U.S. Army Spc. operating Avenger missile system during Vigilant Shield 2012 exercise at Naval Air Station Key West

North American Aerospace Defense Command

Colorado Springs, United States Of America

NORAD Colorado Springs Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, stands as a pillar of North American continental defense and a symbol of U.S.-Canadian military partnership since its establishment in 1958. Conceived during the Cold War to counter the threat of Soviet missiles and bombers, NORAD’s command structure and technological capabilities have evolved to address contemporary challenges, including space monitoring and cyber threats. The iconic Cheyenne Mountain Complex—an engineering marvel carved beneath solid granite—remains a testament to Cold War innovation and preparedness, designed to withstand nuclear attacks and maintain operations under extreme conditions. While NORAD’s facilities are closed to the public, Colorado Springs offers numerous historical sites, museums, and state parks that allow visitors to explore the region’s aerospace defense legacy. This guide provides essential information about NORAD’s history, nearby attractions, ticketing options, travel tips, and how to experience NORAD’s enduring significance virtually and on the ground. (History Colorado, VisitCOS, Hirsch Secure)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Tim Hood supporting radar systems at Avenger missile site during Vigilant Shield 12 at Naval Air Station Key West

US Air Force Major conducting preflight check on F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft during exercise Vigilant Shield 12 at Naval Air Station Key West

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jam Baro preparing F-16 Fighting Falcon for mission during Vigilant Shield 2012 at Naval Air Station Key West

U.S. Army Sgt. William White carrying hose to fill water supply tank during Ardent Sentry 2013 exercise

Students visiting CMAFS science laboratory learning about food safety and science

People visiting the College of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences during an event

Group of people visiting CMAFS building on August 31, 2016

10th Air Force Civilian Leader group photo outdoors

10th Air Force Civilian Leader tour group photo outdoors with military personnel and civilian leaders

10th Air Force Civilian Leader tour group photo with members standing and smiling outdoors

10th Air Force Civilian Leader group photo with members standing outdoors in front of aircraft

10th Air Force Civilian Leader tour group photo with personnel standing outdoors

1959 NORAD radar surveillance sectors map with English descriptions

NORAD/CONAD Combined Operations Center war room at Chidlaw Building Colorado Springs 1964

Map of Alaska NORAD Region showing boundaries and key areas

Official government Seads proposal cover for Amalgam Virgo 01 dated June 1-2, 2001

Ballistic Missile Early Warning System radar at Thule Air Base Greenland

Gen. Gene Renuart, Lt.-Gen. Rick Findley, and Lt.-Gen. Charlie Bouchard signing appointment orders for NORAD deputy commander at Peterson Air Force Base 2007

Canadian NORAD Region Emblem with maple leaf and shield design

Canadian Chief of Defence Staff General Walter Natynczyk addressing personnel at NORAD headquarters

Entrance to 22 Wing at CFB North Bay in Ontario Canada during summer 2005

Tunnel reinforcement and piping system inside Cheyenne Mountain

Tunnel entrance with pipes in Cheyenne Mountain Complex

Entrance to Cheyenne Mountain NORAD facility in 1968

Cheyenne Mountain Tunnels entrance with mountainous landscape

Cutaway mock-up of Cheyenne Mountain showing underground military installations

Historical photo of Cheyenne Mountain tunnel construction in April 1962 with construction equipment and workers

Christopher J. Coates in North American Aerospace Defense Command uniform

Map showing Continental defense warning systems of North America and Continental Air Defense Command areas of responsibility

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta walking with Commander of NORAD and U.S. Northern Command Adm. James Winnefeld Jr. at Peterson Air Force Base in 2011

E-3 Sentry airborne early-warning aircraft flying over the high Arctic

Map of Ellsworth Air Force Base Delta Flight 10 mile radius around Exit 127 Interstate 90 Interior Jackson County South Dakota

Emblem of the Los Angeles Air Defense Sector

Emblem of the New York Air Defense Center featuring a shield with a yellow eagle and blue background

Official portrait of Lieutenant-General Eric A. Rick Findley in military uniform

General Lori J. Robinson in military uniform as commander of NORTHCOM and NORAD

General Lori J. Robinson as commander of NORTHCOM and NORAD

Origins of NORAD: A Bi-National Defense Initiative
The Cold War Context and the Need for Cheyenne Mountain
Engineering Marvel: Building Inside the Mountain
NORAD’s Mission and Operations
Evolution Through the Decades
Visiting the Cheyenne Mountain Complex: Visitor Information
Accessibility and Nearby Attractions
Travel Tips
Virtual Tours and Media
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visual Gallery
Related Articles
Stay Connected

Origins of NORAD: A Bi-National Defense Initiative

NORAD was established in 1958 as a joint U.S.-Canadian response to mounting Cold War threats. The unprecedented bi-national command structure was created to provide coordinated aerospace warning and defense across North America, reflecting the reality that airborne threats would not recognize national borders. Colorado Springs was chosen as headquarters due to its central, inland location and robust military infrastructure, offering maximum warning and defense capability. (History Colorado)

The Cold War Context and the Need for Cheyenne Mountain

The rapid development of offensive missile technology in the late 1950s and early 1960s made a surprise nuclear attack a real concern. NORAD’s radar and early warning networks required a command center that could survive direct nuclear strikes. Construction of the Cheyenne Mountain Complex began in 1961 and finished in 1966, costing $150 million (about $1.5 billion in 2023 dollars). Its purpose: create the world’s most secure and resilient command facility, able to withstand nuclear, electromagnetic, and biological attacks. (EnvZone)

Engineering Marvel: Building Inside the Mountain

The Cheyenne Mountain Complex sits 2,000 feet beneath solid granite and encompasses 15 buildings, each mounted on giant shock-absorbing springs to absorb nuclear and seismic shockwaves. The underground space covers 4.5 acres, with ceilings 60 feet high. Noteworthy features include:

Blast Doors: 23-ton, 3-foot-thick steel doors seal the entrance in under a minute, protecting the facility from external threats. (SlashGear)
Self-Sufficiency: Onsite water reservoir, power plant, climate control, and food stores allow for extended autonomous operation. (History Colorado)
Redundancy: All vital systems are duplicated for maximum operational resilience. (Complex Magazines)

NORAD’s Mission and Operations

NORAD’s mission is to detect, validate, and warn of aerospace threats to North America. During the Cold War, this involved round-the-clock monitoring for Soviet incursions and coordinating interception responses. Today, responsibilities include:

Aerospace Warning: Detection and tracking of aircraft, missiles, and space objects
Aerospace Control: Directing defensive fighter intercepts
Maritime Warning: Monitoring seaborne threats (Complex Magazines)

The command center processes radar and satellite data from across the continent, ensuring rapid defensive coordination. (EnvZone)

Evolution Through the Decades

While the risk of Soviet attack has lessened, NORAD and Cheyenne Mountain have continually adapted. Emphasis has shifted to countering cyber warfare, advanced missile systems, and space-based threats. The primary operations center moved to Peterson Space Force Base in 2008, but Cheyenne Mountain remains an alternate command center, ready to be fully activated during crises. NORAD’s ongoing relevance was demonstrated in 2023, when NORAD-directed fighters intercepted a foreign surveillance balloon over U.S. airspace. (SlashGear, EnvZone)

Visiting the Cheyenne Mountain Complex: Visitor Information

The Cheyenne Mountain Complex is a secure, active military installation and is not open to the public. There are no tours, public visiting hours, or ticket sales for entry. This policy, in place since 2001, ensures the facility’s security. Only individuals with official business or special clearance may access the site. (Denver7, Uncover Colorado)

Accessibility and Nearby Attractions

While the NORAD complex itself is closed, the Colorado Springs area offers several related attractions for military and history enthusiasts:

Cheyenne Mountain State Park: Open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; features hiking, wildlife viewing, and interpretive signage. Park entrance tickets are required. (VisitCOS)
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Open daily, with hours varying seasonally; online or at-gate ticket purchases available. (VisitCOS)
Peterson Air & Space Museum: Free admission, open weekdays; exhibits cover NORAD and aerospace defense history. (petemuseum.org)
National Museum of World War II Aviation: Open Wednesday through Sunday; tickets available online or at the door. (worldwariiaviation.org)
U.S. Air Force Academy: Public visitor center, Cadet Chapel, and scenic grounds.

The Cheyenne Mountain tunnel entrance and blast doors remain off-limits and are not visible from public roads. Approaching restricted areas or attempting to photograph the facility is strictly prohibited. (Denver7)

Travel Tips

No Public Tours: Do not expect access to the NORAD complex; plan your visit around nearby attractions.
Photography Restrictions: Do not attempt to photograph restricted areas; observe all posted security signs.
Prepare for Altitude: Colorado Springs sits over 6,000 feet above sea level—dress in layers, stay hydrated, and use sun protection.
Check Schedules: Confirm hours and ticket requirements for museums and parks before visiting.
Visitor Information: The Colorado Springs Visitor Information Center offers maps, brochures, and personalized recommendations. (VisitCOS)

Virtual Tours and Media

While you cannot tour the Cheyenne Mountain Complex in person, several documentaries, official videos, and virtual resources provide a detailed look at NORAD’s history and engineering. Explore interactive maps, virtual exhibits, and online galleries via museum and military websites.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit NORAD or the Cheyenne Mountain Complex?
A: No. These facilities are not open to the public, and there are no tours or visiting hours available.

Q: Are there nearby attractions where I can learn about NORAD?
A: Yes. Visit Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Peterson Air & Space Museum, and the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum for related exhibits.

Q: Is photography allowed near the NORAD complex?
A: No. The facility is not visible from public roads, and photography near restricted areas is prohibited.

Q: What are the visiting hours and ticketing options for nearby attractions?
A: Cheyenne Mountain State Park: 5 a.m.–10 p.m., day-use tickets required; Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and local museums have their own schedules and ticketing—verify details before your visit.

Q: Are there virtual tours or media about Cheyenne Mountain?
A: Yes. Official websites and museums offer virtual tours, videos, and educational resources on NORAD’s history.

Visual Gallery

(Insert high-quality images such as “Cheyenne Mountain Complex blast doors,” “Peterson Air & Space Museum NORAD exhibit,” and “Scenic view from Cheyenne Mountain State Park.”)

Stay Connected

For updates on NORAD, military history, and Colorado Springs attractions, download the Audiala app. Follow our social channels for exclusive content, virtual tours, and event news.

Summary and Final Tips

Although the Cheyenne Mountain NORAD complex is closed to the public, Colorado Springs offers a wealth of attractions that celebrate the region’s military heritage and natural beauty. Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Peterson Air & Space Museum, and the U.S. Air Force Academy provide opportunities to learn about NORAD’s legacy. Plan ahead by checking ticketing and hours, and respect all security protocols. For digital explorations, utilize virtual tours and online resources. Stay informed with official NORAD and local tourism channels for the latest updates and virtual experiences. Experience the sentinel of North American aerospace defense—its story, impact, and ongoing relevance.

(Denver7, Smithsonian Magazine, norad.mil)