Colorado Springs is located in South-Central Colorado, in the southern portion of the state. The city stands over one mile above sea level, though some areas of the city are significantly higher. Colorado Springs is situated near the base of one of the most famous American mountains, Pikes Peak, at the eastern edge of the Southern Rocky Mountains. Colorado Springs is the second most populous city in the state of Colorado and the 41st most populous city in the United States.

Colorado Springs is home to both Army and Air Force bases. All these military installations border the city, to the north, south and east, excluding Schriever Air Force Base, which is located east of the city in El Paso County.