Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Greetings, my fabulous friends! Are you ready to pack your glitter and head to the Mile High city? Yes, we’re talking about Denver, darling!
This city may have a reputation for cowboys and mountains, but let us tell you, there’s a whole lotta sass and queer magic waiting for you. From rainbow-lit streets to inclusive bars and clubs, Denver has something for every flavor of the LGBTQ+ community.
So, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride in the Rockies, because Denver is about to steal your heart and leave you begging for more!
Laid-back, welcoming, and oh-so-hipster: Gay Denver is one of the biggest up-and-coming gaycation destinations in the USA and a magnet for queer individuals all over the (conservative) ‘Wild West’ who frequently flock here to experiment with gay life for the first time.
Add to this a fit, active, educated – and very accepting – population, and you can see why Denver is frequently named amongst the most gay-friendly cities in the US.
While the gorgeous Rocky Mountains are right on the doorstep, gay visitors to Denver will find a diverse selection of gay bars, clubs, and bathhouses – not to mention plenty of arts, culture and a growing culinary scene.
With a very active and visible LGBT community – this progress, a liberal haven in the heart of Colorado, is where cowboys, politicians, gays, hipsters, artists, and micro-brewers all live, work, and play in harmony.
In Denver, the notion of a specific gay neighborhood is beautifully redundant, as the entire city embraces a gay-friendly ethos. This inclusivity is reflected in the array of gay hotels in Denver, offering welcoming accommodations throughout the city. Whether you’re staying downtown for vibrant nightlife or near Colfax Ave for its cultural pulse, these hotels ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience, mirroring the city’s open-armed approach to the LGBTQ+ community.
Moreover, Denver’s progressive spirit extends beyond its accommodations. The city’s cultural scene is rich with diversity, including bookstores that boast an impressive collection of books with non-binary characters. These literary havens offer a window into diverse narratives and experiences, enriching your stay with insightful and inclusive stories. Whether you’re exploring the city’s lively streets or enjoying a quiet read in one of Denver’s gay-friendly hotels, the city’s commitment to embracing and celebrating every spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community is unmistakably clear.
LGBT Denver offers plenty of quirky suburbs, a thriving gay events calendar, multiple gay bars and club, and more attractions than you could ever see in one visit. Take into consideration as well all that raw nature, and you too will decide Denver makes a weird and wonderful gay holiday destination no matter where your interests lie!
YEE-HAW!
Are you relocating? This guide will help travelers discover the queerer side of the city. However, if you are lucky enough to be considering a move here, we recommend reading our article about moving to LGBT Denver or getting in touch with a local gay realtor. They can happily give you no-obligation advice and all the information you’ll ever need to know about your new city.
And if you then want their help to find your dream home, you are guaranteed fair, equal, and honest representation. No surprises or awkward conversations are necessary!
In this article we will cover...
Attractions in Denver
Well honey, Denver is more than just cowboys, mountains, and legal weed. This city is bustling with activities that are not just limited to ski bums and stoners, but for all you fabulous creatures out there! Whether you’re a gay unicorn, a bi-curious bear, or simply a straight ally, Denver has something for everyone to enjoy during the day.
From exploring the great outdoors with scenic hikes, to indoor adventures like visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art, Denver is a city that will have you coming back for more. And let’s not forget about the food scene – with a range of farm-to-table restaurants and food trucks, you’ll be able to satisfy even the pickiest of palates.
Whether you’re a nature-lover, culture vulture, or just a fan of good old-fashioned fun, this city has got you covered. It’s time to put those worries about public displays of affection aside because in Denver, being gay is about as exciting as a long nap in a hammock.
So forget about blending in with the crowds, and let your true, fabulous self shine in the Mile High City. Get your rental car ready and let’s hit the road to explore all the stunning nature right at Denver’s doorstep. But wait, there’s more! Even if you stay within the city limits, there are still enough art galleries, hip neighborhoods, microbreweries, boutique shops, and of course, gay venues to keep you entertained for days on end. The only thing you’ll need to pack is your sunscreen and a sense of adventure. Let’s go, baby!
Top Highlights in Denver
Learn why Denver is called the ‘Napa Valley of Craft Beer.’ If you love microbreweries and all things hoppy, you need to visit as many breweries as you can to discover how Denver became the center of the craft brewing movement in the West.
A 23-acre botanical garden over to the public in the Cheesman Park neighborhood. Absolutely world-class, with a tropical conservatory-themed garden and a sunken amphitheater for concerts in the summer
Many hotels offer free bike hire, or simply find a Denver B-Cycle station and explore all of the city’s top historic buildings, architectural masterpieces, professional sports stadiums, scores of public art installations, parks and outdoor venues on your own.
Or if you are not confident (or don’t have the time to map them all out!), just head out on a small-group bike tour!
Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
Newly renovated and back open to the public in a new location in 2018, this fabulous museum displays decorative and Colorado art as well as an extensive collection from famed artist Vance Kirkland.
More art, this time the minimalist showcase of Clyfford Still paintings & archives, the famed Abstract Expressionist.
You can’t come all the way to Denver and not make the short jump to the historic town and alpine passes nearby. Spot black bears, and moose elks, breathe fresh air on a gorgeous mountain hoke and discover your own slice of America’s backbone – on a tour or by hiring a car.
We say this about every city, but it bears repeating: you can’t truly know somewhere until you know its food! Denver is in the midst of a gastronomical rebirth, and you’ll need an expert local foodie to help you navigate all of its best edible delights.
Even if you don’t opt for a tour, at least make sure to eat somewhere new every night. We are serious — there are more locally acclaimed restaurants and stands popping up than we can possibly keep track of!
Daddy’s Bar & Grill
Local gay burger joint bar with casual food, a little patio, a pool table, and darts. An excellent place to meet for a meal in a relaxed atmosphere, though we wish they would have more local beers on tap as this is Denver, after all!
The gay-themed and LGBT-friendly burger chain Hamburger Marys that we fell in love with in Tampa and Long Beach have now made it to the mile-high city. We love any brand that markets to us gays, and we think they deserve our support. Plus, the food is delicious, and there is drag bingo, trivia, + live music weekly!
Gay Annual Events in Denver
The biggest event on the Gay Denver calendar. This week-long party celebrates the role of the LGBT community in making Denver what it is today, and is entirely worth planning a trip around. Held annually in June, the highlights are the massive street festival, a vibrant parade, and all the club parties – but there are plenty of other cultural events too!
Our favorites are the Dog in Drag show! Today it is mostly about celebrating everything queer and fabulous. Of course, still much needs to be done to achieve total equality, and there is a strong focus on the political roots of Denver Pride.
Missed Denver Pride? Then why not hire a car and head out to Colorado Springs in July for another fun and fabulous day in the sun? Or if you’re in Denver long-term, why not go to both…
An annual event held in August where gays and straights come together to raise money for an AIDS cure. Sadly, this cause has suffered severe apathy in recent years as people think it has been cured and put other causes on the front burner, but make no mistake: there is no cure for AIDs yet.
Rocky Mountain Regional Gay Rodeo
This is not our first gay rodeo, these fabulous queer events can be found all over the US, including Austin and Las Vegas, but we just can’t get enough. Queers, steers, and a whole lot of fun! Held annually in July, this is filling all of our Brokeback Mountain fantasies (even if that was based one state north in Wyoming!)
Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Denver
Denver’s hotels are not only gay-friendly, but they’re also gay-fabulous! With elegant design, welcoming staff, and unbeatable value for money, these hotels are just as fabulous as the city itself. But, let’s be real, we all love a little extra attention from time to time and that’s exactly what you’ll get at these gay-favored hotels.
Located near the bustling downtown area, these hotels are the perfect base for exploring the city by day and night. With unique and unforgettable features, you’ll never want to leave!
Sadly, Denver doesn’t have any exclusively gay hotels…yet. But don’t worry, with hundreds of options available, you’re sure to find the perfect place to call home during your stay.
Just remember, when it comes to finding a place to stay in Denver, the early bird definitely gets the gay-friendly hotel room! With high occupancy rates year-round and even higher demand during special events and festivals, it pays to book ahead. So, go on, treat yourself to a little luxury and make your Denver experience one for the books!
An upscale gay-popular hotel houses in a landmark sky-rise in Denver downtown. Like all Four Seasons locations, you can expect posh bathrooms, understated elegance, and a refined spa experience – plus panoramic views from most rooms that will leave you gagging!
There is also a trendy bar on-site if you don’t want to leave the luxurious premises – but the refined Triangle Denver gay bar is also only a few blocks away.
Just south of the Capitol Building, this sophisticated award-winning property offers hyper-chic rooms with luxury linens, marble bathrooms, and mountain views. We loved the modern art light installation in the lobby, farm-to-table dining, and trendy cocktail lounge. The Art hotel screams fresh, funky, and effortlessly modern throughout and offers a nice change from your mainstream hotel chains.
Castle Marne ☆☆☆☆
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A gay-friendly B&B set in a grand 1889 stone mansion. Victorian-style rooms with era-appropriate decorations, including 4-poster beds and claw-foot tubs. The breakfast was divine, and we loved the socializing over the complimentary afternoon tea and evening snacks. And it’s only a few blocks from the Colfax gay scene in Denver.
A trendy downtown location close to the 16th street mall and all the gay nightlife in Denver. Sleek yet without pretense, the minimalist design and spectacular rooms from the view draw you and beg you to stay longer. The Marriot is also a well-known LGBT supporter through their #LoveTravels campaign, so you can be sure you’re staying gay-friendly.
A fresh, modern property in the upscale, walkable suburb of Cherry Creek. If you want to stay close to the downtown — this is a fun, and casual hotel that offers Denver’s trademark understated cool vibes. There is also a beautiful outdoor beer garden + fun restaurants and bars nearby.
All your standard amenities plus some unique ones like fire pits, shuffleboard at the bar, and a welcome cocktail to start you off on the right foot! We also loved staying at the Moxy in other locations around the world, including Taichung, Washington DC, and Osaka – and while the Moxy isn’t a gay-hotel, it is most certainly gay-popular.
The most popular gay-friendly hotel in Denver, and one of the most unique (and it’s really something to stand out here!). Every floor offers an exciting theme, the staff brings their A-game, and there are warm cookies on arrival! Cool and understated, with a central downtown location close to the Denver gay scene highlights.
Great value for money and our choice for the best gay hotel in Denver (since there is none.)
Modern, the woodsy-chic hotel is only a short walk from the Midtowne Bath House, with simple, refined rooms, a cocktail lounge, and a gym.
Hampton Inn & Suites Denver-Speer Boulevard ☆☆☆
A basic hotel chain offers quality and affordability. A short walk across confluence park, and you’re downtown, but you’ll need to ride-share or drive to most of the gay attractions in Denver. The upside? Pride and only one block from Midtowne Spa, the gay bathhouse in Denver.
Colorado’s premier hostel welcomes all travelers to their swanky retro mansion. Seriously gorgeous —Ember Hostel is one of the world’s best hostels with a jacuzzi, fireplace, fun atmosphere, and designer decor.
If you don’t mind sharing a dorm, want to save some cash, or are looking to make new friends to explore the straight-and-gay Denver nightlife, then this is the place to go!
Gay Nightlife in Denver, Colorado
As the largest city for over 600 miles in every direction, Gay Denver attracts members of the LGBT+ community from all over the West, resulting today in a vibrant and thriving gay nightlife scene in Denver.
There is no one defined gay area of Denver, and you can find gay bars and clubs scattered around in different neighborhoods all over town. If we had to name one location to try, it would be the few blocks on either side of East Colfax Ave in the Capitol Hill / City Park neighborhoods but refer to the map of Gay Denver at the end to help you decide where to go before heading out!
While Denver might be more famous for microbreweries and legal weed, there are a whole host of gay bars and nightclubs to choose between if you’d rather dance the night away in LGBT Denver with Britney, Ariana, and Cher.
Even better, most of the clubs in Denver lean heavily toward “get drunk and have a good time” rather than the whole “not dressed well enough for our establishment” scene. This is not a place to peacock – but instead, Gay Denver is where you can actually grab a casual beer, strike up a conversation, and make new friends—or more!
Gay Bars in Denver, Colorado
A small and casual Denver gay bar with fun happy hours and sexy go-go dancers who will tempt you to stay till closing. Not to be confused with the infamous Boyztown gay area in Pattaya, but the concept is similar: hot guys, oiled abs, and tight underwear that is more than a little revealing. The downside? It’s frequently filled with bachelorette parties. Like, just totally back off, Becky!
Compound/Basix
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A large gay bar that is the local go-to waterhole for Mile High Fun, dancing, and strong drinks. A local Denver LGBT icon, the Compound gay bar has been open for 20 years from 7 am to 2 am every day of the year.
The Compound Gay Bar was part of the South Broadway scene before all the hipster design shops, and vintage clothiers moved in—and we hope it’s here long after!
Busiest on Fridays when it’s wall-to-wall with hot, sweaty bodies on the giant wooden dance floor praying to the DJ booth above, but during the week, it’s always worth stopping in for the pool table, darts, and fun happy hours.
The unpretentious leather dive bar with cocktails, regular events, and themed nights. Inexpensive drinks, friendly staff, and a local favorite for dark and dirty cruisy fun. Since the Denver Eagle gay bar closed with is the de-facto replacement for those looking for rough DILFs over Twinkie technics.
A classic gay dive bar with darks, excellent drinks, and local charm. Popular with bears and leather enthusiasts mainly and a good addition to all Colfax bar hopping agenda.
A casual LGBT bar in Denver that’s not in-your-face flamboyant. Enjoy local Colorado craft beers, frozen cocktails, and a lovely patio. The owners, Justin and Tony, are super friendly and make sure everyone is happy, though it’s hard not to be with their popular happy hour and casual ‘hang out’ bar vibes.
Party club, part casual hang out with where you can drink, laughs, and dance. In the evenings, X-Bar can get pretty busy with DJs, dancing & drag queen bingo, though we loved the expansive outdoor patio for afternoon drinking on a hot day. Or try their wet Underwear shower competition on Sunday nights to finish off your weekend with a bang!
Pride & Swagger
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An upscale, almost industrial gay bar in Denver’s Uptown area with great music, and excellent, and very cool vibes. A chill space for pre-gaming or getting to know the local Denver gay scene.
An upscale gay bar in the historic old Triangle Lounge building. Ultra-modern with a fabulous basic bitch brunch — think crab cake benedict, chilaquiles, and the Creme Brûlée French toast, to draw the daytime crowds in.
Make no mistake, though; at night, Triangle Denver is all about that glamorous, fun, and oh-so-self-indulgent nightlife vibe. This gay bar in Denver really sets the bar in creating an environment of inclusivity for all LGBTQ persons and allies.
A small but fun gay bar with karaoke, dance parties, and the popular Weirdo event, Denver’s ongoing underground drag battle!
One for the ladies, this lesbian bar in Denver is all about the locals and women with a pool table, fun burlesque nights, Underground Poetry, Karaoke, and Queen Dance Parties once a month.
We have heard reports that Blush & Blu is rather unwelcoming to straights and other members of the queer community, but we didn’t experience this ourselves. We get it – there is only one lesbian bar in Denver, and who doesn’t want their own unique space for themselves? But just remember, we are all family!
Gay Clubs in Denver
A decades-old gay club/dance hall with multiple floors, fun themes, and drag shows in Denver that are to die for! Even after all these years, Tracks is still one of the most popular gay clubs in town, with Denver’s largest lesbian night on the First Friday of every month.
Tracks also host RuPaul’s Drag Race-watching parties (be sure to wear your merch!), Second Friday “Haus of Flesh” parties starring the top gay porn stars and international DJ events most weekends. Basically, check out their Facebook pages for events and know this is the place to be!
A sickening country-western mixed with a Top 40 dance club with fun costume parties, a pumping dance floor, and a no-attitude crowd. Eclectic events with pop-up drag, body painting, bingo, and more. You might also know them from their locations in Phoenix, Chicago or Las Vegas— but this is the original!
Gay Bath Houses in Denver
Halleloo! Unlikely so many Gay USA destinations we visit … Austin, Nashville, Santa Cruz, Honolulu… there is actually a gay bathhouse in Denver. Two, in fact!
While Grindr and other gay hooks up apps have led to a closing of saunas and bathhouses worldwide, we are happy to report that both Denver bathhouses are as busy as ever.
One is conveniently located in the stylish and popular gay area of Denver, LoHi (or Lower Highlands), and the other is a bit further from downtown South Park Hill. Use our gay map of Denver at the end to decide what is closest to you.
If cruising for gay hookups in Denver’s gay clubs is not your style, or you just want some steamy action: these are the best gay bathhouse in Denver.
Midtowne Spa
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A typical gay bathhouse from a well-known chain with two other locations in Los Angeles. Amenities include dungeon rooms, private video rooms, a sauna, a steam room, a hot tub, live shows twice a week, and a jail cell.
Famous for its themed events, Midtowne Spa always seems to be busy – though we found this gay bathhouse in Denver to be a lot more ‘looking’ than action, which is never good.
Denver Swim Club
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Our favorite bathhouse in town and the first choice when we are looking for a 24/7 gay hookup in Denver. The Denver Swim Club is a vast space with a large outdoor pool, dark rooms (called ‘the Caves’), a hot tub, sling, glory holes, a porn cinema, and a steam room – more than enough to fill a few hours.
Unlike the Midtowne Spa, we found Denver Swim Club to be sociable with less peacocking. Everyone knows what they are here for and is not fussy about it! What more could you want, really? Denver Swim Club is also the host location for Denver’s CumUnion Party and Front Range Bears.
Gay Map Of Denver
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is Gay Denver? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!