United States Air Force Academy - Colorado Springs

usafa mountain view

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) is a military academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and is located approximately in the middle of the state.       Being accepted into this military academy is tough. Competition is fierce and cadets have to be very well rounded students in academics, athletics, personality and philanthropy to get accepted into the academy. However, if they are accepted into the academy and graduate, they receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are commissioned as second lieutenants in the US Air Force.

Being one of the five major military academies in the US, the Air Force brings in over 1 million visitors each year. If you’re in Colorado Springs and have thought about visiting the Air Force base, it’s an experience you will not forget!

Can you tour the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs?

Yes, you absolutely can tour the base. It is open daily from 5am to 10pm and the visitors center is open Mon-Fri from 9am to 5pm. You should be aware that the parking lot by the cadet area is under construction until late October 2021. 

Visitors can access many stations on the base including the Honor Court, Arnold Hall, the Cadet Field House, Falcon Athletic Center, the planetarium, and Falcon Stadium. Visitors are even welcome to use the hiking and biking trails, stables, and the golf course. Reservations are not required to visit.

If you think you may be interested in a more formal tour, you can check out the upcoming events here. The admissions team is available for tours and briefings to those in 8th grade to college sophomores. 

Can you tour the Air Force Academy Chapel?

usafa chapel

The U.S. Air Force Academy Chapel is perhaps one of the best know structures on the entire base. It’s ceilings go as high as 150 feet in the air and have 17 spires made of aluminum, glass and steel. A majestic organ can be found directly above the entrance and makes the chapel one of the most memorable churches in the US.

In general, yes, visitors are welcome to visit the chapel, however, the chapel is currently going under a major renovation and is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2024. Until then, it remains closed for general access.

How much does it cost to visit the Air Force Academy?

There is no charge to visit the academy, it is absolutely FREE to the public and can be visited daily from 5am to 10pm.

How long does it take to tour the academy?

usafa cadets

Formal tours are conducted on normal duty days at 1100 hours, and they last for two hours. The base, however, is open daily until 10pm for self-guided tours and there is no limitation on your stay there.

Are masks required?

Currently, masks are required for all visitors while on the academy grounds regardless of vaccination status. The Air Force Academy follows the Department of Defense guidelines.

Driving directions

From Denver:
Travel time: approximately 1 hr 12 minutes or 61.9 miles

  1. Merge onto I-25 S towards Colorado Springs and continue straight for 59.5 miles
  2. Exit 150 for N Academy Boulevard for 0.2 miles
  3. Keep right and follow the signs for the US Air Force Academy continuing straight for 0.2 miles
  4. Merge onto S Gate Blvd and arrive at the US Air Force Academy

From Grand Junction:
Travel time: approximately 4 hr 45 min or 300 miles total

  1. Merge onto I-70 E and continue straight for 77.0 miles
  2. Exit 114 toward West Glenwood for 0.4 miles
  3. At the traffic circle take the 3rd exit onto I-70 E ramp
  4. Merge onto I-70 E and continue straight for 147 miles
  5. Exit 261 for US-6 E/6th Ave for 0.3 miles
  6. Continue onto US-6E for 8.0 miles
  7. Merge onto I-25S for 59.2 miles
  8. Exit 150 for N Academy Boulevard for 0.2 miles
  9. Merge onto S Gate Blvd
  10. Continue straight until you reach the US Air Force Academy

From the Springs Excavation Pros office:
Travel time: approximately 13 minutes or 10.6 miles

  1. Head south on S Tejon St for 0.3 miles
  2. Make a right turn onto E Cimarron St and continue straight for 0.6 miles
  3. Merge onto I-25 N toward Denver and continue straight for 8.9 miles
  4. Exit 150 toward N Academy Blvd for 0.3 miles
  5. Continue onto S Gate Blvd for 0.2 miles
  6. Arrive at the US Air Force Academy