Inn the Clouds Hostel & Inn
500 E 7th St, Leadville, CO 80461, Leadville, United States
Guest rating: 4.8 / 5
Overview
Inn the Clouds Hostel & Inn is a casual, budget-friendly hostel and inn located at 500 E 7th St in Leadville, Colorado, a historic mining town in the Rockies. The property has operated for years under a series of owners, with the current couple noted by longtime guests for modernizing and carefully maintaining the space. It offers a homey, communal atmosphere rather than a polished hotel experience, appealing to travelers who enjoy shared spaces and mingling with other guests.
Rooms
Accommodations range from unfussy dorm rooms with bunk beds to simple private rooms, giving guests a choice between social hostel-style sleeping and more private options. Bathrooms are either en suite or shared depending on the room type. Recent updates mentioned by guests include new showers, toilets, beds, and mattresses, along with fresh paint throughout the rooms.
Dining & Common Areas
A shared kitchen equipped for everything from quick snacks to gourmet meals is available for guest use, along with a cozy dining room. Communal sitting rooms and patios provide additional space to relax, and one of the living rooms even includes a massage chair. Guests consistently describe the first-floor common area and kitchen as clean and inviting.
Amenities & Recreation
Wi-Fi is available in the dorms, and the property offers ski and bike storage, making it convenient for outdoor-focused visitors. Quiet hours after 10 PM help keep noise levels manageable in the shared living spaces. Hikes into the mountains above Leadville can begin right outside the front door.
Location
The hostel sits an easy, if downhill, walk from downtown Leadville and about a 13-minute walk from the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum. It's also close to the Tabor Opera House, Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin, and the start of the Leadville Trail 100 Run, with Ski Cooper roughly 10 miles away and access to nearby peaks such as Mount Massive, Mount Sherman, Mount Democrat, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Bross, plus Turquoise Lake, Tennessee Pass, and Mosquito Pass.
Best for
This hostel and inn is best suited for budget-conscious travelers, backpackers, trail runners, and hikers who want an affordable base for exploring the Colorado mountains around Leadville. Its ski and bike storage, proximity to the Leadville Trail 100 Run start, and easy access to Ski Cooper and numerous 14,000-foot peaks make it especially appealing to outdoor adventurers and endurance athletes. Solo travelers and those who enjoy a social, communal atmosphere will also appreciate the shared kitchen, dining room, and sitting areas.
Travel tips
Downtown Leadville and several of its historic attractions, including the National Mining Hall of Fame, Tabor Opera House, and Healy House Museum, are within a short walk of the property. Because the hostel sits at a higher point above downtown, the walk into town is easy going down but involves an uphill return, so plan accordingly, especially at Leadville's high altitude. If visiting for events like the Leadville Trail 100 Run or planning day trips to Ski Cooper, Mount Sherman, or Turquoise Lake, a car is useful since several of these sites are several miles outside town.
What guests say
Guests consistently highlight the friendly, helpful staff and the cozy, welcoming atmosphere of the shared common areas, particularly the kitchen and living room spaces. Cleanliness is repeatedly mentioned as a strong point, with reviewers noting well-maintained rooms, bathrooms, and communal areas. Several long-term guests point to ongoing improvements under the current ownership, including updated bathrooms, beds, and kitchen facilities. The property's proximity to downtown Leadville and value for money are also frequently praised, and quiet hours are noted as effectively managing noise in shared spaces. No significant recurring complaints appear among the excerpts provided.
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