Boulder, Colorado in the 1960s was a hub of cultural and political activity. Known as the “hippie capital of the world,” Boulder was a magnet for young people seeking an alternative lifestyle and a place to express their creativity and individuality. The city’s vibrant music scene, liberal politics, and stunning natural scenery made it an ideal destination for those seeking a counter-culture experience.

One of the defining events of the era was the establishment of the Naropa Institute in 1974. Founded by Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, the institute was the first Buddhist-inspired university in the western world. The Naropa Institute attracted many notable thinkers and artists, including poet Allen Ginsberg and composer Philip Glass, and helped to establish Boulder as a center of the avant-garde and countercultural movements.

The music scene in Boulder was also a major draw for young people in the 1960s. Venues like the Tulagi, the Sink, and the Fox Theatre hosted concerts by legendary acts like The Doors, The Grateful Dead, and Jimi Hendrix. Boulder was also home to a number of talented local musicians, including singer-songwriter Tim Buckley and the members of the band Zephyr, which included future guitar legend Tommy Bolin.

Boulder’s political scene was also highly active during this time. The city was a center of anti-war protests and civil rights activism, and the University of Colorado Boulder was a hotbed of student activism. In 1967, Boulder became the first city in the United States to legalize the use of contraceptives, a move that was hailed as a major victory for reproductive rights.

Despite its many attractions, life in Boulder in the 1960s was not without its challenges. The city’s population was divided between the conservative establishment and the countercultural youth, and tensions between these groups sometimes boiled over into violence. Additionally, the city struggled with issues related to drug use and addiction, and the influx of young people strained local resources and infrastructure.

Overall, however, Boulder in the 1960s was a place of creativity, experimentation, and freedom. The city’s combination of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and progressive politics made it a beacon for young people seeking to break free from the constraints of mainstream society and explore new ways of living and being.

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