Under the Gaydar | Summer Series: Colorado Springs

Jun 21, 2022

Whether you are looking for something a little different this year or simply want to avoid the sunburn-riddled crowds, taking the road less traveled can often pay off.

Colorado’s angelic alpine scenery doesn’t melt away when the snow does. In fact, summertime reveals a beautiful new side of the Centennial State. The Pikes Peak Region, anchored by Colorado Springs, is renowned for its majestic mountain views, western mining lore, and endless recreation opportunities. Nothing sounds better than a little summer fun with a gorgeous Rocky Mountain backdrop, so what are you waiting for? Read on to learn more about Colorado Springs.

Part 6: Colorado Springs

Summertime in Colorado is all about enjoying the great outdoors, and with 300+ days of sunshine, you’ll be feeling that rocky mountain high in no time. Colorado Springs, known by locals as “The Springs”, is a beautiful mountain town home to some of the most IG-worthy hiking trails in the country.

More than just Denver’s smaller sister city to the South, Colorado Springs has a storied history all its own and has undergone a major transformation over the past century. The frontier-era Main Street has swapped saloons for modern storefronts, and a multitude of Queer-owned businesses have popped up over the years. “The Springs has definitely become more inclusive over the years,” said Nic Grzecka, President of Colorado Springs PrideFest. Now boasting an engaged LGBTQ+ community of its own, The Springs extends its western hospitality to all walks of life.

Accompanying the thriving community is the handful of gay bars bringing color to downtown. The most popular is Club Q, a come-one, come-all establishment known for its excellent drag shows, karaoke, and strong drinks. Another great place to dance the night away is ICONS, The Springs’ premier gay piano bar where everything, from its staff of trained singers to the gourmet hot dogs and delightfully fruity drinks, has been crafted to celebrate the queer community. Patrons entering the lounge come face-to-face with portraits of queer icons like Lady Gaga and a seven-foot-tall portrait of Dorothy’s red slippers from the Wizard of Oz to boot. Owners Josh Franklin and John Wolfe designed the place to be a mix of class and camp, or clampy as the partners both in business and in life affectionally call it.

Photo Credit: Hamish Studios

From meandering through otherworldly red rock formations and gazing up at spectacular waterfalls rushing down canyons to wading through babbling brooks full of rainbow trout, outdoorsy types have plenty of ways to soak up the scenery. Make sure to check out Garden of the Gods Park, a registered National Natural Landmark home to 15 miles of hiking trails and dramatic views of towering sandstone formations that glisten against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and brilliant blue skies. A true gift, this natural wonder was once so beloved by American mogul Charles Elliott Perkins that his family gifted it to the city under the pretense that it be free to all visitors forever after his death. Ever since. this Pike’s Peak treasure has been casting a spell on visitors from the moment its red rocks first peek into view.

Photo Credit: Misael Moreno

Summer Events

Rocky Mountain State Games | July 22nd - 24th & July 29th - 31st, 2022

The home of the official Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs hosts the annual Rocky Mountain State Games in cooperation with The State Games of America. This high-intensity, high-fun weekend consists of Olympic-style sporting events for athletes of all ages and abilities. Inclusive of all, there are special events for athletes with visual impairments, intellectual disabilities, and other physical disabilities. Even the spectators are destined to catch the Olympic spirit!

La Vida! – August 27, 2022

Celebrate Hispanic heritage ay the beautiful Cheyenne Mountain Resort! Brought to you by the Colorado Springs Hispanic Business Council, enjoy a cultural and magical summer evening experiencing the flavors of the Americas.

Hotel Recommendations in Colorado Springs:

Known for its breathtaking mountain views and exceptional accommodations Cheyenne Mountain Resort is the ultimate Rocky Mountain hidden gem. Drawing inspiration from their natural surroundings, each of the 316 newly renovated rooms and suites is adorned in earth tones and striking nature-inspired artwork.

Though “beach” is not a term often heard in Colorado, guests can put their toes in the sand, build a sand castle, or even join in on a game of beach volleyball on the shores of the resort’s private 35-acre lake. On top of that, guests can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to cool off on the lake. Before retreating to one of the eight residential lodges at the end of the day, grab a seat around the Mountain View Terrace fire pit to watch the sun go down over the Rockies. Talk about the perfect summer getaway.