Trail shoes, daypack, and a perfectly packed travel joint: for many adults, that’s the dream combo for a U.S. hiking getaway. In a growing number of states, recreational cannabis is legal for adults 21 and over, though almost all still prohibit public consumption and impaired driving. And because cannabis remains illegal on federal land, including national parks and many famous trail systems, hikers need to think of these destinations as “cannabis-friendly bases” rather than places to light up on the trail.
Here are some of the best hubs where great hiking and legal access to cannabis overlap.
Denver & Colorado’s Front Range, Colorado
Denver makes an ideal launchpad for hikers who enjoy legal cannabis at the end of a big day outside. Colorado’s tourism office highlights an endless menu of mountain towns, scenic byways, and trail-rich regions within a short drive of the city. From Denver, travelers can fan out to Front Range classics like Golden, Boulder, and Colorado Springs for alpine lakes, wildflower basins, and airy ridge walks.
Trip planners can start with the official state site Colorado.com and Denver’s visitor hub VisitDenver.com.
Columbia River Gorge & Mt. Hood, Oregon
Just east of Portland, the Columbia River Gorge serves up waterfall-framed trails, mossy canyons, and big-view summit walks, while nearby Mt. Hood adds wildflower meadows and late-season snowfields. Oregon’s tourism site features curated trip ideas that blend hiking, small towns, and farm-to-table dining throughout the region.
Travelers can explore itineraries and road-trip maps at TravelOregon.com.
Redwoods & Coast Trails, Northern California
For hikers who like their cannabis with coastal air and towering trees, Northern California is hard to beat. The state’s tourism board spotlights everything from redwood-grove loops to bluff-top ocean walks, with trail ideas near hubs like Santa Cruz, Mendocino, and Humboldt Bay.
Planning tools, regional highlights, and hiking roundups are available on VisitCalifornia.com.
Cascades & State Parks, Washington
Washington combines snow-streaked volcanoes, deep forests, and island shorelines into one compact, hike-heavy playground. The state tourism site points visitors toward trip ideas across the Cascades and coastal peninsulas, while groups like the Washington Trails Association maintain extensive databases of routes for every skill level.
Travelers can research hikes and build itineraries at StateOfWATourism.com and WTA.org.
Las Vegas & Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
Las Vegas isn’t just neon; it’s also one of the easiest jumping-off points for desert hiking. About 30 minutes west of the Strip, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers sandstone ridges, slot-like canyons, and a 13-mile scenic drive packed with trailheads. Travelers can hike mellow canyon loops or tackle steep scrambles to panoramic viewpoints before returning to the city’s restaurants, shows, and cannabis retailers.
Nevada’s official tourism tools live at TravelNevada.com, with Red Rock-specific maps and tips at RedRockCanyonLV.org.
Wherever they roam, responsible cannabis-using hikers stick to three golden rules: enjoy cannabis only where it is legal and allowed, never consume on federal lands, and always keep safety, Leave No Trace ethics, and local communities at the heart of the trip.