Usually, skiing hotspots such as Breceknbridge, Vail, and Aspen come to mind when we think of Colorado mountain towns. However, the former mining community of Durango in the heart of the rugged San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado happens to be one of the last bastions of what can be called affordable skiing! In fact, it’s a cinch for budget travelers, and it’s helped by the fact that there are options for hostels in Durango, Colorado. Not only do they offer excellent shared rooms that allow you to save money for exploring, but they also have private rooms for those who don’t mind paying a little more.
The best bit is that there are tons of things that you can do around town with all that money we saved by staying in hostels. These include admiring the views along the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which is one of the best things to do in Colorado in the fall. Moreover, there’s also hiking in the Mesa Verde National Park, rafting on the Animas River, and just soaking in the decidedly down-to-earth mountain ambiance. It might have flown under most travelers’ radars, but Durango is now extremely popular. So, why not read this guide about visiting Durango on a budget by staying at some amazing hostels?
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Dolores Bike Hostel
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Best for socializing. A unique stay and unlimited adventures came our way at the Dolores Bike Hostel in Dolores, around three-quarters of an hour west of Durango. Proclaiming itself as the “Best rest in the Southwest” and living up to that billing, this gem of a hostel is the perfect place to plop down after a long day of exploring Colorado’s outdoors. Not only were the hosts incredibly warm, gracious, and responsive, but also the hostel’s vibe was modern, relaxed, comfy, and chic.
We loved the choice of well-furnished and comfortable dorm rooms on offer at Dolored Bike Hostel, each with its own private bathroom. Not only were the bathrooms immaculate, but they were also stocked with amazing bath products. Plus, the dorms were air-conditioned, the beds were plush and comfy, and there was free Wi-Fi for us to plan our days ahead. We slept so comfortably that we cannot say enough good things about the environment.
“We loved staying at this unique hostel while exploring the landscape of Colorado!”
WOW Travel
What made staying at this hostel so fun is that it has an entire roster of events that you shouldn’t miss. Additionally, the place even had a bunch of amenities such as a lovely garden, a sun terrace for soaking in the Colorado sun, and even a sauna. We’d whip up light meals at all times in the shared kitchen, which we’d enjoy in the lounge or the picnic area or the outdoor seating area. Thanks to the many communal areas, including the games room and the barbeque facilities, we were able to mix and mingle with fellow travelers. Did we mention that they also had free on-site parking and ski and luggage storage? Yes!
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Mancos Inn and Hostel
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Best for outdoors. Affordable comfort comes to Mesa Verde National Park in the form of Mancos Inn and Hostel in the quaint town of Mancos. It sits just 30 minutes from Downtown Durango and a mere 10 minutes from the entrance to the mesmerizing Mesa Verde National Park. The beautiful 120-year-old inn recently changed ownership and is one of the only inns/hostels in the region.
We loved the plethora of common spaces and amenities at the hostel inn. Firstly, the kitchen was extremely well-equipped and well-stocked, so we could prepare light meals. We’d usually enjoy them in the lounging area, which was also a great way to meet fellow travelers and swap stories. Since it sits in a historic building, we had a great time talking about the history of the house and the region with the hosts. Moreover, the sun terrace was amazing, especially when the weather was nice. It also offered excellent views of the garden, which is where we’d gather in the outdoor seating area around the outdoor fireplace with fellow guests. It was a fantastic way to enjoy dinner under the Colorado sky. Did we mention that the property had free Wi-Fi? There were even free bikes for rent at the property, which we could rent to explore the neighborhood.
What bowled us over was that the hostel had a mix of private and shared rooms with private and shared bathrooms. So, it catered to all kinds of travelers. The dorms were very comfortable and well-furnished, and even when they were full, they were quiet enough for us to get some much-needed rest after a long day of sightseeing. The best bit was that the cafe around the corner served one of the best breakfasts we’ve had in a while.
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The Junction Hotel and Hostel
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Best overall. Blending prime access to the surrounding outdoors and budget-friendly comfort is The Junction Hotel and Hostel. This hostel underwent many changes and many former lives. Today, it’s a cozy and affordable accommodation in the very heart of Downtown Durango. It was the perfect basecamp for adventure junkies and enthusiasts like us who wanted to explore this portion of the southwest. What was great was that we had extremely convenient access to all iconic activities in the region. This includes the likes of hiking, river rafting, mountain biking, and even skiing at the Purgatory Resort.
We loved the medium-sized property, which offered a variety of room types and catered to all kinds of travelers. Not only did it have traditional hotel and motel options, but its prime attraction for us was the fact that it had shared hostel room options.
We had the choice of a six-bed co-ed dorm or a four-bed female-only one. What’s more, every dorm had extremely comfy bunk beds with soft mattresses as well as access to an immaculate restroom, each with showers. This was an excellent option for social adventurers like us who were looking for comfort, as every bed also came with 24/7 access to their communal kitchen area, where we could whip up meals. Plus, we even had lockers where we could store our personal belongings.
What we loved was that despite it being a hostel, it even had a seasonal outdoor swimming pool for us to swim in and lounge at when the weather was nice. Aside from the fact that there was free Wi-Fi, the property had an amazing outdoor picnic and seating area that was ideal for relaxing after an entire day of sightseeing.
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Our Verdict!
Here’s a specialized list that will help you choose where to stay.
- Best overall: The Junction Hotel and Hostel
- Best for outdoors: Mancos Inn and Hostel
- Best for socializing: Dolores Bike Hostel
Where to Stay in Durango, Colorado?
Durango is a large small town, so it has many neighborhoods that you can choose to stay at. If you’re visiting Durango for the first time, then staying in the historic downtown of Durango is best. It’s home to most of the town’s best sights, attractions, and points of interest. These include the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad as well as the museum, the Animas River Trail & Greenway, and more. Not only is it walkable, but it’s also home to many accommodation options, shops, restaurants, bars, and more. The best bit is the presence of the historic Durango Trolley, which is a fun way to get around town! Northern Durango is quieter and more residential, but it has options for many apartments, condos, and hostels.
Just north of Durango sits the quaint Hermosa, which is a charming water stop along the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This quiet, nice spot is excellent for a romantic and secluded vacation, as it’s also close to the Durango Hot Springs. Finally, there’s Mesa Verde National Park. It lies an hour from Durango and is one of the best places to visit in the state. Its closest town is Mancos, a very small establishment. However, it’s just 10 minutes from the park entrance and is home to a hostel too.
How many days do I need to explore Durango, Colorado?
2-3 days are enough to explore the gorgeous mountain town of Durango.
Is Durango a walkable city?
Yes, you don’t need a car to get around Durango. Downtown is especially super-walkable.
