Your Local Retail Shop: Wildcat Mountaineering

Our Local Retail Shop Series highlights local gear shops and tells their stories. We chat with shop owners and staff to find out what makes their shop unique and how they serve their local communities. 

Shop Name: Wildcat Mountaineering
Location: Lyons, CO
Owner: Tony Miller

What’s the story behind Wildcat Mountaineering?

We opened our doors to the public on May 27, 2024, and have hit the ground running ever since. I’m Tony Miller, founder, proud resident of Lyons, and a rock climber and outdoor enthusiast myself. Lyons, often referred to as the Double Gateway to the Rockies, is a quirky, quaint town situated where the North and South Saint Vrain Creeks meet. It’s a secluded, yet centrally located town, making it ideal for a vibrant, community-focused outdoor gear shop.

We were surprised to find that no outdoors store was already calling Lyons home, so we set up shop for Wildcat Mountaineering to serve locals, travelers heading to Rocky Mountain National Park, and everyone in between.

What got you started in the outdoor industry?

A love of the outdoors and a hatred for conventional work. As a rock climber and recreationalist myself, gear shops have always felt like the quintessential hangout spot for outdoors people to gather, share experiences, and of course, buy cool gear. I wanted to bring that vibe to a shop right here in Lyons, within arm’s reach of all the outdoor activities we love in Northern Colorado’s front range.

What sets your shop apart/makes you unique?

We’re proud to be the only shop in Colorado that carries the highly-coveted UnParallel climbing shoes, as well as a one-stop shop for all your other gear needs. We also have an in-house world-class guide and soon, we’ll be adding a bar and outdoor patio. Imagine shopping for gear while planning your next big adventure over a drink with buddies – that’s the atmosphere we’re creating at Wildcat. It’s not just your typical retail shop; it’s the community hub.

Apart from Boulder, there’s no place nearby for outdoor enthusiasts to gear up and socialize. Lyons is ideally situated in a haven for outdoor activities, offering amazing kayaking, fishing, and climbing spots. The weather here is prime, and in the summertime, we see a mass exodus of travelers passing through town every day to explore the Rocky Mountains. Our shop is conveniently located on Main Street, beckoning to travelers with the high-quality gear we stock.

What type of products do you sell/specialize in?

We specialize in gear for climbing, hiking, camping, and more. Think of us as the convenience of a big-box store, but with superior service, local staff, and thoughtful products. Wildcat Mountaineering is open this summer, welcoming adventurers and pros in to congregate, share stories, and shop for premium gear and apparel for activities such as rock climbing, camping, hiking, mountaineering, splitboarding, skiing, fly fishing, kayaking, and mountain biking.

How can we (Outdoor Prolink + people of the outdoor industry) best support your gear shop?

Help get people in the door! Our staff is fantastic, with a deep passion and knowledge of the gear we sell. What we stock is the equipment and apparel they use and love on their own adventures, tried and tested on many mountain excursions. Our associates boast extensive professional experiences as well, knowing precisely what our customers need. We need support in attracting people to our local shop, so that our knowledgeable staff, vibrant culture, and great gear selection can take it from there.

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Do you own a local gear shop and want to be featured on The Link? Shoot an email over to [email protected] so we can spotlight your awesome shop!