The 10 Best LGBTQ-Friendly Small Towns in the US

[Coventina]

5. From the article:

Canyons of rusted red rock rise from the Colorado River as it cuts through Utah’s eastern boundary near Moab. This geologically dramatic area, home to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, has long been lauded as a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to hike, bike, kayak, and climb. It only recently became a notable vacation spot for the queer community.

Conservative Utah hasn’t always had the best track record when it comes to diversity, but when Moab began hosting an annual Pride parade in 2011, it garnered national recognition for its efforts at promoting equality in small-town America. Gay Adventure Week, a Moab-based organization that leads guided excursions through the nearby parks, has also helped bring the area into the gay travel zeitgeist.

You shouldn’t expect much in terms of nightlife when visiting Moab — people visit the remote town to get off both the grid and Grindr. The sandstone arches, roaring river, and trails winding around the area’s sedimentary monuments are ideal for visiting with a lover or group of friends.

Moab is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Salt Lake City (another surprising must-visit urban area for LGBTQ+ folks) and five-and-a-half hours from Denver.