry—which to this day is still unique among the world. The sandstone quarry eventually paved the way for the cement industry, which took over in the early 1900s. Through the last century, Lyons has continued to house a myriad of industrial manufacturing companies, from gas detection engineering, to laminated plastics manufacturing. The major current industries for Lyons include construction, health care, service-related, accommodation/food services, and education.
Lyons sits 5,371 feet above sea level, and is approximately 1.2 square miles total area. The average climate of Lyons is similar to many other area towns, with average summer temperatures in July reaching around 71 degrees Fahrenheit, and average winter temperatures in January only reaching approximately 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Lyons sees an average of roughly 55 inches of annual snowfall, which is slightly less than surrounding areas. The beautiful red sandstone cliffs surrounding the town seem to serve as protection from most of the area snowfall.
Lyons can be described as one of those quaint small towns, but still is close enough to urbanization to offer all the major amenities. There are many small town festivals held throughout the summer, including the Folks Festival and the Rockygrass Bluegrass Festivals. Lyons also boasts its own local brewery, Oskar Blues. There is also a great prevalence of art in the town—much of it tracing back to the Ute Indian origins. Lyons also offers great sights for hiking and biking with a plethora of trails—including Hall Ranch and Heil Ranch just south of town along Highway 7. There is also excellent tubing opportunities along the St. Vrain creek, which runs along Highway 66 from Lyons to Longmont.