PWTM: Fort Carson, Colorado
Editor’s note: This post was updated in October 2020.
One of the most challenging aspects of military spouse life is preparing for an upcoming PCS, or if you get the chance, potentially picking a new duty station. There is a lot of information out there, and it can be almost overwhelming.
We here at Army Wife Network want to take some of the guesswork out of the need-to-knows about duty stations around the globe. Hence, our Post with the Most series. In this particular blog, we will be showcasing information related to Fort Carson, Colorado.
Home of the 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson is located in the beautiful mountains of Colorado. Very near to Colorado Springs and not far from Denver, the location offers plenty to see and do year-round. The area is great for people who love the outdoors and hiking, skiing, fishing, and camping, but also offers plenty for families, with free outdoor activities and annual events. The installation is named for the famous Army scout General Christopher “Kit” Carson, who explored much of the western United States in the 1800s.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Fort Carson is home to the following units:
- 4th Infantry Division
- 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
- 440th Civil Affairs Battalion
- 4th Engineering Battalion
- 743rd Military Intelligence Battalion
- 759th Military Police Battalion
- Army Field Support Battalion—Carson
- 627th Hospital Center
- 13th Air Support Operations Squadron
- 423rd Transportation Company
Surrounding Cities:
- Fountain (right outside the gate)
- Colorado Springs (9 miles)
- Manitou Springs (14 miles)
- Penrose (29 miles)
- Pueblo (40 miles)
- Castle Rock (40 miles)
- Denver (80 miles)
- Mesa Verde (366 miles)
Closest MAJOR City: Colorado Springs (9 miles)
Names of Area Colleges:
- Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado Springs
- Colorado Academy of Veterinary Technology in Colorado Springs
- Colorado State University-Pueblo Tower in Colorado Springs
- Colorado Technical University in Colorado Springs
- University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
- Altierus Career College in Colorado Springs
- Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs
- IntelliTec College in Colorado Springs
- Colorado State University-Pueblo in Pueblo
Weather: This area offers all four seasons of the year, but those who have lived there claim you can sometimes experience all four seasons in one day.
“There have been snowstorms that close everything one day, then the next day it’s so warm you are shoveling the drive wearing shorts and boots.” — Angela S.
“It might snow in the morning and the sun is shining by noon.” — Jasmine K.
Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone
SPECIFIC POST INFORMATION
To access the post website, click here.
Historical Facts/Landmarks: Established in 1942 in response to the attack on Pearl Harbor, Camp Carson was originally home to the 89th Infantry Division. More than 100,000 American soldiers were trained at the installation. It was the location of more than 9,000 prisoners of war, consisting mostly of Italians and Germans. During the Korean War, the installation was renamed Fort Carson and continued to grow over the coming years. For more on Carson’s history, go here.
HOUSING
On-post housing is managed by Fort Carson Family Homes.
We couldn’t find spouse-approved realty companies in the area, but here are some local realty located in Colorado Springs:
- Pink Realty in Colorado Springs
- Skyline Properties, Inc. in Colorado Springs
- Platinum Group Realtors in Colorado Springs
“If you’re looking for a place to buy or rent a home, look in the neighborhoods of Powers, Cragmoore, Holland Park, East Burrow, and Briargate.” — Leslie J.
SCHOOLS
School Districts:
On-Post Schools
- Elementary: Abrams Elementary (K-5), Patriot Elementary (K-5), Mountainside Elementary (K-5), and Weikel Elementary (K-5)
- Middle: Carson Middle School (6-8)
Off-Post Schools:
- Elementary: Aragon Elementary (K-5), Eagleside Elementary (K-5), Jordahl Elementary (K-5), and Mesa Elementary (K-5)
- Middle: Fountain Middle School (6-8)
- High School: Fountain-Fort Carson High School (9-12)
- Private/Charter: The Colorado Springs School (PreK-12), Fountain Valley School of Colorado (9-12), Evangelical Christian Academy (K-12), St. Paul Catholic School (K-8), Colorado Springs Christian Schools (K-12), Rocky Mountain Montessori Academy (for toddlers to students age 15), Pikes Peak Academy (9-12), Divine Redeemer Catholic School (Preschool-8), St. Mary’s High School (9-12), and Springs Adventist Academy (K-8)
ON-POST SERVICES
- Child and Youth Services
- Army Community Service
- PX
- Commissary
- Grant Library
- Evans Army Community Hospital
- MWR
- Mountain Post Spouses’ Club
- Chaplain & Religious Services/Organizations
OFF-POST INFORMATION
Health Care:
- Hospital: UCHealth Memorial Hospital North in Colorado Springs, UCHealth Grandview Hospital in Colorado Springs, and Penrose St. Francis Health Services in Colorado Springs.
- Urgent Care: UCHealth Urgent Care in Colorado Springs.
- General Practitioners: Families can switch to Tricare Standard to receive care from civilian doctors or remain on Tricare Prime and receive care from Peterson Air Force Base and the Air Force Academy. There are many providers offering a variety of health care services, so go here to find a provider that accepts Tricare Standard.
- Dentist: Find a dentist that is a part of the Tricare Dental Program here.
- OBGYN: Find a Tricare Standard provider here.
Best place for beauty services:
Shopping/malls: Plenty of shopping is available in Colorado Springs, but if you can’t find it there, Denver is only a short drive. Here are a few favorite spots:
- Outlets at Castle Rock in Colorado Springs
- The Citadel Mall in Colorado Springs
- Chapel Hills Mall in Colorado Springs
- The Promenade Shops at Briargate in Colorado Springs
- The 16th Street Mall in Denver
RESTAURANTS
Colorado Springs:
- Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub and Restaurant
- The Rabbit Hole
- Phantom Canyon Brewing Company
- Bird Dog BBQ
- Summit
- Bubba’s 33
- Salsa Brava Fresh Mexican Grill
- The Golden Bee
- Paravicini’s Italian Bistro
- Carlos’ Bistro
- Marigold Cafe and Bakery
- Edelweiss German Restaurant
- Pepper Tree
- Caspian Cafe
MUST DO
Fort Carson:
Peterson Air Force Base:
Colorado Springs:
- Pikes Peak
- Manitou Springs
- Manitou Springs Incline
- Garden of the Gods
- Cave of the Winds
- Seven Falls
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
- The Broadmoor
- North Pole: Home of Santa’s Workshop
- Wild West Ghost Town Museum
- Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site
- The National Museum of World War II Aviation
- Space Foundation Discovery Center
- Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame
- Red Rock Canyon
Golden:
Divide:
Florissant:
Cripple Creek:
- Mollie Catherine Gold Mine Tour
- Visit one of the many casinos in the area
Pueblo:
Canon City:
West Cliff:
Frisco:
- Copper Mountain (Ski location)
Keystone:
- Keystone Resort (Ski location)
- Arapahoe Basin Ski Area (Ski location)
Dillon:
- Loveland Ski Area (Ski location)
Denver:
- Attend a Denver sporting event
- Denver Zoo
- Denver Museum of Nature and Science
- Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park (Seasonal)
- Downtown Aquarium
- Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
- Water World (Seasonal)
- Children’s Museum of Denver
- The Denver Mint
Mesa Verde:
SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS
Army Wife Network does not promote or endorse these groups; however, we know they can be helpful in learning about various duty stations, so they are provided for your convenience.
Installation Facebook Page: U.S. Army Fort Carson
Military Spouse Groups:
- Fort Carson Army Spouses
- Fort Carson Army Wives (additional page)
- Fort Carson Chatter (intended for information)
- Fort Carson Child Free Spouses (for spouses without children)
Buy/Sell/Trade Pages:
- Fort Carson Army Wives Yard Sale
- Fort Carson Yard Sales
- Fort Carson, Colorado Springs No Drama Buy and Sell
- Colorado Spring-Fort Carson Buy, Sell, or Trade
Religious services:
- Protestant Women of the Chapel Fort Carson Fellowship Group
- Fort Carson Catholic Women of the Chapel