The United States Air Force Academy is an active U.S. Air Force installation north of Colorado Springs, Colorado. It sits at the base of the Front Range and covers 18,500 acres. This guide explains directions, visitor access, housing, schools, medical care, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name United States Air Force Academy
Military branch United States Air Force
Base status Active
Street address 2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 3100, USAF Academy, CO 80840-5002
Visitor Center phone 719-333-2025
Official website United States Air Force Academy

Location and Directions

The Academy is north of Colorado Springs at the base of the Front Range. The Hosmer Visitor Center is just outside the North Gate, reached from Interstate 25 Exit 156. The Pass and Registration Office is outside the South Gate and is reached from Interstate 25 Exit 150.

Place Address or route
Hosmer Visitor Center 13303 True North Road; I-25 Exit 156
Pass and Registration Office Outside the South Gate; I-25 Exit 150
10th Medical Group 4102 Pinion Drive; follow Stadium Boulevard from North Gate Boulevard or South Gate Boulevard

Visitor Information

The General Bradley and Zita Hosmer Visitor Center is free and open to the public without base access. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but it closes on federal holidays, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve.

Visitors without a Department of Defense identification card need an approved base pass before entering the installation. An online request may be submitted, and background checks are conducted. Approved visitors should bring a valid Real ID to the gate. Call the Visitor Center at 719-333-2025 or the Pass and Registration Office at 719-333-0441. Confirm current access rules before traveling.

Housing and Lodging

Military family housing is privatized and managed by Hunt Military Communities. The Housing Management Office is at 4609 W. Bighorn Drive and can be reached at 719-333-2247. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The privatized housing office can be reached at 719-982-4800.

Rampart Lodge provides temporary lodging at 3130 Academy Drive. It operates 24 hours, but availability can vary, so make reservations as early as possible by calling 719-333-4910. Unaccompanied housing is at 107 Cedar Drive, Building 5223; call 719-333-4229 for current eligibility rules, which vary by rank and service time.

Facilities and Services

Installation support includes the Military and Family Readiness Center, Military Housing Office, Pass and Registration Office, military personnel services, legal services, and financial services. The Military and Family Readiness Center is at 6248 W. Pine Loop and can be reached at 719-333-3444. Its hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

Public facilities include the visitor center, Cadet Chapel, Planetarium, Falcon Stadium, Community Center, and dining and retail facilities.

Schools and Childcare

The local school district is Academy School District 20. The district office is at 1110 Chapel Hills Drive in Colorado Springs and can be reached at 719-234-1200.

School Address Phone
Douglass Valley Elementary School 4610 Douglass Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840 719-234-4200
Eagleview Middle School 1325 Vindicator Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919 719-234-3400
Air Academy High School 6910 Carlton Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840 719-234-2400

Donna Head Child Development Center offers full-day and hourly care for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years in Building 6250. Call 719-333-6779. The Child Development Annex in Building 5150 offers full-day and hourly care for children ages 3 through 5; call 719-333-4166. Family Child Care homes may also be available at 719-333-4993. Eligibility includes certain military members, Department of Defense workers, reservists on active duty, and primary contractors. Capacity may be limited.

Medical Services

The 10th Medical Group is at 4102 Pinion Drive, Suite 100. It is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the appointment center opens at 6 a.m. Call 719-524-2273. Services include family health, pediatrics, internal medicine, women’s health, mental health, pharmacy, dental care, laboratory work, diagnostic imaging, and other specialty care. Dental services can be reached at 719-333-5192. Beneficiaries should contact the medical group or TRICARE for enrollment and primary-care instructions.

Recreation and Amenities

Recreation options include a fitness and recreation center, golf, tennis courts, swimming, bowling, library access, arts and crafts, camping, fishing, hiking and biking trails, outdoor activities, and stables. Public experiences include Hosmer Visitor Center exhibits, a self-guided Academy tour, the Cadet Chapel, Planetarium, Falcon Stadium, and athletic facilities. Many on-base activities require an approved pass or Department of Defense identification.

Things to Know

  • Confirm access rules and operating hours before traveling because they can change.
  • Visitors without a Department of Defense identification card should get an approved base pass before arriving at the gate.
  • The Trusted Traveler program is suspended, so visitors may experience delays.
  • Weekend access is generally reserved for events, cadet visitors, and housing guests.
  • The Academy is about 7,258 feet above sea level. People arriving from lower elevations may notice altitude-related symptoms.
  • Winter travel can be hazardous, especially on routes west of Colorado Springs and near mountain passes.
  • The Hosmer Visitor Center is outside the North Gate and does not require base access.
  • Housing, childcare, and lodging may be limited during busy times, including summer events and graduation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the United States Air Force Academy?
It is north of Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the base of the Front Range.
Can the public visit the Academy?
The Hosmer Visitor Center is free and open to the public without base access. Other areas may require an approved pass.
What phone number should visitors call?
Call the Hosmer Visitor Center at 719-333-2025.
Does the Academy provide temporary lodging?
Yes. Rampart Lodge offers temporary lodging, subject to availability. Call 719-333-4910.
What school district serves the area?
Academy School District 20 serves the area.