U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The U.S. Air Force Academy has updated its installation access procedures. The adjustments reinstate the Trusted Traveler Program at the Academy, establish a new 30-day general access pre-registration link for non-DoW affiliated guests, and reopen the New Santa Fe Regional Trail to recreational users.

This update balances the security of Academy personnel with our unique mission as a premier academic and public-facing institution.

Key updates:

• Reinstatement of the Trusted Traveler Program: The Trusted Traveler Program has officially resumed at the Academy.
  • Eligible sponsors—including active-duty service members, retirees, and cadets—may sponsor up to five individuals who possess a Real ID and are legally seated in the same vehicle as the sponsor.
  • Sponsors utilizing Trusted Traveler must remain physically present with their guests at all times while on the installation.
• New 30-Day General Access Pre-Registration Link for Recreational Visitors: Non-military affiliated visitors requesting access to the Academy for recreational activities (such as hiking, biking, or fishing) can now utilize a pre-registration link to receive a 30-day general access pass.
  • Visitors can register online in advance via the USAFA website or in person at the Pass and Registration Office (PRO), located at the South Gate. The PRO hours of operation for regular services are weekdays (Monday-Friday) from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Guests may have only one active general access registration at a time; submitting a new registration automatically voids any previous pass. Visitors should only submit once to avoid processing delays.
• Access Limitations: The pre-registration link grants access strictly to designated public and recreational zones. It does not permit access to restricted areas (including the Cadet Area) or gates/facilities requiring common access card readers.
• Reopening of the Santa Fe Regional Trail: The section of the New Santa Fe Trail crossing Academy property is reopened for public recreation on foot and via bicycle. Trail users are reminded that they must remain on the designated trail corridor at all times; trespassing into adjoining Academy property remains strictly prohibited.

Please visit www.usafa.edu/visitors/ or contact the PRO at (719) 333-0441 for more updated base access procedures and guidance.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Representatives from the Air Force Academy and the City of Colorado Springs accepted a 2026 Department of the Air Force Community Partnerships Award for their Monument Creek Watershed and Habitat Restoration Services Intergovernmental Support Agreement (IGSA), Oct. 26 during a ceremony in Tampa, Fla.

"What a great day for the Air Force Academy and our partnership with Colorado Springs," said Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Paul D. Moga. "The receipt of the Community Partnership Award highlights our shared commitment to mitigating critical encroachment risks while restoring vital wetlands and habitats. Together, we are protecting military readiness, safeguarding vital infrastructure, and conserving our natural landscape. This achievement is another outstanding example of the enduring partnership between the Academy and Colorado Springs."

The award recognizes the Academy and the City of Colorado Springs Stormwater Enterprise for their collaboration in the Achieving Cost Benefits and Developing Innovative Approaches category. The agreement protects a federally threatened species’ habitat, while preserving access to essential training lands.

“Colorado Springs is proud of our longstanding partnership with the U.S. Air Force Academy, and this national recognition is a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together,” said Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade. “Through this innovative agreement, we are protecting critical waterways and wildlife habitat, supporting military readiness, and making responsible use of taxpayer dollars. I want to thank our City Stormwater Enterprise team and our partners at the Air Force Academy for demonstrating how collaboration can deliver meaningful results for our community and our nation. That spirit of partnership is part of the Colorado Springs Advantage; working across organizations and sectors to accomplish more together than any of us could alone.” 

The agreement allows the Academy to achieve a 28.5 percent cost savings and reduces administrative and overhead expenses. The partnership also supports the restoration of critical waterways across Academy grounds.

The working relationship began in 2020 with a formal memorandum of understanding and expanded into a series of IGSAs. This record of regional cooperation was instrumental in establishing the Pikes Peak Sentinel Landscape designation, highlighting the broader significance of regional partnerships in supporting military readiness and environmental conservation.