FORT CARSON COLORADO: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER

Welcome to Fort Carson, “The Best Hometown in the Army!” Fort Carson, Colorado, is known as the Mountain Post and is one of the top requested stateside locations. If you include its Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site, Fort Carson encompasses 373,000 acres and supports approximately 64,750 personnel and family members.

The post is home to the 4th Infantry Division, the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), the 627th Hospital Center, the World Class Athlete Program headquarters, the 1st Space Brigade, and other supporting units. For a full list of units at Fort Carson, visit the post’s website.

Fort Carson’s location is an ideal place to train soldiers. It also offers stunning scenery and unmatched outdoor recreational opportunities.

Continue reading for our in-depth guide on Fort Carson, Colorado so you can get to know your new post and the surrounding community.

1. Where Is Fort Carson?
2. Google Map View
3. Getting There – Fort Carson Directions to the Post
4. Entering Fort Carson and Post Amenities
   • Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
   • Fort Carson Visitor Center
   • Fort Carson DEERS Office
   • Fort Carson Gate Hours
   • Fort Carson Commissary
   • Fort Carson Exchange
   • Fort Carson Barber Shops
   • Fort Carson Post Office
   • Fort Carson Finance Office
   • Fort Carson Legal Office
   • Fort Carson Library
   • Fort Carson Hotels
5. Where Should I Live Near Fort Carson?
6. What Schools are Near Fort Carson?
7. What’s the Weather Like in Fort Carson?
8. Things to Do Near Fort Carson

Where Is Fort Carson?

Fort Carson Visitor Control Center

Building 6012, Nelson Boulevard Fort Carson, CO 80902

Phone:

1 (719) 526-2332 Fort Carson is southwest of Colorado Springs, Colorado, between Interstate 25 and Highway 115. The post is in El Paso County, approximately 60 miles south of Denver, Colorado. El Paso County is also home to Peterson Air Force Base, Schriever Air Force Base, the United States Air Force Academy, and NORAD. Buckley Air Force Base is near Denver.

The post is part of the Pikes Peak region, which encompasses El Paso, Park, and Teller counties.

Fort Carson Map

Fort Carson Directions

Driving Directions to Fort Carson

From Colorado Springs Airport

1. Follow the airport road exit until you arrive at Powers Boulevard; make a left turn.
2. This road will turn into Mesa Ridge Parkway, which will take you directly to Fort Carson’s Gate 20.

From Denver International Airport

1. Follow the airport road exit onto Pena Boulevard until you arrive at Interstate 70; go west to Colorado Springs.
2. Follow I-70 until you arrive at I-225; go south to Colorado Springs.
3. I-225 will take you to I-25; go south to Colorado Springs for approximately 60 miles.
4. Exit at 132B; this will take you directly to Fort Carson’s Gate 20.

From Denver

1. Take I-25 south to Colorado Springs.
2. Exit onto 132B; this will take you directly to Fort Carson’s Gate 20.

From Pueblo

1. Take I-25 north to Colorado Springs.
2. Exit onto 132; make a left over the bridge (west).
3. This will take you directly to Fort Carson’s Gate 20.

Fort Carson Post Shuttle

Fort Carson has a post shuttle with five designated routes that provide transportation throughout the post. This daily shuttle service is free to military members, Department of Defense personnel, and family members. For more information, call shuttle dispatch at 1 (719) 524-RIDE or visit the Fort Carson Post Shuttle’s website.

Public Transit Near Fort Carson

Mountain Metro provides local fixed-route bus service for Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. Visit the Mountain Metro website for route and fare information.

Greyhound Station

Fort Carson’s nearest Greyhound Station is in Colorado Springs at 120 S. Weber St. The station provides service to many popular destinations throughout the United States. Visit the Greyhound website for fare and route information.

Colorado Springs Airport

There are a number of small and regional airports near Fort Carson, but the closest major airport is the Colorado Springs Airport. Colorado Springs Airport is only 10 miles from Fort Carson (a 15- to 20-minute drive without traffic). Visit the Colorado Springs Airport website for more information on airport amenities and transportation services.

Fort Carson Transportation Office

PCS time is never easy on military personnel and families. Get things started off right by contacting the Fort Carson Transportation Office when your next move is coming up.

Fort Carson Transportation Office

6351 Wetzel Ave Bldg. 1025, Room 101 Fort Carson, CO 80913

Phone:

1 (719) 526-3755

Fort Carson Transportation Office Hours

• Monday through Thursday -

  0730-1530

• Friday -

  0900-1530

Entering Fort Carson and Post Amenities

If you do not have a valid military ID, you may have to stop at the visitor control center to gain post access. Click here for more information on the visitor control centers at Fort Carson.

Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel

Sign in at the Replacement Center CQ. Be sure to have a copy of your DA31 as well as your orders. You must be in uniform if you are reporting during duty hours. Civilian clothes during check in are authorized after 1500 and on weekends. However, you must be clean shaven and in accordance with AR 670-1.

For more in-processing and check-in requirements and guidance, visit the Fort Carson website.

Replacement Center CQ

Building 1456 1783 Nelson Blvd. Fort Carson, CO 80913

Phone:

1 (719) 526-6961 or 1 (719) 524-4475

Fort Carson Visitor Center

There are two visitor control centers on Fort Carson. The first center is in Building 6012 on Nelson Boulevard, just east of Colorado Highway 115, immediately outside of Gate 1. It is open from 0500 to 2100 seven days a week. Call 1 (719) 526-2332 for more information. The second center is inside the Gate 3 guardhouse on Chiles Avenue south of Academy Boulevard. This center is open 24/7.

For more information post access and visitor centers, visit the Fort Carson Directorate of Emergency Services website.

Fort Carson Visitor Center

6012, Nelson Blvd Colorado Springs, CO 80902

DEERS Fort Carson

Need a new CAC card, dependent ID, or other assistance with administrative matters? The Fort Carson ID Card Section offers customers the ability to make appointments for services online. Walk-in service is always available, but an appointment may be desirable for those who have time constraints and want service provided as quickly as possible. The appointment system may be used to schedule the issuance and renewal of ID cards as well as DEERS updates.

• For new marriages, the marriage certificate along with a valid state or federal photo ID and Social Security card are required for new spouses.
• Child enrollments require an original or certified copy of the birth certificate or live birth record along with the child’s Social Security card if one has been issued.

Fort Carson DEERS Office

1839 O'Connell Blvd Bldg 1039 Fort Carson, CO 80902

Phone:

1 (719) 524-3704

Fort Carson DEERS Office Hours

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday -

  0730-1130 & 1230-1530 (closes at 2 pm last Friday of the month)

• Wednesday -

  1230-1530 appointment only

Fort Carson Gate Hours

• Gate 1:

  Nelson Boulevard east of Colorado Highway 115, open 24/7.

• Gate 2:

  O’Connell Boulevard east of Colorado Highway 115 (currently closed).

• Gate 3:

  Chiles Avenue south of Academy Boulevard, open 24/7. This is the primary commercial vehicle gate.

• Gate 4:

  Barkley Avenue south of Academy Boulevard, open Monday through Friday 0500 to 2100.

• Gate 5:

  Titus Boulevard east of Colorado Highway 115, open from 0500 to 2100 seven days a week.

• Gate 6:

  Wilderness Road east of Colorado Highway 115, open from 0500 to 1800 Monday through Friday.

• Gate 19:

  Essayons Road west of Charter Oak Ranch Road, open from 0500 to 1800 Monday through Friday.

• Gate 20:

  Magrath Avenue west of Interstate 25, open 24/7.

Fort Carson Commissary

Groceries, food, home supplies, and more. Whatever’s on your shopping list, the Fort Carson Commissary has it at low prices.

Fort Carson Commissary

1551 Prussman Blvd #1800 Fort Carson, CO 80913

Phone:

1 (719) 503-8300

Fort Carson Commissary Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  0900-2000

• Sunday -

  0800-2000

• Saturday -

  0800-1800

Fort Carson Exchange

Bldg 6110 Martinez St. Colorado Springs, CO 80913

Phone:

1 (719) 576-4000/ 4141

Fort Carson Exchange Hours

• Monday through Saturday -

  0900-2000

• Sunday -

  0900-1800 open to ages 65+ only

Fort Carson Barber Shops

Keeping your hair neat and well-groomed is a regular part of military life. And the multiple barber shop locations on Fort Carson mean you’ll never have trouble staying in regs.

Barber Shop Locations & Hours

Mini Mall with Class Six, Bldg. 1510

Phone:

1 (719) 576-8013

Hours:

• Monday through Friday -

  0700-1730

• Saturday -

  0800-1700

• Sunday -

  1000-1600

Fort Carson Post Office

Whatever you have that needs to be mailed, the United States Post Office on Fort Carson can get it where it needs to go.

Fort Carson Post Office

1611 Mcdonald St

Phone:

1 (719) 579-9617

Fort Carson Post Office Hours

:

• Monday through Friday -

  0900-1630

• Saturday -

  0930-1200

Fort Carson Finance Office

Concerns about pay other financial matters can be handled right here on post at the Fort Carson Defense Military Pay Office. They also help with PCS and travel payments.

Fort Carson Finance Office

1676 Evans Ave. Bldg 1220, 1st Floor Fort Carson, CO 80913

Phone:

1 (719) 526-9233

Fort Carson Finance Office Hours

• Monday through Wednesday -

  0800-1500

• Friday -

  0800-1200

• Thursday -

  0800-1500

Fort Carson Legal Office

The Legal Assistance Division of Fort Carson’s JAG office is the perfect resource for members of the military community who need help or advice on any legal matters. From adoption paperwork to estate planning, they’ve got you covered.

Fort Carson Legal Office

1633 Mekong St, Bldg 6222 (Post Courthouse) Fort Carson, CO 80913

Phone:

1 (719) 524-4955 or (719) 526-4788

Fort Carson Legal Office Hours

• Monday through Thursday -

  0900-1600

• Fridays -

  0900- 1500

Fort Carson Library

From its 40,000 books to the computer lab with 33 desktop stations, the Grant Library has all the resources you’d possibly need for research, education, or just finding a good read. Plus, it's a great summer reading program for the kids.

Fort Carson Library

1637 Flint St., Bldg. 1528 Fort Carson, CO 80913

Phone:

1 (719) 526-2350

Hours:

Tuesday through Saturday 0900-1700

Fort Carson Hotels

There are many hotels near Fort Carson, so you’re sure to find one that fits your budget. For a full list of IHG Army Hotels and affiliated resorts in the area, visit the IHG Army Hotels website.

Candlewood Suites

7222 Sheridan Ave. Fort Carson, CO 80913

Phone:

1 (719) 374-9158

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Colorado Springs

1775 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Phone:

1 (719) 576-8900

Holiday Inn Colorado Springs Airport

1855 Aeroplaza Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80916

Phone:

1 (719) 380-8516

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Colorado Springs Airport

1815 Aeroplaza Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80916

Phone:

1 (719) 591-6000

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Colorado Springs Central

105 N. Spruce St. Colorado Springs, CO 80905

Phone:

1 (719) 424-4300

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Colorado Springs First & Main

3431 Cinema Point Colorado Springs, CO 80922

Phone:

1 (719) 596-6000

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Colorado Springs South I-25

4435 Venetucci Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Phone:

1 (719) 576-0605

Hot Tip: Download MyBaseGuide’s Fort Carson Military Relocation Guide for information about hotels near Fort Carson.

Where Should I Live Near Fort Carson?

If you’re considering living on post, check out the available on-post housing options. Otherwise, read on to find out more about living off post.

Cities Near Fort Carson

While many military family members call post housing their home, nearly 60% choose to live in nearby communities. And with picturesque towns both big and small all around the post, you’ll have no trouble finding a place to live that fits your preferences to a tee.

The neighboring communities of Black Forest, Colorado Springs, Fountain, Manitou Springs, Monument, Pueblo, Security and Widefield provide housing, employment, and other services for Fort Carson’s military families.

Best Places to Live Near Fort Carson, Colorado

Colorado Springs

The City of Colorado Springs has a lot to offer its population of more than 478,000. Known as Olympic City, it is home to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Headquarters, more than 20 national Olympic governing bodies, more than 50 national sports organizations, the Colorado Springs Olympic and Paralympic Training Center, and the future U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum.

It is also home to a number of popular parks and recreation areas, including the Garden of the Gods Park, Pikes Peak Mountain, Royal Gorge, the Arkansas River, a zoo, and more. The city borders Fort Carson, so the commute to the post is reasonable. The cost of living is also affordable, so it’s no wonder many military families choose to live in this city.

Fountain

The City of Fountain, located south of the post, has a population of nearly 31,000. This is another popular choice among military families, thanks to its close proximity to post and Colorado Springs. The city offers stunning views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range, as well as parks, trails, a nature center, and a community golf course.

The city offers country living with modern amenities. The median rent is higher here than in Colorado Springs, according to the U.S. Census, but the cost of living is still affordable and comparable to Colorado Springs.

Manitou Springs

Located northwest of Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs is about 20 to 35 minutes from Fort Carson. The city has a population of almost 5,400. The historic city is known for its mineral spring water which Native Americans considered sacred. A walkable downtown offers many unique shops and eateries.

The city is also home to Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, which offers cave tours and other mountain attractions. The cost of living is comparable to Colorado Springs and Fountain.

Hot Tip: Look for Fort Carson homes and apartments for rent or sale, and find BAH, PCS, TLA & ETS military housing information at AHRN.com.

Fort Carson Schools

There are many options for your child’s education near Fort Carson. Colorado is an open enrollment state, which means that students may enroll in schools outside of their zoned districts. The state offers traditional public schools, as well as public charter schools and private schools. For younger children, there are a variety of local daycares and pre-K programs on and off post.

Fort Carson has four elementary schools and one middle school on post. They are not DOD schools; they are part of the Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8.

The Fort Carson School Support Services website has more information on area school districts, home schooling in Colorado, special education resources, and the youth sponsorship program, which matches incoming students with a fellow student who can guide them in their new community. The website also has contact information for the post’s school liaison officers, who can provide information and guidance on area schools as well as educational resources for your children.

Find more local school information at The Best Fort Carson Schools: Daycare – High School (2020 Edition).

Fort Carson, Colorado Weather

You’ll enjoy sunshine, low humidity, and all four seasons at Fort Carson. Fort Carson gets just over 12 inches of rain and about 23 inches of snow annually. In the summer, temperatures can soar to the high 80s, but the low humidity keeps the heat tolerable.

In the winter, the weather is still relatively mild, with highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s. Snow will fall, but it tends to melt quickly.

To find out more in-depth information on the weather in the area, visit Fort Carson Weather: What To Expect When Moving Here.

Things to Do Near Fort Carson

Outdoor Activities

Mountain living at Fort Carson is unmatched and outdoor recreational opportunities abound. Colorado has it all: “mountains majesty,” stunning waterfalls, national forests and parks, even a Garden of the Gods – no really, that’s its name! Fort Carson and the Pikes Peak region offer opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, fishing, boating, rafting, and ziplining.

The area is also home to museums, art galleries, a zoo, great restaurants and breweries, vibrant shopping districts, and much more. Check out our full list of the must-try restaurants in Fort Carson, Colorado.

Things to Do in Fort Carson

On post, there are a multitude of recreational opportunities, including camping, golfing, bowling, and a shooting complex.

Hot Tip: Connect with military-trusted businesses and deals exclusively for Fort Carson at MyBaseGuide.

Great Adventures Awaits You in Fort Carson, Colorado!

Moving to a new post comes with challenges, but Fort Carson, Colorado is a great place to call home. After all, it’s “The Best Hometown in the Army!” Enjoy mountain living, a world-class installation, and access to some of the best outdoor recreational opportunities in the country during your time here.  

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

 

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Updated by:

Allison Kirschbaum