GILPIN COUNTY — Women have their girls' nights out, where they get together, catch up, and talk about life. But what about the guys? Men sometimes need other men to hang out with, too.

And up here in Gilpin County, at 9,000 feet, it's easy to feel a little isolated. Neighbors are spread out, winters are long, and sometimes it's hard to find someone to talk to, let alone make new friends.

That's where Gilpin Dude Talk Dinners come in. Once a month, local men get together for some free pizza, conversation, and a chance to get out of the house. Nothing fancy, just a few guys sitting around a table.

The next dinner is Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Timberline Fire Protection District Station 3, at 19126 Highway 119. Another is planned for December 17.

The group has actually been around for several years. Gilpin resident Garth Wagner started the dinners in Rollinsville under the name Peak to Peak Men's Group.

In October, the group changed its name to Gilpin Dude Talk Dinners, joining a statewide effort that got its start in Gunnison and has since spread to other rural Colorado communities.

Jamie Fanselow, the Colorado Regional Health Connector for Gilpin and Clear Creek counties, has been helping get the word out. Fanselow also participates in the Gilpin Behavioral Health Alliance, led by Gilpin County Public Health Director Alisa Witt.

Social isolation is a concern that goes far beyond Gilpin County. The US Surgeon General has warned about the effects of loneliness and social isolation nationwide. The CDC also reports that men account for about 80% of suicide deaths in the United States.

The dinners aren't counseling sessions. They're just a place where men can sit down together and talk without worrying about being judged. No alcohol or other substances are allowed, and they don't have to stick to any particular topic.

Wagner and fellow Gilpin resident Keagan French volunteer to help keep things going. Sometimes they guide the conversation; sometimes they just let the guys talk.

Attendance has ranged from four to 12 men a month, but organizers are hoping to get more people involved.

And there’s free pizza. Reid at Toss Woodfired Pizza in Rollinsville has been providing food since the original group started. Travis at Black Hawk Pizza has joined in more recently, donating meals as well.

Ameristar Black Hawk also contributed $400 for sparkling water, fruit, and vegetables to go with the pizza. Timberline Fire Protection District has provided the space.

A few local businesses and volunteers have kept the dinners going, and they hope more men will come check it out.

Dude Talk Dinners take place on the third Thursday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. at Timberline Station 3.

For more information, visit dudetalkdinners.org or email gilpinCO@dudetalkdinners.org.