Weather in the entire Pikes Peak region is often unpredictable, with temperatures and conditions varying quite drastically between the surrounding Colorado Springs area and the Air Force Academy campus. Wind gusts on the Academy’s terrazzo area are not to be reckoned with!

We recommend checking the weather before your visit and staying prepared for both warm and colder weather by bringing water, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and jackets.

Click here for seven-day weather forecast.

Our cadets are particularly fond of their Academy ‘altimeter check’: “Sir/ma/am, my altitude is 7,250’ above sea level, far, far above that of West Point or Annapolis.” In fact, our terrain can go as high as 9,000 feet in elevation at the Farish Recreation Area. Basic cadets spend several weeks acclimating to this altitude during the first part of Basic Cadet Training.

Colorado visitors and newcomers may experience symptoms related to altitude sickness until their bodies adjust to lower oxygen pressure. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, tiredness, insomnia, and loss of appetite. You can combat altitude sickness by following four simple steps:

• Stay Hydrated: Fluid loss often accompanies the acclimatization process, so drinking three to four quarts of water per day will help you stay hydrated.
• Don’t overexert yourself: Colorado is, quite literally, breathtaking. We recommend not jumping into strenuous activity right away. Light activity during the day is better than sleeping because respiration decreases during sleep, exacerbating symptoms of altitude sickness.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco: Alcohol can depress respiration during sleep, and tobacco products can decrease lung capacity. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco may reduce symptoms of altitude sickness.
• Eat a high-carb diet: Starches, bread, fruits, and pasta are a great energy source for high altitudes and cold environments, helping offset altitude sickness symptoms.

The Air Force Academy is highly committed to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 ensuring a visit to the Air Force Academy is a safe and welcoming experience for all guests. Please note that the Academy does not issue handicapped parking passes. Individuals should bring their own state-issued handicapped parking pass with them to access handicapped parking in the Cadet Area, Visitor Center, Planetarium, and Falcon Stadium.

The Academy does not provide wheelchairs or other medical equipment, with exception of wheelchairs which are available for use within the Visitor Center.

Yes we do. We have fillable certificates for both Eagle Scout and Gold Award recipients available that can be filled out and printed for your scout to display.

Public restrooms are available at the Visitor Center, Arnold Hall, Planetarium, Doolittle Hall, and the Cadet Field House.