Lyons Memorial Labyrinth — Roadside & Outdoor Oddities in Denver
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Entry No. 144 — the Denver file — filed under: labyrinth

Lyons Memorial Labyrinth

Built on the first anniversary of the catastrophic 2013 flood using rounded cobbles and boulders deposited by the floodwaters themselves, this seven-circuit stone labyrinth sits on the South St. Vrain riverbank just outside Lyons — one of the largest traditional labyrinths in Colorado. Visitors leave offerings, ceremonies are held here, and it functions as a living, maintained outdoor sanctuary open daily dusk to dawn.

The story

In September 2013, a stalled weather system dumped up to 18 inches of rain across Boulder County, sending a torrent of floodwater through South St. Vrain Canyon that tore through Lyons, destroying hundreds of homes and churning up the riverbed. Exactly one year later, on September 12, 2014, local artist Damaris O'Trand (who works under the moniker "The Gutter Artist") went down to the scraped riverbank off Highway 7 and began rearranging what the river had swept in.

Instead of hauling in quarry granite or polished pavers, the Lyons Memorial Labyrinth was built entirely from the raw cobbles, silt-rounded rocks, and heavy boulders deposited by the floodwaters themselves. Arranged into a classical seven-circuit pattern right along the riverbank, it turned the debris of a devastating disaster into one of the largest traditional stone labyrinths in Colorado.

It was never designed to sit as a static, untouched monument. Over the years, the labyrinth has functioned as an evolving, living sanctuary—a quiet public space where locals and travelers walk the stone paths, leave small offerings in the central ring, and host community gatherings like World Labyrinth Day. You won't find signs or gift shops here—just stone rings sitting quietly beside the rushing St. Vrain.

What it's like

You won't catch a glimpse of the labyrinth from Highway 7 as you drive past—it hides below the main trail line right on the riverbank. Park across the road at Bohn Park (accessed south off Highway 36 via 2nd Avenue), cross carefully, and take the South St. Vrain Creek Trail down toward the water. The seven concentric stone circuits sit directly on the rocky bank where the river curves. Walking all seven circuits over the uneven cobbles takes about 10 to 15 minutes. In the center, expect to see small trinkets, pocket coins, shells, and painted stones left by previous visitors. There are zero facilities or trash cans at the site, so pack out whatever you bring, and watch your step in late fall and winter when river mud turns to slick ice.

The move: Walk the seven circuits together in silence, then sit by the creek afterward — bring a small stone from home to leave as an offering and let the sound of the St. Vrain fill the space between you. Go at dusk when the light catches the boulders and the chance of finding someone else's temporary art installation is highest.

📍 Before you go The labyrinth hides on the South St. Vrain Creek bank off CO-7 (Highway 7), tucked below the trail rather than visible from the road — easy to drive past. Park across the highway at Bohn Park (south off Highway 36 via 2nd Avenue), cross over, take the trail toward the creek and look for the stone rings near the water; it's a short, flat walk. This is open public space with no facilities at the labyrinth itself, so come prepared. It's a working memorial where people leave offerings and hold ceremonies — tread gently and don't disturb arrangements. Late spring through fall is easiest; the riverside footing can be muddy or icy in winter, and access shifts seasonally, so check ahead. Pair it with Bohn Park's picnic tables or a wander through downtown Lyons.

Where: South St. Vrain Creek Trail, off CO-7 (Highway 7), across from Bohn Park, Lyons, CO 80540

Hours: Mined 2026-06-07 — confirm current hours before you go.

#labyrinth #flood-rocks #river #dusk-to-dawn

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Good to know

How much does it cost and what are the hours?

It is completely free to visit and open daily from dusk to dawn.

Where should I park to access the labyrinth?

Park at Bohn Park across Highway 7 (accessible off Highway 36 via 2nd Avenue), cross the highway, and take the short walk down the South St. Vrain Creek Trail toward the river.

Is it acceptable to leave an offering at the labyrinth?

Yes, visitors frequently leave small natural items like stones, shells, or painted pebbles in the center circle, provided you tread gently and leave existing arrangements undisturbed.

Is the site accessible year-round?

The public trail remains open all year, but late spring through autumn offers the best footing. Winter visits bring mud, ice, and slick river cobbles.

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Further reading: Official site · Reddit

last checked: 2026-06-07