The month everybody waits for. The aspens start turning gold — peak color usually hits late September into early October — mornings are crisp, and the first snow at elevation isn't unusual even while it's perfect down in the Springs. Broncos season is underway, school's back in, and the 50th Labor Day Lift Off fills the sky over Memorial Park. Get outdoors before it turns.
Real events, pulled fresh. On-post and off. Verified against Peak Radar, city, and Fort Carson MWR calendars.
Not sponsored. Not Yelp. Where we'd actually send you.
Military discounts change often — always ask at the counter. We only badge a spot when it's confirmed.
Evergreen spots worth your time — parks, trails, and local landmarks.
Free city park with towering red-rock formations and easy trails against a Pikes Peak backdrop. Your first-weekend must-do.
Drive the scenic highway or take the Cog Railway to the 14,115-ft summit. September is prime — aspens along the road, fewer storms — but go early; the first snow at the top isn't unusual.
A grueling 2,744-step climb straight up. A local rite of passage for the fitness-minded. Reserve a time slot.
America's only mountain zoo — feed the giraffes and catch city views. Great for families.
A world-class interactive museum downtown. Active military often get discounted admission — ask.
Two historic districts full of shops, galleries, and restaurants at the foot of the mountains. Great for a stroll.
Tour the stunning campus and the iconic Cadet Chapel. Free and worth the visit.
Waterfalls, canyon trails, and cool shade for a hot afternoon. A local favorite escape.
Todd Baldwin got out of the Army and, one year later, opened Red Leg on the Fourth of July, 2013 — with the stated goal of making the craft beer of the military. It's now a veteran-owned and operated production brewery and taproom on Garden of the Gods Road, and the Gazette profiled his success story this spring.
Why it's on this page: it's the easiest first "we live here now" night out in the Springs — a taproom that fills with people who get what you do, open seven days, and a name (Red Leg is old artillery slang) that tells you who it was built for. Pair it with the city's other veteran-owned spots — Sarge's Grill, Gunslinger — and you'll feel at home fast.
2323 Garden of the Gods Rd, Colorado Springs · redlegbrewing.com · (719) 598-3776
Peak color for the Pikes Peak region is forecast for Sep 23 through Oct 3, and the high aspens turn first. Plan the drive now: start early, top off the tank, bring layers for everybody, and check CDOT (cotrip.org) before any pass — the first snow at elevation isn't unusual in September even when it's 75 in the Springs. Cell service disappears fast up there, so download maps before you leave. If you PCS'd this summer, this is also the month to lock in school and commute routines before the weather turns. Confirm gate hours and training schedules on the Fort Carson garrison site.