Top 7 Lakes around Lyons

Several lakes near Lyons, Colorado, are excellent for families. McIntosh Lake offers walking and cycling paths, a playground, and allows non-motorized boats. Lagerman Agricultural Preserve is suitable for picnickers, bikers, runners, and dog-walkers. Pella Crossing provides a peaceful natural setting with wildlife and mountain views, and Heron Lake, part of the Pella Crossing network, features flat, wide, crushed-gravel trails ideal for all ages.

You'll find numerous opportunities for hiking and walking near the lakes. McIntosh Lake has several miles of walking and cycling paths. Button Rock Preserve, which includes Longmont and Ralph Price Reservoirs, is a walk-in preserve with many trails. For easy hikes, consider the Pella Crossing trail network around Heron Lake. You can find more options on the Easy hikes around Lyons guide.

Yes, several lakes offer water sports. McIntosh Lake is suitable for paddleboarding and kayaking. Union Reservoir, east of Longmont, is a popular spot for sailing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding, and also has a designated swim beach. Horsetooth Reservoir near Fort Collins is another option for canoeing and kayaking. Lake Granby is great for stand-up paddleboarding.

For fishing enthusiasts, Button Rock Preserve offers fly fishing for brown trout in the North St. Vrain Creek, and fishing is permitted in Ralph Price Reservoir with a special permit. McIntosh Lake is stocked with largemouth bass and bluegill. Lake Granby also provides excellent fishing opportunities.

Yes, Lagerman Agricultural Preserve is a dog-friendly location. However, it's important to note that dogs are generally not allowed at Ralph Price Reservoir within Button Rock Preserve to help protect the water resources.

The lakes and preserves around Lyons are rich in wildlife. Button Rock Preserve offers various wildlife viewing opportunities. McIntosh Lake is popular for birdwatchers, with various waterfowl and occasional bald eagles. Pella Crossing is also known for its wildlife.

Absolutely. From the eastern side of McIntosh Lake, you can enjoy great views of the Rocky Mountains. Pella Crossing also offers stunning mountain backdrops. Grand Lake and Lake Granby both boast breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the Indian Peaks.

You can find several cycling paths around the lakes. McIntosh Lake has miles of cycling paths, and Lagerman Agricultural Preserve features well-graded crushed gravel and dirt roads suitable for biking. For more detailed routes, check the Road Cycling Routes around Lyons guide.

Button Rock Preserve, home to Longmont and Ralph Price Reservoirs, is unique as a walk-in only preserve managed for water resources. It offers a close-up look at water management facilities, extensive walking trails, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. While fishing is allowed in the reservoir, swimming and dogs are restricted to protect the water quality.

The lakes around Lyons, Colorado, offer activities year-round. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports at places like Union Reservoir. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures for hiking, cycling, and wildlife viewing. Lake Granby is suitable for year-round activities, including snowmobiling in winter, suggesting that each season offers unique experiences.

Yes, the Pella Crossing trail network, which includes trails around Heron Lake, features crushed-gravel paths that are flat, wide, and easy for most trail users. McIntosh Lake also offers a 3.5-mile scenic trail that is suitable for walking, running, or cycling.

Lagerman Agricultural Preserve is a versatile natural area where visitors can enjoy birdwatching, boating, picnicking, biking, running, and dog-walking. It provides excellent views of the foothills over farms and fields from its well-graded crushed gravel and dirt roads.