Headed to the United States Air Force Academy? Located just north of Colorado Springs, the USAF Academy is an amazing place to go through training or call your next duty station as you help mold the next generation of Air Force officers.
There's so much to do in the Colorado Springs region. Whether you’re visiting, on short-term orders, or stationed there, here's a look at the area and a few activities to get you started.
About the USAF Academy
The USAF Academy's mission is "To educate, train, and inspire men and women to become officers of character motivated to lead the United States Air and Space Forces in service to our Nation."
Did you know that a degree from the USAF Academy is valued at $416,000 and is free for cadets? The Academy provides knowledge in exchange for graduates' service to the Air or Space Force.
Getting to Know the Colorado Springs Area
You might wonder, Is Colorado Springs a good duty station? The culture and overall vibe leave residents with an overwhelming feeling of contentment. The convenience of city life and small-town camaraderie intermingle to form a well-rounded community. And it’s hard to say goodbye when orders are up. Outdoor adventures abound, while the nightlife is far from dull. Along with that, you'll find plenty of family-friendly outings.
Aside from the local aesthetic, you'll also find a welcome company with so many military installations nearby. Peterson SFB is centrally located. Schriever SFB lies to the east, with Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station to the west. The Army’s Fort Carson sits south of Peterson SFB.
Places to Live Near the Air Force Academy
Unless you're a cadet housed in a dorm, you'll be looking to secure housing. Hunt Military Communities manages the Air Force Academy Family Housing. Through Hunt, you'll find two distinct communities in Colorado Springs that offer different floor plans and amenities.
If you're interested in USAF Academy homes for sale or houses for rent, there are a few areas to keep your eye on. In Colorado Springs, a few of the more popular and competitive neighborhoods include Briargate, Northgate, and Broadmoor. You’ll find that Briargate and Northgate are closest. Broadmoor lies further away, south of downtown.
Things to Do Near the USAF Academy
Garden of the Gods
Set your sight on the beautiful Garden of the Gods. Embrace your adventurous side and scramble, climb, or rappel the Garden. Or, welcome an easier experience with a simple hike or a guided bike tour.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The perfect outing for the whole family, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo lets the kids explore the animal kingdom and even interact with it. Watch for opportunities to feed the giraffes and pet the goats.
The Broadmoor Seven Falls
Enjoy "The Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado" as you enter Seven Falls, where the water cascades 181 feet between the Hercules Pillars, a 900-foot frame for this Colorado natural wonder. To make this outing even more unforgettable, take the steep 224-stair climb to the top, where you’ll access several trails above this phenomenon.
Pikes Peak Highway
Setting your sights on the incredible beauty of Colorado has never been easier with this 19-mile winding road. It takes you to the summit of Pikes Peak and offers breathtaking views of the lakes, mountains, and wildlife. The trek takes about two to three hours round-trip.
Or, forgo the car and head on foot up the Barr Trail or Crags Trail to the summit. It’s not easy, but the effort makes the view even sweeter.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Explore another side of nature as you venture through the Cave of Winds Mountain Park. This unique park offers both family-friendly and thrill-seeking adult packages presenting well-lit tours through the electrically wired portions of the cave and darker sections requiring a lantern.
Red Rock Canyon
This 1474-acre stretch of the unincorporated Wild West is free to explore. With over 653 acres designated as "open space" to ride horseback, hike, run, and bike, you can visit Red Rock Canyon a dozen times and cover different ground each trip.
If you need help narrowing it down, Hogback Trail is especially memorable. It guides you to a plateau overlooking Red Rocks, America’s Mountain, Pikes Peak, and the city below. Plus, gorgeous wildflowers greet you during the warmer months.
Manitou Incline
Just as the name implies, this mile-long hike is all uphill. Gaining over 2,000 feet elevation, this hike isn’t for the faint of heart...or those who just ate a big lunch.
The trail was once used as a cable car route to transport supplies up Pikes Peak. After that, it became a tourist attraction until a rock slide wiped out the rails on the trail and created the 2,744-step incline we know today.
The Rabbit Hole
"Upscale New American cuisine and cocktails — waiting for you just beneath the Springs." The Rabbit Hole offers a unique underground nightlife full of eclectic food, exotic drinks, and haunting decor. With 4.5 stars and over 5,000 reviews, it’s a must on your Colorado Springs bucket list.
Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
The host of authentic Irish food, live music, and (cough, cough) those staple Irish libations, this downtown eatery might be a regular in your rotation. Oh, and with 4.6 stars and over 4,000 reviews, you'll unlikely leave disappointed.
Want to learn more about the Colorado Springs area? Take a look at these posts about the area, then download our free guide!
- Fall Festivities Near Fort Carson
- Top 10 Best U.S. Cities for Veterans
- 3 Year-Round Colorado Springs Getaways
