Qmmunity: Utah Rainbow Hikers
In early 2021, three passionate community members — Ariel Malan, Brett Quade, and Christopher Malan — came together to form Utah Rainbow Hikers, an LGBTQ+ inclusive hiking group aimed at creating a safer, joyful space in Utah’s great outdoors.
“Utah Rainbow Hikers was created because we wanted to create community and enjoy hiking,” said Quade. “Because of COVID, many people felt isolated, and many of the resources and programming in Utah are tailored toward therapy and support groups, but less about social community gatherings focused on wellness and health. We hope this group continues to be where both LGBTQ+ people and our allies feel safe to enjoy the outdoors and find community.”
Every month, the group organizes hikes announced via social media. These events invite LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, and adventurers of all experience levels to meet at a local trailhead, breathe in the fresh air, and embrace a community built on acceptance and visibility, no RSVP required. A carpooling list was added to remove transportation barriers, further opening access for all who wish to participate.
After four years, the group has over 2,000 followers on Instagram and 1,000 on Facebook.
Beyond hiking, the founders have taken steps toward meaningful change. Collaborating with the Utah Pride Center, Desert Song, and the Bureau of Land Management, they advocated for improved outdoor accessibility and safety for LGBTQ+ hikers.
Their hikes are more than social outings; they’re collective affirmations. As the founders note, these trails offer “visibility, affirmation, and belonging,” and have even moved some participants to tears simply from being seen and supported in nature.
Challenges remain, from systemic safety concerns to representation gaps in outdoor spaces. Still, Utah Rainbow Hikers persist, hoping to pave the way for a future where gender identity, queer expression, or marginalized backgrounds feel safe under the open sky.
In September, Utah Rainbow Hikers will hike Yellow Fork Canyon in Herriman and do the Causey Salmon Run in Ogden. In October, the group will have a three-day weekend in Moab and hike in Canyonlands National Park.
Information on the group and future hikes can be found at instagram.com/utahrainbowhikers and facebook.com/utahrainbowhikers.
