Boulder is often thought of as a city within a park being surrounded by incredible sweeping fields dotted with wildflowers. It entices not only local visitors but travelers from all over the world who want to spend their time in the glory of the outdoors.
Travelers can choose from a superb lineup of outdoor adventures, including biking, hiking, rock climbing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Aside from the many outdoor pursuits waiting for intrepid travellers, Boulder is designated America’s Foodiest Town. The city is teeming with critically acclaimed restaurants that serve up the freshest produce grown right from Boulder’s backyard. Incredible food and sick adventures. Sounds pretty epic to me!
Although it’s known as the most expensive summer destination in the state of Colorado, based on the cost of accommodation, you don’t have to empty your bank account. The cost of your digs need not stop you from having the most epic time of your life in this incredible city. Why? Because hostels that’s why!
Now let’s check out the best budget stays and hostels in Boulder!
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Best Hostel in Boulder
There’s no need to pay a huge amount of money for accommodation in Boulder. I’ve found you some of the best places to stay in Colorado!
Boulder Adventure Lodge – Best Overall Hostel in Boulder
- Dorm (mixed): From $51
- Private Room: From $83
- Address: 91 Fourmile Canyon Dr, Boulder, USA
Boulder Adventure Lodge is made with the outdoorsy and adventure type of traveler in mind and it’s also just five minutes from downtown Boulder in the backdrop of the stunning Rocky Mountains. It’s within proximity to a variety of restaurants and the best nightlife the city has to offer. It’s near to the urban jungle but close enough to the mountains where the true adventures take place.
Fill yourself up with the breakfast that is included in the daily rate before heading out for your cycling, hiking, biking, or rock climbing adventure. If you need more information about the activities and the area in general, or tips on the best things to do around Colorado, the staff will be more than happy to give you the lowdown.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Tours/travel desk
- Book exchange
- Wheelchair friendly
Regardless of what type of traveller you are, single, couple, family, or a large group, there is always room for you at Boulder Adventure Lodge. Hostel guests can choose from dorm rooms with bed bunks, standard queen rooms, double standard queen rooms, and even the cabin.
Social areas such as the shared kitchen, outdoor terrace, swimming pools, and common room are ideal places to hang out and meet other people. They’re also the perfect opportunity to exchange travel stories and insider tips. Of course Rocky Mountain National Park isn’t too far away either! As the only legit backpacker/budget traveler spot in Boulder, this is not just one of the best party hostels, but really the only accom in town you can expect a fun late night vibe.
Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the property, and the dorms have comfortable twin mattresses. Meanwhile, the private rooms have double beds with a private bathroom. If you don’t want to head into the city, you don’t have to look far for your meals as they are served in the bar for a small fee.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Budget Stays in Boulder
Boulder hostels may be very small in number, but there are other types of accommodation, mostly private rooms, that are just as nice and budget-friendly.
Let’s take a look at them. Hey, if all else fails there’s plenty of sick camping spots in Colorado too!
Boulder University Inn
- Private Room: From $107
- Address: 1632 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80302, United States
Located just 300 meters from the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, Boulder University Inn offers private rooms with desks and free Wi-Fi. So it’s the perfect spot for digital nomads who need to get some work done while sightseeing in the area.
TheBoulder University Inn is just a short walk from the center of Boulder, so it’s near a plethora of restaurants, shopping centers, and bars.
Other points of interest nearby are Boulder Creek Path for hikers, runners, and bikers, Pearl Street Mall for restocking supplies for your USA road trip, and the Boulder Theatre for entertainment in the evenings.
A variety of parking options are available to guests such but they are subject to availability.
Boulder Twin Lakes Inn
- Private Room: From $58
- Address: 6485 Twin Lakes Road, Boulder, CO 80503, United States
This reasonably-priced accommodation is just about 15 minutes away from Boulder and right next to Twin Lakes Park, and not far from the Boulder Creek Path, both of which are the best places to see in Colorado if you’ve got the kids in tow! Boulder Twin Lakes Inn is approximately 1.4 miles from Gunbarrel Shopping Centre where you can pick up some supplies for your trip.
Pick from different suites that all come with free Wi-Fi, kitchenettes, a dedicated workspace, and spacious living and dining areas. The hot tub is free for all guests to enjoy all year long and the hotel provides bikes to guests who would rather not explore the area on foot.
Guests who are driving to the area will be happy to know that parking is free but it is subject to availability.
Upstairs Guest Suite
- Private Room: From $119
- Address: Boulder, Colorado, United States
This guest house located on the top floor of a traditional wooden house taking back to 1901 is perfect for couples or solo travellers. Situated in a quiet neighbourhood in North Boulder, this cosy space is within walking distance of various restaurants as well as a coffee shop and a diner that’s open for breakfast! The famous Boulder Teahouse, a hand-built gift from Tajikstan is just down the road.
The kitchen is open for guests to use if they want to save on expenses by preparing their meals. A grocery store is nearby with an excellent selection of local, as well as organic produce. Getting to and around the city is easy and quick as two bus routes go to Downtown Boulder or to the university. But if you’re fit and up for the challenge, you can walk for 10 to 15 minutes to reach the university.
Hiking and biking trails are nearby and some of the usual guests that will make your day even better are wildlife such as birds, foxes, and deer.
Home by the Mountains
- Private Room: From $120
- Address: Boulder, Colorado, United States
This private room in Boulder is one of the cheapest places to stay in town! Primarily because the location is elite. You’ll be easily able to walk to local faves like the Pearl Street Mall and Chautauqua Park.
The room comes with a private deck which is the perfect area for relaxation after a long day spent outdoors. The host is incredibly helpful and well-rated, and you’ll also have access to the shared kitchen and washer and dryer too!
The house is in North Boulder, and on top of all that, the property is only a walk away from the Rocky Mountains where there is a myriad of things to do and see. Staying at this wonderful home so close to the city, yet right at the heart of the outdoors, it’s easy to see why Boulder has been voted the happiest city in the US!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Boulder
Good travel insurance is a MUST before exploring in the US!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Boulder Hostels FAQ
What to Pack for your Boulder Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
Final Thoughts on Boulder’s Hostels
Breathtaking views of the magnificent Rocky Mountains and the stunning Flatirons as well as some of the best culinary offerings are what await you when you go to Boulder, Colorado. The best way to make the most out of your Boulder trip is to find the right accommodation for you and your budget.
There may not be many hostels in Boulder, but there are other options that will help those who are traveling on a broke backpacker’s budget – I know what that’s like trust me!
In case you needed a last minute reminder, Ihighly recommend Boulder Adventure Lodge. This hostel is close to the thick of the action and its host of amenities will be greatly appreciated, especially by backpackers.
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Colorado covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Colorado if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Colorado before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for the USA to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate USA backpacking guide.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
