1. Chacos as Formal Footwear
In Colorado, Chaco sandals aren’t just for hiking—they’re practically considered appropriate attire for weddings, dinner parties, and even church (yes, really). Locals will tell you it’s about “versatility” and “comfort,” but deep down, there’s a barefoot-adjacent vibe that screams back-to-the-land. It’s not unusual to see someone pairing their Chacos with a suit or dress, especially in summer mountain towns like Boulder or Telluride. The dusty, strappy tan lines? That’s basically a badge of honor.
The origin story usually involves a rafting trip or a summer job with the Forest Service, but the devotion to this sandal goes beyond utility. The shoes are often covered in trail dust, and yet, somehow, locals insist they’re “clean enough.” It’s this insistence that elevates Chacos into sacred territory. Ask a local to give them up, and you’ll get a look like you just insulted their grandma.
2. Refusing to Use Umbrellas
It could be raining sideways in downtown Denver, and still—nary an umbrella in sight. Coloradans will insist it’s because storms “pass quickly,” which is true, but also a little convenient. There’s a frontier ruggedness at play here, a quiet pride in weathering the weather without any frills. Umbrellas are seen as overly fussy, or worse, “East Coast.”
This practice has spiritual undertones that locals don’t acknowledge. It’s almost like a ritual purification—let nature do what it will, and you’ll dry out eventually. Also, the thin air and intense sun often mean you’re dry 10 minutes later anyway. But make no mistake, this habit is about more than meteorology—it’s a lifestyle statement.
3. Leaving Denver to Go “Forest Bathing”
Most folks in Colorado will say they’re just “getting outside” or “going on a hike,” but let’s be honest: it’s forest bathing. This Japanese-inspired practice is about immersing yourself in nature to reduce stress and promote well-being—and it’s basically standard weekend behavior here. Locals won’t call it that, though. To them, it’s just a mental health reset with bonus Instagram content.
You’ll see people walking slowly among aspens, breathing deeply, and speaking in hushed tones. It looks suspiciously meditative, and that’s because it is. Even the dogs are calmer on these outings. Whether they know it or not, Coloradans have turned this into a kind of spiritual communion with the trees.
4. Putting Crystals on the Dashboard
Pop into any Subaru or Tacoma in Colorado and you might spot a small collection of polished stones hanging out near the windshield. Ask the driver about them, and you’ll likely hear, “Oh, it’s just for vibes.” It’s never just for vibes. These crystals have names, purposes, and designated positions depending on what the week has in store.
Even self-proclaimed skeptics often carry a rose quartz “just in case.” The thin line between superstition and lifestyle is navigated with impressive ease. They’ll say, “I don’t believe in it, but it can’t hurt.” That’s hippie logic in a Patagonia jacket, plain and simple.
5. Refilling Kombucha from a Tap
In Colorado, kombucha isn’t a luxury item—it’s a utility. Grocery stores, cafes, even gas stations in mountain towns offer it on tap, often with refillable growlers. Locals act like this is no different than picking up milk or bread. “It’s just good for gut health,” they’ll say, while sipping a hibiscus-basil blend.
But let’s call it what it is: a fermented tea cult. These refill stations are modern-day apothecaries, filled with jars, hand-lettered signs, and probiotics galore. People in Colorado have strong opinions about which brand has “the best ferment.” If that’s not peak hippie behavior hiding behind health science, what is?
6. Observing “Microdose Mondays”
Microdosing psychedelics is increasingly common among Colorado’s outdoorsy professionals, and they frame it more like brain optimization than tripping. Thanks to decriminalization efforts (especially in places like Denver), talking about psilocybin at a brewery isn’t as taboo as you’d think. People casually mention their “stacking schedule” the way others might talk about vitamins. They insist it’s not recreational—it’s therapeutic.
Still, there’s an unmistakable throwback to ‘60s-era consciousness expansion here. The difference is, now it’s paired with a wellness podcast and a co-working session. Everyone swears it makes them more creative or focused, especially when paired with trail running. It may be slicker, but the ethos is undeniably hippie.
7. Practicing “Leave No Trace” Like It’s Religion
In most states, “Leave No Trace” is a guideline. In Colorado, it’s a creed. Locals are borderline evangelical about packing out their trash, burying their poop, and not stepping off trail. They’ll lecture you—gently but firmly—if they see you violating it.
This behavior might seem like eco-consciousness, but it has the flavor of spiritual discipline. It’s about humility before nature and treating the land as sacred. Even dogs are trained to respect it (or at least wear biodegradable booties). It’s noble, sure—but also deeply rooted in the countercultural reverence for Mother Earth.
8. Turning Their Backyard Into a Mini Farm
Urban chickens, backyard beehives, and front-yard kale patches are more common than you’d expect in Colorado suburbs. Locals chalk it up to “sustainability” or “knowing where your food comes from.” But when you’re hand-mixing compost tea at sunrise, you’re a homesteader in all but name. Add a yoga session next to your raised beds and you’ve basically gone full commune.
This isn’t about just saving money or eating healthy—it’s about independence from The System. Locals will talk about “resilience” and “soil health” with the intensity of someone discussing religion. It’s wholesome, but undeniably rooted in back-to-the-land ideology. You can dress it up in REI gear, but the spirit of the ‘70s is alive and well in those gardens.
This post 8 Colorado Customs That Locals Swear Aren’t Hippie Stuff (But They Are) was first published on American Charm.
