Urban hiking has become a favorite way for travelers to explore cannabis-legal cities, blending skyline views, accessible trails, and opportunities for outdoor wellness. For hikers who enjoy pairing their adventures with responsible cannabis consumption—where local laws permit—several U.S. cities offer exceptional routes that deliver scenery without requiring a full backcountry expedition. As interest in cannabis-friendly travel continues to grow, these urban hikes provide a fun and active way to experience landscapes, culture, and city energy all at once.
In Denver, Colorado, the Mile High City offers a variety of accessible trails within minutes of downtown. One of the most popular is the Cherry Creek Trail, a paved multi-use path stretching more than 40 miles through the city. While cannabis consumption in public spaces is still prohibited under Colorado law, private cannabis lounges and cannabis-friendly lodging options make Denver a major destination for hikers looking to blend urban adventure with legal access. The trail’s easy navigation and steady scenery make it perfect for travelers wanting a casual, approachable hike right from the city center.
Moving west to Portland, Oregon, hikers can explore the iconic Forest Park Wildwood Trail, one of the longest urban forest trails in the country. Spanning 30 miles through lush Pacific Northwest terrain, the Wildwood Trail feels worlds away despite being minutes from downtown. Oregon’s cannabis laws allow adults 21+ to purchase and possess cannabis, though consumption is limited to private spaces. Forest Park offers a quiet retreat ideal for travelers who want to balance urban energy with nature’s calm, making it one of the most popular city-based hiking experiences on the West Coast.
Further south, Los Angeles, California provides an entirely different kind of urban hiking—one filled with celebrity views, sun-splashed hillsides, and iconic cityscapes. Runyon Canyon consistently ranks as one of the most visited urban hikes in the state, offering several loop options with panoramic views of downtown LA and the Hollywood Sign. While public consumption is prohibited in California, travelers often time their hikes before or after a visit to one of LA’s many licensed dispensaries. Runyon’s combination of accessibility, cardio-friendly climbs, and people-watching make it a standout urban trail for cannabis-legal city explorers.
On the East Coast, Boston, Massachusetts surprises visitors with its network of greenways and urban trails. The Emerald Necklace, designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, links 1,100 acres of parks across the city. This interconnected chain of waterways, meadows, and paths gives hikers a serene look at Boston’s natural charm while keeping them close to neighborhoods, museums, and cannabis-legal retail shops. Cannabis consumption laws remain focused on private-space use, but the ease of access to scenic trails makes Boston a great stop for urban hiking enthusiasts.
As cannabis-friendly travel continues expanding, these urban hikes highlight how accessible, engaging, and diverse outdoor exploration can be—right within city limits. Whether travelers seek forested escape, skyline views, or cultural immersion, these trails offer a perfect blend of nature and modern city life.