Attractions and Places To See around Air Force Academy - Top 20

The Air Force Academy area offers several popular trails and natural features. The New Sante Fe Regional Trail is a 14-mile path with a well-maintained gravel section near the South Gate entrance, following Monument Creek. Another favorite is the Cottonwood Creek Trail, a 6-mile paved trail offering views of the Front Range. For a unique natural monument, visit Pulpit Rock, a 66-million-year-old formation with panoramic vistas of Pikes Peak from its summit.

Yes, the Academy campus is rich with iconic landmarks and cultural sites. The most recognizable is the Cadet Chapel, known for its striking mid-century modern architecture and 17 towering spires. While currently undergoing restoration until spring 2028, it can still be admired from the outside. Other significant sites include the Barry Goldwater Visitor Center (soon to be the Hosmer Visitor Center), Doolittle Hall with its Pegasus statue and Heritage Trail, the B-52 Display, and the Honor Court featuring various memorials and sculptures.

Beyond hiking, the area around the Air Force Academy is excellent for cycling. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, road cycling, and gravel biking. For mountain biking, explore options like the 'Mountainbike loop from Manitou Springs' or the 'Lee Lake – New Sante Fe Regional Trail loop'. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Air Force Parachute Drop Zone loop'. Gravel biking enthusiasts have options like the 'Garden of the Gods – New Sante Fe Regional Trail loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the MTB Trails around Air Force Academy, Road Cycling Routes around Air Force Academy, and Gravel biking around Air Force Academy guides.

Many attractions at the Air Force Academy are suitable for families. The Barry Goldwater Visitor Center (and the future Hosmer Visitor Center) offers interactive exhibits on cadet life and Academy history. The Planetarium provides free, immersive screenings on space and natural history, which can be very engaging for all ages. Witnessing the Noon Meal Formation is also an impressive and memorable experience for families. Additionally, the paved Cottonwood Creek Trail is a great option for a family walk or bike ride.

Visitors typically access the Air Force Academy through the North Gate. It is recommended to start your visit at the Barry Goldwater Visitor Center (or the new Hosmer Visitor Center when it opens) to get an overview and plan your self-guided tour. A visitor pass must be obtained in advance for entry.

Yes, several areas within and around the Air Force Academy offer wheelchair accessibility. The Cottonwood Creek Trail is a paved path that runs along Cottonwood Creek and is wheelchair-friendly. The Pedestrian Bridge Over Monument Creek on Pikes Peak Greenway is also part of a paved cycle path and is accessible. The Barry Goldwater Visitor Center is designed to be accessible, and the new Hosmer Visitor Center is anticipated to be fully accessible as well.

The Air Force Academy welcomes visitors year-round. The Noon Meal Formation is usually scheduled Monday through Friday during the school year, weather permitting, making weekdays during academic terms a good time to witness this tradition. For outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, spring, summer, and fall offer pleasant weather. Winter can also be beautiful, but some trails might be affected by snow or ice. Checking local weather conditions before your visit is always recommended.

Yes, the Academy's 18,500-acre campus includes extensive wild lands that are home to diverse wildlife. Efforts are made to protect the habitats of threatened species. While specific viewing areas aren't designated, visitors exploring the hiking trails, such as the New Santa Fe Trail or Falcon Trail, may encounter various local wildlife in their natural habitats.

For amenities, the Criterium Bike Shop and Crit Cafe is a great independent bike shop that also features a cafe. Within the Academy, Arnold Hall contains a food court. For a wider selection of cafes and other services, you'll find options just outside the Academy gates in the surrounding Colorado Springs area.

The Air Force Academy is rich in history. The Barry Goldwater Visitor Center provides insights into the Academy's history and cadet life. Doolittle Hall's Heritage Trail pays tribute to graduates, featuring the USAFA War Memorial, Challenge Bridge, and Southeast Asia Pavilion, a powerful reminder of the Vietnam era. The Honor Court, located between the Cadet Chapel and Arnold Hall, features numerous statues and sculptures, including the Tuskegee Airman Memorial and a memorial for WWII Women Airforce Service Pilots, showcasing significant historical figures and events.

Many trails in the Colorado Springs area, including some near the Air Force Academy, are dog-friendly. For example, the New Sante Fe Regional Trail is generally dog-friendly, requiring dogs to be on a leash. However, specific rules and restrictions can vary, especially within the Academy grounds. It's always best to check local signage or the Academy's official visitor guidelines for the most current information regarding pets on trails.