Backpackers roll into Salt Lake City for a mix of adventure, affordability, and the sheer oddity of Utah’s capital. It’s the kind of place where you can carve up the slopes in the morning, soak in a hot spring by noon, and wrap up the day in a speakeasy trying to decode the state’s bizarre liquor laws.
Salt Lake City is a paradise for outdoorsy travelers. The Wasatch Mountains are the main event, pulling in skiers, mountain bikers, and hikers like moths to a flame. But there’s plenty to balance it out—cultural spots like the University of Utah, Salt Lake Temple, and a convention centre that actually sees its fair share of action. And being the heart of the Mormon church, the city is dotted with historic temples and religious landmarks.
The hostel scene? Pretty slim. But if you’re travelling on a budget, there are still a few solid options, plus affordable guesthouses and couch-surfing opportunities. The city itself is full of surprises—great coffee, quirky dive bars, and a surprisingly decent food scene, even for vegetarians. And yes, people will randomly say hello to you on the street. If you’re used to more cynical cities, brace yourself.
Since hostels in the US are a bit of a rare species, actually finding one in Salt Lake City can feel like a mission. But don’t sweat it—I’ve done the legwork and rounded up the best hostels in Salt Lake City (and a few extra budget-friendly stays) so you don’t have to. Let’s get into it.
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The Best Hostels in Salt Lake City
The hostel scene in Salt Lake City is pretty thin but don’t sweat it, I’ve still rounded up the best in the area so you can keep within that backpacker budget of yours.
Park City Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $90
- Private Room: From $198
- Address: 1781 Sidewinder Dr., Salt Lake City, USA
Park City Hostel is a great alternative to the pricey hotels in the area. It’s also ski bum approved – you can see the slopes from the terrace!
Although it’s a bit of a drive from downtown Salt Lake City, this hostel is in the heart of Park City, overlooking the ski slopes, and is perrrrfect for those backpacking Northern Utah. Clean and stocked full of hostel staples like free Wi-Fi and cozy common areas, it’s also quirky and full of love that the team has for the place.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Female Dorms
- Views of the Ski Slopes
- Pool Table
After a day in the great outdoors, you can enjoy a BBQ on the terrace. Connect with new friends in the roomy living room or on the enormous terrace for some improv aprés-ski. When you are all socialized out, you can retreat to the dorms which are kept nice and quiet.
You’re also guaranteed to love the spacious kitchen. There’s more than enough room to stop the elbow jostling that has been known at some hostels! Positioned for some of the best skiing in the world (and, of course, the best thing to do in Utah), this is a powder hound’s dream!
Bposhtels SLC
- Dorm (mixed): From $44
- Address: 660 S 400 W, Salt Lake City, USA
I love hostels and I love climbing …so combine the two and this place can’t get any better! You get free day passes to a massive climbing space, so you can chalk up, burn some energy, then unwind in the sauna or hit a yoga class. They even have an on-site skate park, because why the hell not?! It’s basically an adult playground, minus the ball pit.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Bouldering Gym
- Clean and Modern Amenities
- On-site Bar
The whole place is clean, spacious, and stylishly designed. The beds are solid, bathrooms are spotless, and if your room’s shower is occupied, the locker rooms give you a backup option for easy access. There’s even free parking for those on that epic Southwestern road trip.
There’s loads of space to work, plus a café and a bar. The rooftop’s a great spot to chill, and the location is decent being within walking distance of downtown Salt Lake City. The bar leans more local, so when they throw events, it sometimes feels like crashing a high school reunion. If you’re not expecting a wild social scene, Bposhtels SLC is a solid base for skiing, climbing, and chilling in Salt Lake Valley.
More Epic Salt Lake City Hostels
Although there aren’t many hostels in the city, don’t fret! I’ve listed my favorite budget stays and B&Bs in Salt Lake City for you to sink your teeth into (you’re welcome).
Stunning luxurious 1BR Sugarhouse brick bungalow
- Private Room: From $171
- Address: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
John’s place is the perfect place for anyone traveling on a budget. The kitchen is fully stocked, there’s a washer and dryer, and the best part is the price. It costs the same as a hostel, so splitting it with a mate means getting privacy for half the cost.
The location is spot on, with restaurants, Whole Foods, a Patagonia outlet with solid deals, and a nearby park for a stroll or a lazy afternoon. The host is super responsive and provides a neatly written whiteboard full of useful info. The space is pristine, private, and dog-friendly, with a bed and bowls for any four-legged travel companions. The actual bed is ridiculously comfortable, making it hard to leave in the morning for a day of skiing ahead!
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Salt Lake City Airport
- Private Room: From $92
- Address: 61 North Tommy Thompson Road, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, United States
The rooms here are solid—spacious and have everything needed for a few days in Salt Lake Valley. Free parking is always a win, and the breakfast isn’t anything fancy but it’s more than enough to get you going. A quick 15-minute drive puts you right in the heart of the city for easy access to the best sights and sounds in Salt Lake Valley.
The staff are legends—super friendly and genuinely go above and beyond. It’s conveniently close to the airport, with coffee and laundry facilities on site. The real cherry on top is the free airport transfer, which takes away any stress about catching that early flight.
Pure Salt Lake Cozy Cute 1 bdrm Suite #2
- Private Room: From $137
- Address: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
This Airbnb in Salt Lake City is set in a massive old house turned into stylish, modern apartments that have been seriously well thought out. You’ve got your own private apartment with easy parking, check-in is a dream plus it’s close to everything you’ll want to see. Shannon, the host, knows her stuff—she’ll hook you up with great local spots to eat and things to do.
The kitchen is a dream, fully stocked with utensils, dishes, and all the appliances you could ask for. There’s a cozy sitting area with a sunset view, and the location is right on major streets but surprisingly quiet. You’ll meet some friendly locals who’ll give you a peek into life in Salt Lake City. The little touches—like complimentary coffee, water, and soft drinks—make this place feel like a home away from home. If you’re backpacking the US, this is the perfect reprieve from hostels for the same price tag.
Avenues Hostel
Avenues Hostel is the total package! It’s got a good price, attentive staff, a central city location and free breakfast included! There’s also a piano, TV, spacious kitchen, and tons of communal spaces – I mean, what more could you ask for?
Nestled in a quiet neighborhood at the center of it all, Avenues Hostel is within walking distance of the city’s main attractions like Temple Square and Liberty Park. With the bus system and TRAX (the light rail) nearby, the whole city is super accessible. Not only that but it’s close to ski resorts as well! So you snow bums have a cheap place to stay before you hit the slopes – guaranteed. There are common areas, and outdoor spaces to sit around and swap yarns with other travelers in.
Reservoir Park Properties
Reservoir Park is the perfect place for anyone on a shoestring budget. It’s close to loads of Salt Lake City attractions, including the university and Temple Square. Convenience stores, restaurants, and bars are merely a short stroll away. It’s also a cozy hostel in its own right. After traveling to South America, the owners were inspired to open it up and incorporate some true Latin American hospitality into this hostel.
You’ll also have access to the kitchen, so you won’t have to worry about eating out all the time! Time to show off your cooking skills to everyone you meet here. There is free wifi throughout the property and common areas, so you can call home and meet new friends. Laundry facilities are available for a small fee – so you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable stay, all for a budget price!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Salt Lake City
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Salt Lake City.
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.
Final Thoughts on Salt Lake City’s Hostels
Salt Lake City might not be the first place that comes to mind for budget travel, but it’s got just enough cheap stays and off-the-beaten-path adventures to keep things interesting. Whether it’s hitting the slopes, hiking the Wasatch, or just figuring out how to order a proper drink, this city has its quirks—but that’s half the fun.
The hostel scene isn’t massive, but the options that do exist are solid, and with a little digging, there’s always a way to stretch the budget. Still unsure of where to book? I’d go with Park City Hostel. You couldn’t be closer to the slopes, plus, with it being one of the only hostels in the city, the backpacker scene here is pretty cool.
So, grab a bed, soak up the mountain views, and see what Salt Lake City has to offer—just don’t be surprised if a friendly local actually makes eye contact and says hello.
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Utah for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in the USA covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Salt Lake City if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Salt Lake City 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.
