About RAD Hostel

In addition to revamping the building and amenities, Welch also emphasized art and collaboration. Several artists have contributed to RAD’s creative and colorful ambiance, including Michael Beenenga, who painted the can’t-miss mural on the front of the building and several in-room murals; Kay Day and Kyra Wilson, who used the Wildflower room’s walls as their canvas; Paige Weil, Maya Branch, and Kyra Wilson, who worked together on the piece in the 14ers room; Zachary McRae, who did another larger mural piece; and Tommy Tropical, whose distinctive and bright themes add a vibrant atmosphere to the patio area.

Since its opening in 2018, RAD’s dedicated staff has played an integral role in making it the most inviting, diverse, fun-spirited, and well-run hostel you’ll find. Staff members are all fellow travelers, landing in Colorado from coast to coast in the US and from other countries such as Colombia, Brazil, Turkey, and Yemen. If you have a question about your room, want to inquire about renting an e-bike, or need a recommendation for a favorite nearby trail, the RAD crew has you covered.

The heart and essence of RAD Hostel is the communal kitchen area, a gathering place for staff and guests alike. Here, pins mark a massive world map, signifying the US states and far-flung countries from which guests and staff have traveled (currently over 80 countries and climbing). Surrounding that map is a chalkboard with notes from guests in English, Spanish, Korean, Portuguese, and countless other languages. As more states and countries are freshly-pinned on the map, new messages appear in various languages, and engaging conversations fill the air, the story of RAD Hostel continues to come into being.