Recreation and Leisure Services
Turkey Creek Ranch
Enjoy historic Turkey Creek Ranch, established in 1874, with beautiful meadows, a scenic setting, alive with various types of wildlife, located just 10 miles south of the Main Gate on Highway 115. Bring the family for a fun-filled day or weekend getaway. Host a family reunion, office party or unit organizational day in one of the covered pavilion picnic sites. Enjoy the great outdoors, camp in one of the primitive sites or bring your recreational vehicle and camp in comfort. Services are offered April 1 through Oct. 31. For more information, call (719) 526-3905.
Turkey Creek Recreation Area
Turkey Creek Ranch is used by the Fort Carson Color Guard and Fort Carson Wildlife and Range Control officials. Turkey Creek Recreation Area offers the ranch, experienced staff, and recreational amenities. Combined with the natural beauty and multitude of activities offered, Turkey Creek rivals any other location for your special event. For Turkey Creek Recreation Area call (719) 524-0874.
Outdoor Recreation Complex
The Fort Carson Outdoor Recreation Complex, in Building 2429 on the corner of Specker and Wetzel avenues, houses the Equipment Checkout Center; the Information, Tickets and Registration Center; the Adventure Programs and Education team, the Mountain Post Outfitters retail store, two classrooms and a 28-foot tall and 43-foot wide indoor climbing wall. Across the street from the complex are the Alpine Tower challenge course and an archery range. The complex also manages the recreational vehicle storage lots around The Mountain Post. The Equipment Checkout Center has a wide variety of recreation equipment available for reasonable usage fees, everything from skis and snowboards to campers and boats. If it can be used outdoors, odds are the Equipment Resource Center has it. Equipment rental is available at daily, weekend and weekly rates. People with their own winter equipment that may need tuning up can use the services of the fully equipped maintenance shop that can handle all ski and snowboard tuning needs. For more information on the Equipment Checkout Center and RV Storage Lot, call (719) 526-1993. Contact the Information, Tickets and Registration Center at (719) 526-5366. APE The Adventure Program and Education team offers a variety of programs designed for all members of the Fort Carson community. Programs are designed for everyone, from beginners to experts. Monthly calendars and the Fort Carson NOW magazine detail specific offerings available at the facility or visit http://www.mwrfortcarson.com. Activities and programs offered by APE range from whitewater rafting to skiing and snowboarding to ice climbing and cross country skiing to snowshoeing. Winter and summer youth adventure camps (for ages 11 to 16) are also available. Customized trips can also be arranged for units or groups. For more information, call (719) 526-53907.
Mountain Post Outfitters
Mountain Post Outfitters offers a vast selection of items to support outdoor pursuits from rifles to carabineers, night crawlers to ski apparel. The store also stocks high-quality items, sold tax-free at competitive prices, as well as firearms, ammunition and monthly Hunter's Education classes. Stop by the Outdoor Recreation Complex to see firsthand all the ways the Outdoor Recreation team can help people enjoy The Mountain Post and its surrounding areas. Open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday and federal holidays. For more information, call (719) 526-9723.
Skiing
There's a story going around that everyone in Colorado skis. It's not true, but even most non-skiers love weekends at one of the state's internationally known resorts. Best of all, most of the ski areas are within a reasonable drive from Colorado Springs. With the large number of ski areas to choose from, people are sure to find one that suits people's skills and budgets. Don't forget to check with the Fort Carson Information, Tickets & Registration Office for discount coupons and specific information.
Ironhorse Memorial Park
Iron Horse Park, on Sheridan Avenue, is a multi-purpose outdoor community recreation area. The park includes several playgrounds, picnic areas, grills, softball fields, basketball courts and a fitness trail. A 1.2-mile, multi-use trail for mountain bikers, hikers, runners and dog walkers is centered in the park. Iron Horse Park is the perfect place to have fun as a family or unit. An amphitheater is also available for various uses. Reservations to use park facilities may be made by calling (719) 526-5366.
Fitness Centers and Swimming Pools
Fort Carson has two swimming pools, 16 softball fields, three running tracks and four physical fitness centers. Exercise and weightlifting equipment, racquetball and basketball courts, saunas and hot tubs may be found in the fitness centers. These facilities provide an environment for personnel to pursue their personal fitness goals. For more information including operating hours call: Forrest Fitness Center, Building 1843 .................................(719) 526-2706 Garcia Physical Fitness Center, Building 1856 ...................(719) 526-3944 McKibben Physical Fitness Center, Building 1160 .............(719) 526-2597 Waller Physical Fitness Center, Building 2357 ....................(719) 526-2742 Indoor swimming pool, Building 1446 .................................(719) 526-3107 Outdoor swimming pool, Building 1231 ..............................(719) 526-4456
Sports
Intramural sports programs are available post wide in a number of different sports including flag football, soccer, volleyball, basketball and softball. Information can be obtained at any physical fitness center or by calling (719) 238-4122.
Golf
Cheyenne Shadows Golf Course
Titus Boulevard (719) 526-4122 Open all year Set in the shadow of Cheyenne Mountain, Fort Carson's golf course is a breathtaking 18-hole championship course. Private and group lessons are available at the driving range/ learning center. Cheyenne Shadows Golf Course offers a state-of-the-art clubhouse/pro shop that is able to fit all golfing needs and can special order items. Cheyenne Shadows also offers Coyote Run Junior Golf Course for those upcoming golf stars. Cheyenne Shadows Golf Course is also home to a state-of-the-art onboard global positioning system that gives its customers course-specific golf tips, distance to hole, pin placement and much more. Additionally, handicap-accessible golf carts are available for anyone with limited mobility. Cheyenne Shadows Golf Course is open to the public and accepts tee times on weekends and holidays. Mulligans serves beverages and a limited menu.
Bowling Center
Thunder Alley Building 1511 on Chiles Avenue (719) 526-5542 Open Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday, 1 to 9 p.m. This 36-lane center is open six days a week with dollar games on Wednesdays from 5 to 11 p.m. There is colorpin bowling with cash prizes on Saturday starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday from 6 to 11 p.m. is '50s Night with 50-cent games and 50-cent hot dogs. The bowling center also offers bumper bowling for children and birthday parties with a prior reservation. Black lights and music make Fort Carson's Thunder Alley the place to be every Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. The Strike Zone offers fresh-made sandwiches and fries.
Auto Craft Center
The Auto Craft Center Building 2427 on Wetzel Avenue (719) 526-2147 Open Wednesday through Friday, noon to 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed Monday, Tuesday and holidays. Whether you need to rebuild an engine, change tires, change your oil, work on a motorcycle or touch up your car with a bit of bodywork and paint, the center mechanics can do it with 33 work bays, competitive rates and a certified instructor on hand for assistance. Full lines of automotive necessities (oil, filters, spark plugs, antifreeze, brake fluid and more) are at their fingertips. The Auto Craft Center also has a full-service auto painting facility. Automotive finishes are available in every color, alternate color matches for your precise finish, complete color formula-programmed equipment and a computer database for domestic and imported makes await customers.
Library
Grant Library Building 1528 on Flint Street next to the 4th Inf. Div. headquarters (719) 526-2350 Open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This full-service library is open seven days a week so patrons have plenty of time to check out a full book selection, a varied selection of DVDs, CDs, audio books and educational as well as children's videos. Popular magazines and newspapers are also available, including a complete archive of the Fort Carson Mountaineer from 1942 to present. A separate children's room has books, magazines and computers loaded with games and stories. Other activities include: • Read-To-Me/Storytime for toddlers and preschoolers every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., September through May. • Storytime for older preschoolers every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., September through May. • Internet and Microsoft Office software-loaded computers and free WiFi. • Free programs and resources daily. Other programs offered monthly.
Special Events and Programs
From time to time, Fort Carson plays host to special concerts and other events, such as the Army Soldier Show, Girls' Night Out, 4th of July celebration, EGGsperience and holiday programs. For more information on community events and programs, see the DFMWR page in The Mountaineer or call (719) 526-4494 or 526-1867.
Catering and Conference Center
The Elkhorn Catering and Conference Center Building 7300, on Woodfill Road behind the Colorado Inn (719) 576-6646 This 24,000-square-foot facility provides full service catering and meeting services for events up to 400 people. The Elkhorn is used for a multitude of events: wedding receptions, changes of command, meetings and conferences, reunions, holiday parties and more. It provides a variety of complimentary amenities for meetings and conferences to include premium coffee, ice water, linens, set-up, clean up, fax and copier use, and audio-visual equipment (LCD projectors, large-screen televisions, video recorders, sound system capabilities, microphone and podium). Catered events are done with a creative touch by our award-winning team of hospitality professionals. The Ivy Patch, in the Elkhorn, serves lunches with daily specials, a salad bar and specialty sandwiches. The Elkhorn Catering and Conference Center is dedicated to exceeding guest expectations. Its dedicated personnel create buffet displays and action stations sure to amaze the host as well as the party attendees. Some of the specialty theme events include a country barbeque, Hawaiian luau, family carnival night and Santa at the Elkhorn.
The Hub: The Fox Hole, BOSS and Warrior Family Community Partnership
Opened as Alternate Escapes in 2007, The Foxhole boasts 30 TVs, several large screens, an extensive selection of top video games and several pool tables and a bar. Call (719) 526-5347.
BOSS
The Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program meets with unit representatives at 10 a.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month at The Hub. Recreational programs, trips and volunteer opportunities for single Soldiers are available. Call (719) 524-2677.
Warrior Family Community Partnership
The partnership integrates existing systems of support and services to assure an optimal quality of life for Fort Carson Soldiers and their Families while fulfilling their mission to the nation. The WFCP concept also serves the Greater Front Range Community as a forum and space for individuals and groups wishing to support Soldiers and Families with services, gifts and volunteer activities. The WFCP community council meets quarterly to update and give/ receive feedback on the program, and socialize with key local civilian and military leadership.
