Denver, CO

Sure, "Brokeback Mountain" made a neighboring state famous, but the laid-back, welcoming nature of the locals and a vibrant nightlife makes Denver the true gay and lesbian center of the West, with many hotels and restaurants catering to LGBTQ visitors. As the largest city in a 600-mile radius, Denver attracts members of the LGBTQ community comes from all over the West and the world, resulting in a well-established gay nightlife, welcoming gay neighborhoods, gay-friendly hotels, and numerous annual events that draw huge crowds.

For shopping and nightlife, check out the Cherry Creek, Capitol Hill and RiNo neighborhoods. In fact, RiNo (River North) Art District was selected as one of the Top 5 Emerging Gay Neighborhoods in America by Passport Magazine!

You may also want to plan your trip during the nation's largest PrideFests or the Colorado Gay Rodeo. For more resources, go to the websites of the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce and The Center on Colfax.

In the last few years, Denver has jumped in popularity as a travel destination for LGBTQ visitors. For more on LGBTQ life in Colorado, see Out Front.