Best Adventure Hostels in America for Backpackers
Hostels open you up to all sorts of possibilities. From finding local gems to exploring faraway countries, booking hostels can be the key to accessing places that are otherwise too expensive or overwhelming as a solo traveler. This is possible simply because of how hostels operate and how affordable they are compared to hotels and other forms of accommodation. But with so many to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which hostel suits your travel desires and your budget.
In this article, we’ve broken down a list of some of the best adventure hostels in America for backpackers.
For backpackers and solo travelers who want to do more than just wander through different shops, eat at popular restaurants, or meander through major metropolises, there’s a whole separate category of hostels that cater to the adventurers and explorers. Whether that’s mountain or ice climbing, hiking, diving, skiing and snowboarding, or being able to get lost in nature, outdoor adventure hostels can help travelers experience the things they want to, all while doing so on a budget.
Cloudcroft Hostel - High Rolls, New Mexico
New Mexico is an underrated destination for outdoor exploration. With its diverse landscapes, plethora of national parks, rich history of early settlements, and beautiful natural wonders, New Mexico has so much to offer to backpackers and adventurous travelers. Cloudcroft Hostel sits in the rolling hills of southern New Mexico and is located within close proximity to the popular White Sands National Park. With dense forestry surrounding the hostel, it’s a great place to hike, explore, and wander through the wilderness. The hostel itself is peaceful and provides excellent viewing points for New Mexico’s majestic sunrises and sunsets.
Pintler’s Portal Hostel - Anaconda, Montana
Anacononda is a small Montana town that can easily get overlooked by the likes of Bozeman and Missoula, but it offers plenty of incredible outdoor activities and access to some of the most unique landscapes in the country. Montana has a rich history of mining, and for adventurers and thrill seekers, there are tons of backroads to go find old, abandoned mines nearby. Pinter's Portal is a perfect gateway to the west, giving backpackers an affordable way to see and explore Montana. With so much undeveloped land, there are copious amounts of hikes, plenty of small lakes and reservoirs for paddleboarding, and many rivers to explore nearby. Pinter's Portal is also a great place to visit in the winter for those who like to ski. The hostel itself has a cabin-like feel to it, but still has a clean, modern aesthetic that’s comfortable and welcoming.
Howzit Hostels - Wailuku, Hawaii
Hawaii isn’t just for beach lovers and surfers. The chain of islands is filled with loads of incredible hikes, amazing waterfalls, volcanoes, and deep-sea diving spots. For backpackers, having hostels on the islands means being able to explore the paradisiacal islands without having to pay resort prices. Howzit keeps it both fun and affordable with their many daily activities and organized excursions. Their Maui location makes it easy for travelers to access to the town of Maui as well as many great surf spots and beautiful beaches. Each day of the week, it’s something different, whether that’s snorkeling trips, group hikes, or simple beach days. At Howzit, the staff takes it to the next level by leading guests around the island and showing them everything that Maui has to offer.
RAD Hostel - Colorado Springs, Colorado
Located in the booming town of Colorado Springs, RAD Hostel provides backpackers with unique access to loads of amazing hikes and mountain lookouts. With the famous Pikes Peak just a little more than an hour’s drive away, RAD Hostel attracts explorers, climbers, adventurers, and outdoorsy types from all around the world. Other than hiking and climbing, there are reservoirs nearby, and the hostel is also located near several national forests. Colorado itself is filled with tons of interesting, quirky, and old-timey mountain towns, and having a cheap basecamp like RAD Hostel makes exploring the state’s rich history easily possible. The hostel itself has comfortable beds, a large backyard, and an aesthetic that fits the vibe of the surrounding mountainous terrain.
ITH Big Bear Lake Mountain Lodge & Hostel - Big Bear Lake, California
While Lake Tahoe gets all the attention for being a popular lake town in California, Big Bear Lake has its own charm and a stunning lake that sits tucked in the mountains. The ITH Big Bear Lake Mountain Lodge & Hostel has tons of history throughout its 100+ year existence, and maintains a rustic but cozy cabin-like vibe. Its giant fireplace in the grand hall, plus its on-site hot tub and outdoor yoga retreat area, offer backpackers plenty of ways to unwind and relax. The hostel is popular for hikers doing the Pacific Crest Trail, but also welcomes international travelers making their way through California on road trips up the coast. With prime access to ski hills, amazing hikes, and the lake itself, ITH Big Bear Lake Mountain Lodge & Hostel is a great option for adventurous backpackers and outdoor lovers.
