Why Rad Hostel is the Ultimate Family Getaway in Colorado Springs

Rad Hostel in Colorado Springs is a modern, family-friendly accommodation that combines affordability, comfort, and community. Ideally located near iconic attractions like Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and downtown hotspots, Rad Hostel offers a unique blend of convenience and charm. With options ranging from private family rooms to shared spaces designed for relaxation and connection, it’s perfect for travelers of all ages. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and eco-conscious practices, Rad Hostel provides an inviting home base for families exploring the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs: A Top Family-Friendly Destination

Colorado Springs is a premier destination for families, offering a perfect mix of outdoor adventures, educational experiences, and fun-filled attractions. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Rocky Mountains, it boasts iconic natural wonders like Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Seven Falls, where families can hike, bike, or simply enjoy breathtaking views. The city is home to kid-friendly spots such as the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, one of the nation’s best (and my personal favorite), and the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, where history comes to life. With year-round events, interactive cultural activities, and a welcoming atmosphere, Colorado Springs invites families to create lasting memories while exploring its rich blend of nature, history, and adventure.

Rad Hostel, For Families

Rad Hostel in Colorado Springs is an excellent choice for families seeking comfortable and affordable accommodations. The hostel’s common areas are designed to be family-friendly, providing spaces where guests can relax and socialize. Additionally, Rad Hostel offers a complimentary continental breakfast, ensuring a convenient start to the day for families.

Overall, Rad Hostel combines comfortable accommodations, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location, making it a standout option for families visiting Colorado Springs.

Rad Hostel: Location

Rad Hostel is located at 3844 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. This central location offers easy access to several of Colorado Springs’ top attractions. For instance, the Garden of the Gods is approximately 7.5 miles away, providing a convenient destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the hostel is about 3.5 miles from Palmer Park, offering further recreational opportunities. The proximity to these sites makes Rad Hostel an ideal base for exploring the natural beauty and cultural landmarks of the area.

Accommodations at Rad Hostel

Rad Hostel offers family-centric accommodations designed to provide comfort and convenience for guests of all ages. Families can choose from private rooms that sleep between 2 to 7 guests, featuring flexible bedding arrangements such as bunks and queen beds to suit various group sizes. Each room includes essential amenities like a refrigerator, in-room air conditioning, and a private bathroom with either a walk-in shower or tub/shower combo—perfect for families with young children. Thoughtfully designed for family stays, the hostel ensures a cozy and safe environment while providing ample space to relax and recharge after a day of exploring Colorado Springs.

Shared Spaces

Rad Hostel offers a variety of shared spaces designed to cater to guests of all ages, including children. The hostel features vibrant common areas where families can relax, play games, or unwind together. These spaces provide opportunities for kids to engage in activities and interact with other young travelers, fostering a sense of community and adventure. Additionally, the hostel’s back patio area includes amenities like a foosball table, offering fun and engaging options for children to enjoy during their stay.

Reasons To Choose Rad Hostel

Prime Location

Proximity to key attractions like Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Seven Falls.
Easy access to public transportation and major highways.

Family-Centric Accommodations

Private family rooms with ample space.
Kid-friendly room features: bunk beds, cozy nooks, or extra bedding.
Safe, clean, and comfortable environment tailored to families.

Shared Spaces Designed for All Ages

Vibrant common areas where families can relax, play games, or unwind.
Kid-friendly zones with toys, books, or activities to entertain younger guests.
Comfortable, welcoming vibe that encourages connection among travelers.

Affordable and Flexible Pricing

Cost-effective lodging for families compared to traditional hotels.
Discounts or packages designed for family stays.
Flexible booking options for varying family sizes.

Activities and Experiences

On-site or hosted events that cater to families (movie nights, storytelling, craft sessions).
Recommendations from staff for family-friendly activities in the area.
Opportunities for kids to interact with other young travelers.

Commitment to Sustainability

Eco-conscious practices that align with teaching children about sustainability.
Local partnerships supporting the Colorado Springs community.

Meet The Owner of Rad Hostel

Rad Hostel is a truly unique and special place, none of which would have happened without its thoughtful and friendly owner, Erin. Erin was gracious enough to take some time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions for me in order got give readers a deeper dive into the story of Rad Hostel.

The Interview

When was Rad Hostel founded?

Founded in February 2018 and we opened our doors in Sept 2018

Where did you get the idea for Rad hostel?

The idea for RAD Hostel was inspired by my passion for creating community, my love for Colorado, and my discovery of the transformative power of hostels. My background in owning and managing extended-stay motels gave me experience in creating a welcoming and inclusive community through events and activities. However, it wasn’t until I chaperoned a youth trip in 2015 that I learned about modern hostels. A college student on the trip shared how hostels had shaped his travels, fostering meaningful connections and cultural exchanges. His enthusiasm left a lasting impression on me.
Over the next couple years, I researched hostels, both online and in-person, and discovered the reasons for their global popularity and their growing presence in the U.S. Recognizing the absence of a hostel in Colorado Springs, I saw the opportunity to create an affordble space where travelers from all walks of life could gather, share stories, and experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Pikes Peak region.
This venture is also deeply personal. Colorado Springs has been my home for 28 years. I’ve overcome significant challenges and built a life I love with the help of this supportive community. Starting RAD Hostel afforded a way to give back—to create a welcoming, inclusive space that celebrates diversity, creates opportunites for authentic connection, and respects the environment while sharing the best of Colorado with the world.

What led you to, or inspired the name?

When my daughter was in elementary or middle school, she was doodling “coloRADo” with RAD in really big letters. I thought it was pretty RAD because Colorado is indeed so rad! Originally the name was coloRADo Adventure Hostel but our website was always radhostel .com. We did a rebranding in 2022 and dropped the wordiness and went with RAD Hostel.

What is your background, professionally or personally, that led you to creating the hostel?

Professionally- I’ve managed and owned motels, primarily extended-motels, since 2003. Personally- I’ve always been social and loved getting people together, throwing parties, any excuse to get a group together for some fun. Summer camp was one of my favorite places as a kid. I was that kid that was always ready to go back to school to be with my friends. I also successfully begged my parents to let me go to a boarding school for high school Those experiences in a cabin or a dorm showed me the magic that happens when people share meals, participate in activities, and go on adventures together. There’s something special about the bonds that form in those shared environments.
Traveling has that same effect. When people are relaxed, open to new experiences, and meeting others on the same journey, even if they’re from dramatically different backgrounds, friendships happen naturally. I love that energy and wanted to create a space where those kinds of connections can thrive. RAD Hostel is my way of bringing that spirit of adventure, community, and shared experience to travelers from around the world.

What has your journey been like to get to where you are today?

My journey to where I am today has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Starting RAD Hostel from just an idea nearly seven years ago has been a constant learning experience. There have been significant obstacles along the way, from navigating high staff turnover and dealing with unexpected challenges like the loss of my son just before COVID, to facing the uncertainty of my landlord putting the property on the market during my lease. I had to make the difficult decision to purchase the property right after the peak of COVID, amidst all the unpredictability. Add in ongoing renovations, the occasional hiring misstep, and ever-changing laws, and it’s been a whirlwind of challenges.
Yet, through it all, this journey has been amazing. I’ve grown immensely as a person and as a business owner. I’ve developed resilience, learned invaluable lessons, and met incredible people from all over the world—guests, volunteers, and community members alike. These connections and the sense of community we’ve built at RAD Hostel are what keep me going. Each challenge has shaped me and made RAD Hostel stronger. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and excited for what’s ahead.

What sets you apart from other local hostels/hotels as well as other lodging in general?

What sets us apart from lodging in general- #1. Hostels are more fun! Also, you find in hostels a unique combination of community, inclusivity, and authentic connection that’s nearly impossible to find in traditional lodging. This type of welcoming, social community is unique to hostels, and I’m super proud that feedback from our guests shows we’re doing an excellent job of creating that vibe. Our reviews consistently talk about the “friendly and welcoming staff”, “top-notch hospitality”, “awesome vibe”, “exceptional experience”. Travelers are coming to RAD Hostel and leaving with new friends (At what other hotel does that happen?) and our team genuinely enjoys connecting with our guests.
Another thing that sets hostels apart from lodging in general is that we don’t just welcome diversity, we celebrate it! We love it! Everything about our hostel is unique and we want our guests to be unique too. What sets us apart from other local hostels/hotels? We’re well aware of the impact that tourism has on our environment and public lands. If we want people coming here for years to come we need to maintain our trails and public spaces. We’re 1% for the planet partners so we give a minimum of 1% back to local nonprofits committed to preserving our public lands.

What has been your key driving source?

My key driving source for RAD Hostel is my passion for creating community and connection. I’m driven by the belief that travel is about more than just seeing new places—it’s about people- sharing experiences, inspring understanding, building bridges, tearing down walls, creating tolerance and acceptance in our world. I wanted to create a space where people from all walks of life could come together, connect over shared meals and adventures, and leave with lasting memories and friendships. Additionally, giving back to the Colorado Springs community and supporting environmental stewardship through our 1% for the Planet commitment fuels my motivation. RAD Hostel is about building connections, celebrating diversity, and fostering a deeper appreciation for both people and the planet.

How do you generate new ideas?

I listen to feedback from guests and volunteers. I ask myself what would I want if I was a guests here. I’m constantly wondering how could I create a better guest experience.

How do you define success?

Happy guests. Happy team. RAD Hostel mission accomplished by the majority of our guests and team. Able to keep the lights on.

Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?

Honestly, I don’t feel qualified to answer this question because I don’t know that I’m there yet. I think I’m on my way, but I don’t feel there yet. I feel successful in that I’ve created this amazing place and I guess by my definition of success, I’m successful, The formula that I’m believing will lead to success is passion plus adaptability plus perseverance plus strong leadership for building a mission-focused team.

What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?

I love being able to take my ideas and see them grow into fruition and then seeing the impact those ideas have on people’s lives.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

I don’t have just one – Every time I read a guest review where someone talks about their amazing experience; every time a volunteer cries when they leave because they’re going to miss their new best friends; every time I see on social media 2 former volunteers or guests from different corners of the earth meeting up in some foreign country for a beer; every time I hear of another couple who met at the hostel and now they’re engaged or married (7 couples in 6 years!); every time I hear guests with different accents talking and laughing in the kitchen and making plans to go somewhere for the day; every time someone tells me what a unique and special place it is and thanks me for creating the hostel. Those moments are gas in my tank.

Is there anything I haven’t asked that you would like to add?

Upcoming for 2025 – We’re tweaking our mission a bit. In Nov 2023 the world health organization declared loneliness to be the biggest health threat. RAD Hostel will do it’s part to solve this problem. We want to host travelers of all ages, all income brackets, all races, all genders, all sexual orientations, all religions! Come stay with us. Never feel lonely at RAD Hostel. Solo travelers? We got you!

Booking Rad Hostel

Rad Hostel

3844 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907

(719) 375-5842

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About Me

With a heart that beats for the outdoors and a camera never far from reach, I have forged a path that blends my love for nature with the art of storytelling. As a mother, I discovered a renewed appreciation for the world around me, igniting a passion for the outdoors that became both a personal sanctuary and a professional inspiration. This love for the wild and untamed has driven my career as a travel journalist and photographer, allowing me to capture and share the beauty of nature’s most hidden gems.

My work is deeply influenced by my experiences, from the rugged trails of Boulder’s peaks to remote, off-the-beaten-path destinations around the globe. With an eye for detail and a commitment to authenticity, I craft stories that connect readers not just to places but to experiences, inviting them to see through my lens and feel the pull of adventure. Each story and image I create reflects not only my technical skill but my genuine reverence for the land and its power to renew and inspire.

As a current full-time emergency room medic in a level 1 trauma center, I carry a unique perspective into my work. My experience has honed my resilience and deepened my appreciation for life’s fragile beauty, adding a profound layer to my storytelling. I approach each assignment with a compassionate lens, capturing the human element of travel alongside the awe-inspiring landscapes.

As a freelance travel journalist and photographer, I dedicate myself to exploring the intersections of family, nature, and wellness, often through the lens of functional medicine and mindful living. My work is a celebration of life’s small moments, the rugged beauty of untouched landscapes, and the resilience that defines both people and the natural world. Whether hiking up a mountain peak or documenting a coastal sunrise, I continue to chase stories that inspire others to find solace, connection, and adventure in the outdoors.