A Hostel for Adventurers
Cloudcroft Hostel is a genuine hostel — not a hotel with a quirky name. It’s a budget-friendly, community-oriented mountain base in High Rolls Mountain Park, right on Highway 82 between Alamogordo and Cloudcroft. Trails start right outside the front door.
The strongest reasons to book here are price, the shared kitchen and common spaces, group flexibility (reserve an entire floor for up to 25 guests), and immediate access to outdoor recreation. The tradeoffs are equally clear: shared bathrooms, hostel norms, and a location that requires driving to reach Cloudcroft’s restaurants and shops.
Run by Stephanie and Andrew, this is a deliberate choice for travelers who want value, shared space, and a mountain basecamp. If you want privacy, on-site dining, or standard hotel amenities, this isn’t it.
Dorms, Private Rooms & Group Rentals
From a single dorm bed to an entire floor for 25. Flexible options for every group size.
| Type | Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dorm Bed | 1 guest per bed | 8-bed dorm rooms, shared bathrooms |
| Private Dorm | Up to 8 guests | Reserve an entire 8-bed dorm for your group |
| First Floor Group Rental | Up to 25 guests | Exclusive use of the first floor |
| Private / Family Rooms | Varies | Listed on Booking.com & TripAdvisor — confirm directly |
All stays include linens, pillows, and lockers. Shared bathrooms and common spaces are part of the hostel model. Private room availability should be confirmed directly — the official site focuses on dorms and group bookings.
What You Get
A real kitchen, great outdoor spaces, and everything you need for a mountain basecamp.
Shared Kitchen
A real kitchen, frequently praised by guests. Cook your own meals or store groceries.
- Stovetop, oven, fridge
- Cookware, dishes, utensils
- Dining table and seating
- No on-site restaurant — cook or drive to town
Outdoors
The setting is one of the hostel’s strongest features.
- Large porch with mountain views
- Fire pit (weather permitting)
- Star-gazing
- Trails right outside the front door
Included
The basics are covered — no hidden fees for the essentials.
- Free Wi-Fi in all areas
- Free private parking
- Linens & pillows
- Lockers for personal items
- Common lounge with books & games
Who Should Book Cloudcroft Hostel
A deliberate choice for travelers who know what a hostel is — and like it.
Best For
- Hikers, cyclists, and outdoor travelers
- Solo travelers comfortable with hostel culture
- Friend groups looking for a shared mountain base
- Family reunions, retreat groups, and wedding parties
- Budget-conscious travelers who value kitchen access
Consider Alternatives If…
- You want a private bathroom
- You want walkable central Cloudcroft lodging
- You’re seeking a romantic or polished inn
- You want standard hotel services and amenities
What to Verify
This is a hostel, not a hotel. Exact expectations matter more than usual.
Room Type
Confirm whether you’re getting a dorm bed, private dorm, private room, or group rental. Private room availability varies.
Late Arrival
Check-in at 3:00 PM. Contact the hostel if arriving after 9:00 PM — confirm how flexible they can be.
Pets & Access
Older sources suggest dogs in private rooms for a fee. Current policy unclear — confirm directly. Accessibility not detailed.
Cancellation
Third-party listings suggest 48 hours before arrival. Confirm the exact deadline and no-show rules directly.
A Look Around
Colorful, functional, and built for community. A mountain basecamp, not a boutique hotel.
What Guests Say
What Works
Cleanliness consistently praised. Kitchen and common areas are well-valued. Hosts and check-in experience described positively. Group and family stays work well. Mountain atmosphere is a recurring strength.
Common Cautions
Shared bathrooms and hostel norms are part of the deal. Privacy is lower than an inn or motel. Location requires driving to central Cloudcroft. Comfort expectations need to match the hostel model.
The Pattern
Guests who understand what a hostel is like it a lot. Guests expecting a traditional hotel may be mismatched from the start. This is a feature, not a bug.
High Rolls Mountain Park
On Highway 82 between Alamogordo and Cloudcroft. Not in the village — but right on the trails.
Trails & Outdoors
Lincoln National Forest trailheads right outside. Trestle Recreation Area and Cloudcroft Ski Area are nearby.
Drives
Cloudcroft village — short drive up the mountain. Sunspot Solar Observatory — ~20 miles. White Sands National Park — ~50 miles west.
Address
1049 Hwy 82, High Rolls Mountain Park, NM 88325. Free private parking on-site.
Good to Know
You’ll need a car to reach Cloudcroft’s restaurants and shops. The tradeoff is a quieter, more outdoors-forward setting with trail access from the door.
The Details
Check-in / Check-out
Check-in at 3:00 PM. Check-out at 11:00 AM. Contact hostel if arriving after 9:00 PM.
Rates
Budget-friendly — well below most Cloudcroft options. Rates vary by room type, group size, and season. Contact hostel for current pricing.
Pets
Policy unclear in current sources. Older listings suggest dogs in private rooms for a fee. Confirm directly.
Cancellation
Contact by email or phone. Third-party sources suggest 48 hours before arrival. Confirm the exact policy when booking.
Value, Community, and Mountain Air
Cloudcroft Hostel is a real mountain hostel for travelers who want shared spaces, a working kitchen, trails from the door, and a price that leaves room in the budget for everything else.