The “Boulder Hippy Movement” refers to the countercultural movement of the 1960s and 1970s in Boulder, Colorado, which was centered around alternative lifestyles, political activism, and experimentation with drugs.

Boulder, Colorado, was an attractive destination for young people looking to get away from mainstream culture and embrace a more unconventional lifestyle. The University of Colorado, located in Boulder, was a magnet for liberal and progressive students, and the area had a vibrant arts and music scene. Additionally, the beauty of the surrounding Rocky Mountains, as well as the town’s relatively affordable cost of living, drew many people to the area.

The movement was also influenced by the larger hippie counterculture that was emerging across the United States during the 1960s. The social and political changes of the era, including the Civil Rights Movement, the anti-war movement, and the feminist movement, helped to inspire a new generation of young people who were eager to challenge the status quo.

The Boulder Hippy Movement began in the late 1960s and continued into the 1970s. Some of the key features of the movement included a rejection of materialism, a focus on communal living, and an interest in Eastern spirituality and mysticism. The movement also had a strong emphasis on environmentalism and a commitment to sustainable living.

While the Boulder Hippy Movement had its heyday in the 1960s and 1970s, its influence can still be felt in the area today. Many of the values and ideals of the movement, including a focus on community, sustainability, and social justice, continue to be important to many people in Boulder and beyond.

Some famous Boulder hippies and counterculture figures include:

  1. Allen Ginsberg: The renowned Beat poet spent time in Boulder and gave a famous reading at the University of Colorado in 1975.
  2. Ram Dass: The spiritual teacher and author spent time in Boulder in the 1970s and was associated with the Naropa Institute, a Buddhist-inspired university in Boulder.
  3. Timothy Leary: The LSD guru and counterculture icon spent time in Boulder in the 1970s and gave lectures at the University of Colorado.
  4. Mork and Mindy: The 1970s TV show starring Robin Williams was set in Boulder and helped to solidify the town’s reputation as a center for counterculture and alternative lifestyles.