One of the great Colorado pastimes is enjoying some of the finest cannabis and setting off for a grand mountain adventure! We are lucky here, because not only do we have a number of beautiful hiking spots within an hour from Denver, we also have access to some of the highest quality marijuana in the world. Here are five hiking spots that are easily accessible from both Green Man locations, as well as the best Green Man Strains to accompany them! These pairs are guaranteed to set you up for the Ultimate Rocky Mountain High.
- Trading Post Trail and Flo
Trading Post Trail is the perfect trail for a quick morning or afternoon hike. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Downtown Denver and the loop itself only takes about an hour, so it’s great for when you only have part of the day for exploring. It’s an easy hike, with an overall elevation gain of about 500’ so it’s enjoyable for the whole family. You can even bring your dog as long as it is kept on a leash! You’ll get to experience first-hand the amazing red rock formations and spacious meadows up close and personal on this mile-long trek around Colorado’s most unique and largest natural amphitheater.
Enjoy with FLO – This is a nice and focused Sativa that sparks a creative and artistic high. It’s not too racy so it will keep you at just the right pace for this leisurely hike. Take a break and really enjoy the detailed color variations of the enormous red sculptures that contribute to the majesty that is Red Rocks Canyon.
2. Boulder Creek Trail and Blue Dream
Boulder Creek Trail is another quick and easy hike with great views. The trail follows its namesake Boulder Creek as it twists and turns through the mountain canyons. The trail stretches about 7 miles one way but you can get to great views in about an hour or so. There are plenty of benches and parks along the way to stop for lunch, however this a very popular route for families, cyclists, and joggers, especially the closer you get to the town of Boulder. So be prepared to share the road, and maybe even your sandwich!
Enjoy with BLUE DREAM: The perfect combination of Blueberry and Haze, Blue Dream is just right for a trail walk along the river and into Boulder Canyon. It’s uplifting and mood enhancing haze effects will put a silly smile on your face as you enjoy the sun and river sounds. *Make sure to smoke before you hit the trail, as previously mentioned this trail is family friendly and children are almost always present!
- Eldorado Canyon and Super Lemon Haze
Eldorado Canyon State Park is about a 45-minute drive from Denver and offers river access at the bottom and an amazing overlook of the Continental Divide at the top. It costs $8 per vehicle to enter and there are a few different trails you can take but we recommend Rattlesnake Gulch. It’s just over a mile to the Crags Hotel Ruins, from there, another ten minutes to the Continental Divide Overlook. You can then choose whether to take the 1.5-mile loop from that point, or just head back down. The trail is rated moderate but be prepared for quick elevation gain and as always, bring plenty of water.
Enjoy with SUPER LEMON HAZE– This energizing and uplifting Sativa will be perfect to motivate you through the steep inclines and keep you going! Super Lemon will give you that cerebral head high that will accelerate the already amazing views at the top to a whole new level.
4. Guanella Pass and Chocolope
The beautiful mountain road known as Guanella Pass is home to a variety of hiking trails all about an hour away from Denver. We recommend driving to the summit and taking a trail from there, the Rosalie path is a great option that keeps you above tree line for the first two miles or so. You can be easily satisfied with great views of the surrounding mountain peaks from that point, or you can continue on for up to another 14 miles.
Enjoy with Chocolope– This mouthwatering sativa has an amazing taste as well as a perfectly balanced high. It provides a cerebral uplift that will encourage you to explore as well as a calming anti-anxiety effect that will allow you to forget your stress and be one with the nature around you.
5. Pikes Peak and Ghost Train Haze
One of the many great things about Pikes Peak is that it provides options for every type of person to be able to enjoy the beauty. If you are a novice hiker looking to climb the entire 14,000’ in elevation, you can hike the Barr trail in a day. If you’re a family wanting the kids to experience nature without the fuss of sore feet, you can take the train to the summit. If you’d rather enjoy the solitude of a nice mountain drive, you are able to take the road all the way to the top! There’s no excuse not to experience the magic at the summit of one of Colorado’s legendary 14ers.
Enjoy with GHOST TRAIN HAZE– One of the most amazing views in the country can only be paired with one of the most amazing strains in the world! This Ghost Train will pack a heady punch that will get you ready to experience a day trip unlike any other! With this Three Time Cannabis Cup Winner for best Sativa, you cannot go wrong!
As always, bring plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks! And remember to enjoy your Green Man product discretely, on private property, before you enter a State Park or public land!
Photo Credit: SamHay Photography