Hostels in Weird Places
Why You Should Explore the Southwest
You weren’t made for strip malls and shuttle tours.
You were made for red rocks that look like Mars, for turquoise skies so wide they make you feel small in the best way, and for road trips where the journey is the whole point.
Welcome to the Southwest. It’s the weirdest, wildest, most wonderfully underrated region in the country.
And yes, there are hostels here.
Not just any hostels, but weird ones. Quirky, off-the-beaten-path bunkhouses tucked into desert towns, old mining villages, mountain valleys, and artsy enclaves that haven’t seen a Starbucks in years. If you’re looking to ditch the chain hotels and tourist traps, this is where you find the good stuff.
Why the Southwest?
Because it’s rugged, remote, and unapologetically itself.
From the pink cliffs of Bryce Canyon to the backstreet murals of Santa Fe, every corner of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah tells a story. And when you stay in a hostel — not a resort or roadside motel — you get to be part of it.
Here, hosteling isn’t just a cheap place to sleep. It’s a front-row seat to the surreal.
Our Favorite (and Strangest) Hostels in the Southwest
1. Cloudcroft Hostel – Cloudcroft, New Mexico
Tucked in a mountain town at 8,600 feet, this revitalized historic building is surrounded by pines and wildlife. It’s got custom built and cozy beds, offer star-filled skies, and trails right out the back door.
2. The Lazy Lizard – Moab, Utah
You came for the sandstone arches and slickrock trails, but you’ll stay for the front porch conversations, communal cooking, and ragtag crew of climbers, dirtbags, and digital nomads. This place is part hostel, part spiritual awakening.
3. Park City Hostel – Park City, Utah
Set on a leafy street with hill and mountain views, this casual, rustic hostel is a 1-minute walk from anywhere you need to go when visiting this mountain community.
4. Williams AZ Hostel - Williams, Arizona
On a tree-lined residential street, this modest hostel off Historic Route 66 is 2 miles from Bearizona Wildlife Park, 3 miles from Elk Ridge Ski Area and 59 miles from the Grand Canyon.
Tips for Traveling the Southwest on a Budget
🔥 Embrace the Shoulder Seasons
Spring and fall are where it’s at with fewer crowds, better weather, and lower prices. Summer heat in the desert? Brutal. Winter snow? Icy but magical.
🚗 Rent the Car, Not the Campervan
You don’t need an overpriced van build to road trip the Southwest. Pair a cheap car rental with hostel stays and you'll get the best of both worlds: freedom to roam and a hot shower.
💧 Pack Smart. Hydrate Smarter.
This isn’t the kind of place where you forget your water bottle. The dry air, high altitude, and big hikes can knock you sideways if you’re not prepped. Bring layers, a reusable water jug, and a sense of wonder.
🌀 Get Weird. Stay Curious.
This region runs on mystery - from alien lore in Roswell to petroglyphs in the middle of nowhere. Take the scenic route. Talk to locals. Stop for the world’s largest chile pepper statue. That’s where the good stories live.
Why Hostels in Weird Places Matter
Because hosteling isn’t just about saving money — it’s about adding meaning.
When you stay at a hostel in the middle of the desert, you’re not just passing through. You’re plugging into a community of wanderers, artists, hikers, misfits, and magic-seekers. You’re getting a slice of the real Southwest — the one the brochures don’t talk about.
So yeah, maybe you won’t get a turn-down service or pillow mints. But you’ll wake up to a sunrise over red rock canyons, coffee brewed by a new friend, and a sense that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
