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Denver gay travel guide

Denver Gay Travel

wolfyy’s Denver gay travel guide to hotels & where to stay, things to do, gay bars, clubs, & cruising.

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The Gay Travel Experience: Denver, Colorado

Denver is known to be much more liberal than many other areas of the western United States, making it one of the most gay-friendly cities in the region. A large year-round gay scene also makes Denver a hugely attractive destination.

gay traveler in Denver

The city uniquely offers the urban perk of abundant restaurants, shopping, and bars, while at the same time providing easy access to nearby breathtaking mountains.

Denver gay travel
gay traveler in Denver

Denver gay travel is ideal for those who want to enjoy a mix of urban gay culture and the great outdoors. If you love hiking and exploring national parks, but also like a drag show or a fabulous dance party, Denver is for you.

Larimer Square

This city has such a comforting ambiance. Everywhere you walk feels vibrant, happy, and safe. People are friendly, too. If you’re from one of the larger coastal American cities, you’ll definitely notice how much politer everyone is here in Denver.

Denver gay travel
Larimer Square
Denver gay traveler

I wasn’t in Denver long, but I had quite a jam-packed experience. Below, I’ll start with some of Denver’s best areas to stay, and then move on to fun experiences and gay nightlife.

Denver gay traveler

Gay Denver: Hotels & Where to Stay

Denver has a few different areas with fantastic hotels to choose from, including Cherry Creek, LoDo, Five Points, and Capitol Hill.

Denver Hotels in Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek is an upscale area of central Denver with an abundance of high-end hotels. The neighborhood is walkable and popular with both tourists and locals.

gay friendly hotel Denver
Denver gay friendly hotel
Jacuard hotel bathroom

I stayed at The Jacquard Hotel, a wonderful luxury hotel in Cherry Creek. It is part of the Marriott collection, so if you’re part of their loyalty program, this could be a great choice.

Jacuard hotel bathroom

The Jacquard has a stellar restaurant on the lobby level called Narrative. Expansive, high ceilings and a crisp white design make Narrative an ideal dinner spot.

Denver gay hotel

The Halcyon is an absolutely gorgeous hotel popular with Denver gay travelers. Everything from the fixtures to the furniture feels swanky and luxurious. They also have a stunning rooftop pool. Without a doubt, I want to stay here the next time I’m in Denver!

Halcyon Hotel Denver
Denver gay hotel
Halcyon Hotel Denver

Hotel Clio is another fabulous modern Cherry Creek hotel option that just opened in early 2022. The property is actually the recently renovated former JW Marriott. 

For more ideas, check out these other Cherry Creek hotels.

Hotels in LoDo & Five Points

LoDo (Lower Downtown) is the heart of Denver. Neighboring Five Points is another popular neighborhood, which is just to the northeast of LoDo. 

This section of the city certainly has a bustle to it, especially after working hours when locals take to the streets.

chic hotel LoDo
cocktails at Denver gay hotel
chic hotel LoDo

LoDo hotels are best if you’ll enjoy bar hopping near Larimer Square, a quaint yet urban popular hangout area. Located about 20 minutes by car from the Cherry Creek neighborhood mentioned above, LoDo is one of the most popular places to stay in Denver.

Denver Hotels in Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill is considered to be the official Denver gay neighborhood. However, the gay areas of Denver are actually spread out in pockets surrounding the actual Capitol Hill neighborhood.

Capitol Hill hotels are a good choice for budget-conscious travelers. Located right between LoDo/Larimer Square and Cherry Creek, you’ll get the best of both worlds. Although it’s not as glitzy as the former two neighborhoods, Capitol Hill is still a great option.

cocktails at Denver gay hotel

North Capitol Hill has the most LGBT activity, but you’ll also find local gay life to the south, along the eastern edge of the Baker neighborhood.

Since Denver is a newer city, and hence more spread out, I would not base your choice of accommodation on being close to the Capitol Hill or Baker gay areas. You’ll be able to easily hop around by car to these spots.

More Denver Hotels I Recommend

Here are a few other fantastic hotels for gay travelers in Denver that are highly rated, beautifully designed, and centrally located.

The Ramble Hotel

The Ramble Hotel

Thompson Hotel in Denver

Thompson Denver

Denver gay friendly hotel

Hyatt Centric Downtown

Oxford Hotel Denver

The Oxford Hotel

Denver Gay Travel Experiences

Walking around Union Station at night was a trip highlight. The intense neon colors and lively atmosphere outside were so inviting.

I recommend meandering through this area at some point while you’re in Denver, even if it’s during the day.

visiting union station Denver

Get cocktails at Cooper Lounge while you’re near Union Station. This classic, high-end bar is on the second level of the station. The best part about Cooper Lounge is that it’s a bit hidden from public view, so it feels super private. 

visiting union station Denver
Cooper Lounge denver
Cooper Lounge denver

Dress is more on the formal side, or at least smart/chic casual. They do take reservations, but I was able to grab a table without one, waiting only five minutes.

Take A Day Trip to Boulder

A day trip to gay-friendly Boulder is a fantastic idea, especially for couples. Boulder is home to a large student population attending the University of Colorado, so there’s quite a youthful vibe. It’s only about 40-minutes from downtown Denver by car.

Denver day trip to boulder
Denver day trip to boulder
pearl street mall boulder

Head directly to Pearl Street Mall once you’re in Boulder. It’s the number one place to visit! Pearl Street is a long pedestrian thoroughfare lined with shops, restaurants, and bars.

You can even pick up some marijuana or CBD products at a local dispensary (purchasing weed for recreational use is legal in Colorado)!

pearl street mall boulder

Explore Nature Outside Denver

Only an hour and a half outside of downtown Denver, there are several majestic sights you can plan to see in a single day trip.

Rocky Mountain National Park is hugely popular. Navigate some epic trails to take in the dramatic landscapes here. The trails are just outside the dreamy vacation town of Estes Park, which serves as the base town for hikers.

Simply driving around Lake Estes is an experience in itself. You might even spot some wild elk on the side of the road! Definitely an authentic Colorado experience.

Denver gay traveler
Denver gay traveler
Red Rocks Ampitheatre

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a closer option and is quite popular with gay travelers who are visiting Denver. Just thirty minutes by car outside of downtown Denver, you can explore the breathtaking, deep red rock formations.

Red Rocks Ampitheatre

A unique geological landmark, the Red Rocks area is where the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains meet. You can also attend one of the concerts put on at the ampitheatre!

Stop at Saint Catherine’s Chapel on the Rock while you’re on your way toward Estes Park. This beautiful historic building is perfect for a photo-op. Some travelers go inside, but many just take pictures around the grounds.

Chapel on the rock
chapel on the rock

If you get there earlier in the morning, you might be able to see it without any other tourists.

While you’re out exploring Denver and the surrounding area, keep fresh and prepared for anything with these on-the-go essentials

Explore Larimer Square

A night out in Larimer Square is a must for all gay travelers in Denver. This area is the most vibrant of the city and it’s easy to bar hop. 

You’ll be able to choose from countless restaurants for a nice dinner too. Larimer Square is busiest at night, so I would plan to head there after 7 PM or so.

cocktails in Larimer Square

Bars and restaurants will fill and things will become rowdier as the night progresses. I guarantee you’ll find yourself loving the vibe of Larimer Square.

Visit for Denver Pride

Denver gay pride, also known as PrideFest, is held every year around the third weekend of June. However, as of 2021, Denver’s pride events were shifted to the fourth week of June to avoid conflicts with other yearly events like the Juneteenth Music Festival.

The Center on Colfax hosts Denver’s gay pride events. They’re one of the largest LGBTQ+ organizations in Colorado. If you’re planning on visiting Denver, aligning your visit with the pride festival events would definitely make for a fun time. 

And if you’re interested, here are over 50 pride events worldwide!

Show your LGBTQ+ support during the festivities with some awesome pride-themed clothing and accessories.

Narrative Restaurant Denver

Restaurants in Denver

I mentioned the restaurant Narrative earlier, but it’s definitely worth repeating that the food here is divine. Brunch was really a highlight. I shared a tuna tartare and mixed nut, beet, and cheese pesto dish with my partner Michael.

fantastic Denver restaurant
Narrative Restaurant Denver
fantastic Denver restaurant

Grab dinner at TAG, a gay-friendly restaurant in Denver’s Larimer Square. They have all sorts of food and brand themselves as an establishment with “eclectic eats.” 

I ordered a ton of sushi with some of their delicious custom cocktails. The waiters were super friendly, too.

margarita at Margs World Denver

We stopped by Marg’s World Taco Bistro another night for some delicious margaritas and a quick Mexican dinner since they’re open later than many other establishments. The food was delicious, but the drinks were even better.

margarita at Margs World Denver
denver gay travel
denver gay travel

Denver Gay Bars & Clubs

Denver has a substantial gay nightlife scene, especially for a city in conservative Colorado. There are a bunch of gay bars to choose from!

Since I visited Denver amid the Covid-19 pandemic, I only got to visit one gay bar. For an alternative first-hand account, watch the virtual Denver gay nightlife tour video above, produced by Gay Star News.

Boyztown

Boyztown reigns as the most well-known, classic gay bar in Denver. They’re notorious for their male stripper shows, which start at 10 PM Tuesday through Sunday.

Denver gay strip club
boyztown Denver
Denver gay strip club

Daily happy hours at Boyztown attract rowdy crowds. They’re open until 2 AM, so make the most of your night by starting it early. While Boyztown doesn’t have a reputation for the friendliest service, many travelers and locals still visit for the gay dancer shows.

gay club in Denver

Tracks

One of Denver’s biggest gay clubs, Tracks knows how to throw an epic party! They host various regular events like Circuit Saturdays, Jazz Night Fridays, Visibility Thursdays, and an afternoon Sunday Funday party.

Tracks Denver gay bar

The outdoor space at Tracks is awesome, too. Everyone can spread out on the turf-covered patio and umbrella-covered alleyway during warmer weather

Tracks Denver gay bar
gay club in Denver

X Bar Denver

X Bar is a mainstay gay bar in Denver that’s been around for over 10 years. They have a huge indoor-outdoor space, making this venue a fantastic place to enjoy warmer weather. 

X Bar Denver

On Wednesdays, X Bar hosts a fun event called Beat the Clock, where they play music from each decade successively for one hour, starting with 80’s music! Drinks are super cheap with the bar’s nightly specials.

Charlie's Denver

Charlie’s holds the title of Denver’s local country-western gay bar, located along East Colfax Avenue. Popular events during the week include Game Night Tuesdays, Whiskey Wednesday drink specials, and Fierce Friday drag performances.

men at Denver gay bar

They also host a ton of special rotating and one-time events, as well as weekend brunches.

Denver gay nightlife
men at Denver gay bar

Blush & Blu

Blush & Blu is one of the few remaining official lesbian bars in the United States, so drop by and support them! They’re also popular with transgender and queer partygoers. Don’t miss Flannel Fridays or Queer & Karaoke Thursdays.

Denver gay nightlife

Denver Eagle

Denver Eagle has returned to the city’s gay scene with a new location after the old venue in North Denver was demolished. Based on my experiences at other Eagle bars internationally, I’d say you can bet on a good time here!

Going later in the evening will be better if you’re interested in an edgier, cruisy scene. But if you just want to grab a drink, Denver Eagle opens mid-afternoon.

Trade

Trade is an awesome kink and fetish gay bar that’s popular with the bear and leather communities. You’ll find mostly gay men here, but the bar also welcomes women and members of the greater queer community.

Denver gay fetish event
Denver gay fetish event
Trade Denver gay fetish bar

Daytime parties and events are a ton of fun at Trade, where everyone hangs out in the outdoor patio space. And in the summer, they set up a small pop-up pool!

Trade Denver gay fetish bar

Evening events get super sexy, especially Trade’s signature Thursday night Skivvy Stripdown party. 

Other events include drag performances, show tune nights, summertime beer busts, and the sexy Bear Bached dance party. Don’t forget your sexy gay party gear!

Triangle Denver

Triangle Denver is one of the prominent Denver gay bars, located in the historic downtown. Expect more of a cozy and communal feel in their modern industrial-style space.

Denver gay bar
Denver gay bar
drag brunch in Denver

Over the weekend, Triangle hosts drag brunches on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Friday evenings are popular for happy hour, too. And anytime Triangle is open, you can grab some delicious bar food. There’s plenty of table/booth seating.

drag brunch in Denver

Denver Sweet

Denver Sweet is Denver’s local bear bar located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. I love this bar for its sexy yet modern vibe, wonderful terrace views, and all the gorgeous men!

gay bear bar in Denver

With weekly karaoke and game nights, a pool table, and even a poker table, Denver Sweet is a great bar to meet new people!

gay bear bar in Denver
Denver Sweet gay bar
Denver Sweet gay bar

More Gay Bars in Denver

Believe it or not—the list of Denver gay bars continues! Here are a few more nightlife venues to try.

Tight End Bar – Local gay sports bar on East Colfax Avenue with sexy bartenders.

Li’l Devils Lounge – Calm and colorful gay hangout with plenty of seating both indoors and around the expansive outdoor patio.

VYBE – Inclusive, welcoming gay bar always hosting fantastic drag performances, karaoke nights, and cabaret shows.

R&R Denver – Small neighborhood gay bar with a cozy, welcoming feel and dartboard games.

Denver Gay Cruising & Saunas

Midtowne Spa has traditionally been the most popular Denver gay spa and cruising facility. They have unfortunately closed following hardship amid the pandemic and the building has been put up for sale.

Secondly, for those wondering, the Denver Swim Club gay sauna on East Colfax Avenue has closed permanently.

Midtowne Spa gay sauna
Denver gay cruising
Midtowne Spa gay sauna

Denver Gay Sex Clubs & Parties

DNVR Jacks is a great choice for anyone who’s looking for cruising but doesn’t necessarily want full-on sex. A men-only “jack-off” club, DNVR Jacks hosts roughly six cruising events every month. 

Events take place at a private venue, the location of which is only available to members. If you’re interested in attending, contact them ahead of time!

Additionally, there are a few other privately-held gay sex parties in Denver as well as the neighboring Colorado Springs area.

Denver gay cruising

wolfyy’s Denver gay sex parties PDF list includes official contact information, sign-up links, locations, price information & more.

Your best sexy underwear or jockstrap is essential! Don’t forget to bring it before heading out for some cruising.

Connect with other gay travelers! Join wolfyy’s Gay Travel Talk Facebook group.

Denver Gay Travel Tips

Is Denver LGBT Friendly?

The city of Denver is LGBT-friendly, no doubt. There is a significant gay community here as well. But as a tourist, you should remember that Colorado as a whole leans toward the conservative side. In my opinion, it would be rare for gay travelers to encounter issues.

Denver gay traveler

The Air is Thinner

Denver will certainly live up to its name as the mile-high city. While trekking higher elevations here in the mountains, it’s worth noting that you definitely lose your breath more easily! 

exploring Denver Colorado
Denver gay traveler
exploring Denver Colorado

Dinnertime in Denver

Remember that restaurants in Denver close a bit earlier in the evening as compared to other large U.S. cities. The majority of restaurants close at either 9 PM or 10 PM, with only a handful of places open later. These are mostly in LoDo.

Denver airport rental cars

Rent A Car to Explore

If you’re planning to explore the mountainous countryside outside of Denver to take any day trips, I highly recommend renting a car at Denver Airport

There are various buses that transport you from airport arrivals to the rental car facilities nearby.

Denver airport rental cars
Denver gay travel tips

Denver Public Transit Options

If you’re content with staying within the city of Denver, public transit is definitely an option. Denver has expanded their public transit system significantly over the past decade. You can even catch a train from the airport to head into the city center.

Denver gay travel tips

The A-Line RTS train is easiest if you’re heading toward Union Station from the airport. There are also more routes to different locations via the SkyRide bus. Here are all the Denver Airport transport options.

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Next, check out more Colorado destinations with wolfyy’s Aspen gay travel guide.

Don’t miss wolfyy’s list of Denver gay sex parties!

For additional resources and things to do, visit the official website of Denver.

See wolfyy’s complete collection of gay travel guides for more gay destination ideas around the world. 


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