Life at Jackass Hostel
A Homey, Mountain Community for Travelers from Around the World
One of the most common things guests say when they leave Jackass Hostel is that it felt less like staying in a hostel and more like visiting family in the mountains. Our atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and welcoming, it’s the kind of place where people settle in, meet new friends, and immediately feel at home.
Travelers from the UK, Germany, India, France, and across the US all share the same sentiment. They come for Yosemite, but they end up remembering the slow mornings, shared meals, fire pit nights, and quiet moments as some of their favorite parts of the trip. Many guests extend their stay just to relax and enjoy their time at Jackass Hostel.
This is what life at Jackass Hostel feels like.
Evenings Under the Stars: Picnic Table Chats and Futon Hangouts
As the sun dips behind the pines, the patio fills with soft conversations and the smell of someone cooking dinner in the shared kitchen. Guests settle into the picnic table or stretch out on the outdoor futon, swapping stories from their hikes or planning where to explore tomorrow.
Some nights turn into small international gatherings
A traveler from India sharing tips from Yosemite Valley, two hikers from Germany comparing gear, a solo backpacker from the UK asking which trail to try next. Often times guests will car pool together into the park and sometimes continue on to their next destination together with a new travel buddy.
No pressure, no parties, just calm and genuine connection under a sky full of stars.
Fresh Herbs, Juicy Pears, and Little Garden Joys
One of the unique delights of Jackass Hostel is our small garden. Guests are welcome to:
Pick fresh herbs for their pasta or morning eggs
Snip mint for tea
Crush rosemary between their fingers just for the scent
Taste juicy pears in late summer and early fall
It’s a simple pleasure, but one travelers always remember.
Slow Mornings with Books and Coffee
Inside, shelves are lined with books. Guests sink into the couch with a novel, sip complimentary tea or coffee by large picture windows, or quietly plan their day while the sun lights up the mountains outside.
If you feel like wandering out, the local coffee shop and food options are just a short walk away. Visitors love grabbing a hot drink, strolling through North Fork, and experiencing a real small Sierra town.
Shared Meals & Kitchen Conversations
Our full shared kitchen quickly becomes the heart of the hostel. Breakfast chats flow easily as people cook oatmeal or eggs, and dinners often turn into impromptu shared meals where travelers swap spices, compare Yosemite routes, or talk about their many adventures.
For long term travelers, the kitchen is also a comfort, it’s a place to save money, cook familiar food, or experiment with something new using fresh herbs from the garden.
Your Local Experts - Trip Planning Help and Favorite Hikes
We genuinely love helping guests plan their Yosemite adventures. Over time, we’ve learned what routes travelers enjoy most, how to navigate the park efficiently, and where the best views are at different times of year.
We’ve also created a list of our favorite hikes, which you’ll find on our website. Guests often tell us this list helped them discover trails they wouldn’t have known about otherwise.
Whether you’re trying to figure out:
which entrance to use
how early to leave
what trail fits your skill level
where to watch the best sunset
best places to eat
We’re always happy to help.
A Home Base for Hikers, Explorers, and Travelers Who Crave Connection
Life at Jackass Hostel is peaceful, genuine, and centered around community. It’s a place where you can hike all day, come home to a warm welcome, share dinner with new friends, stretch out under the stars, and feel completely at ease.
If you’re looking for a cozy, social, relaxed place to stay while exploring Yosemite and Bass Lake, this is your home in the mountains. Stay with us. Book Your Trip Now.