Salt Lake City: A Surprising Oasis for LGBTQ+ Travelers in the American West

Nestled at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake City is rapidly establishing itself as an affirming, energetic, and unexpectedly queer-friendly travel destination. Once primarily known for its deep religious roots, the city is now home to a flourishing LGBTQ+ community and a growing number of inclusive businesses, events, and spaces that welcome both locals and visitors with open arms. In 2025, Salt Lake City has been spotlighted among the most underrated LGBTQIA+-friendly destinations in North America, a testament to its evolving atmosphere and community leadership.

Salt Lake City’s journey to inclusivity is marked by milestones that have shifted the city’s social landscape. In 2016, Jackie Biskupski became the city’s first openly lesbian mayor, serving until 2020—a move widely seen as a catalyst for broader acceptance and visibility of LGBTQ+ people in Utah’s capital. These advances have fostered a sense of safety and belonging, encouraging queer-owned businesses to open and thrive. Today, travelers can frequent spots like Milk+ and Club Try-Angles, two of the city’s most celebrated queer nightspots, as well as colorful cafes and boutiques operated by and for the community.

Each June, Salt Lake City hosts its annual Pride celebration, drawing participants from across the region for a week of parades, performances, and community events. The festival has grown in visibility and scope, with a particular emphasis on intersectionality and inclusion of transgender people, nonbinary individuals, and queer people of color. The city’s Pride is known for its welcoming spirit and the involvement of local businesses and organizations, creating a festive, affirming environment that extends beyond the parade route.

In February, Salt Lake City also hosts the Utah Gay Ski Week, attracting LGBTQ+ winter sports enthusiasts to nearby resorts such as Brighton, Solitude, Alta, and Snowbird. These events offer opportunities for both celebration and connection, reinforcing the city’s role as a hub for queer community life in the Mountain West.

Salt Lake City’s appeal is not limited to its LGBTQ+ scene. The city serves as a gateway to some of North America’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, with world-class skiing, hiking, and biking all within easy reach. The city’s downtown is alive with art galleries, theaters, and see-and-be-seen restaurants, many of which are queer-owned or explicitly inclusive. The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake, for example, offers whimsical decor and a central location, welcoming LGBTQ+ travelers and supporting LGBTQ+ organizations through its corporate partnerships.

The city’s transformation has come from both grassroots activism and the resilience of its LGBTQ+ residents. Local advocates cite the importance of visibility and coalition-building in effecting change. “Salt Lake City’s LGBTQ+ community is vibrant, diverse, and incredibly supportive,” says a spokesperson for the Utah Pride Center, an organization that provides resources and programming year-round. “We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and we’re excited to welcome visitors who want to be a part of our story."

As more travelers look beyond traditional coastal hubs for their next adventure, Salt Lake City’s blend of progressive politics, outdoor adventure, and authentic queer culture is attracting attention from around the world. Whether attending Pride, hitting the slopes, or exploring the city’s burgeoning culinary scene, LGBTQ+ visitors will find a warm welcome in Utah’s capital—a city that continues to write a new chapter for itself and its community.