Visitation Hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset Both cemeteries are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Official page of Pikes Peak & Fort Lyon National Cemeteries
Honoring eligible Veterans and family members with dignified final resting places and lasting tributes that commemorate their service and sacrifice. Pikes Peak National Cemetery is a 374-acre Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemetery located in southeast Colorado Springs. Dedicated in 2018, it will serve more than 95,000 Veter
ans, their spouses, and eligible family members for the next century. The cemetery’s initial phase of approximately 65 acres includes over 13,000 gravesites, a flag assembly area, memorial walkway, committal shelters, and a public information center. Currently, we accept casketed and cremated remains for in-ground and cremated remains for both in-ground and above-ground burials (columbarium). In addition, Pikes Peak National Cemetery maintains a green burial section (Sec 18) to have a natural appearance and uses native grasses and plants to differentiate it from other sections in the cemetery. We accept both intact and cremated remains for interment in the green burial sections that are prepared for burial in a manner that does not involve chemicals or embalming fluids; and that the remains are buried in a biodegradable casket, shroud or urn, or are otherwise interred in a natural manner. Pikes Peak National Cemetery also administers Fort Lyon National Cemetery in Bent County, near Las Animas, Colorado. Established in 1907 on the grounds of the former Fort Lyon, this historic 52-acre site is the final resting place for generations of Veterans and continues a legacy of service dating back to the early 20th century. FLORAL POLICY
Pikes Peak National Cemetery welcomes and encourages fresh-cut flowers throughout the year and provides flower vases for gravesite display. Visitors may pick up these free-to-use containers from receptacles placed throughout the grounds. Once the blooms are spent or damaged by weather or wildlife, they are removed. They also may be removed for routine mowing or other maintenance every Wednesday during the growing season. Artificial flowers are ONLY allowed after the end of mowing operations in the fall on November 30th and must be removed when mowing resumes in the spring on March 15th. EXCEPTIONS: On Easter and Memorial Day, potted plants and artificial flowers may be placed on gravesites from the Thursday before the holiday until the following Wednesday. During the HOLIDAY season, from Thanksgiving through January 15th, wreaths less than 18 inches in diameter and gravesite blankets not be larger in size than 2 x 3 feet may be placed on gravesites. To maintain the dignity of the cemetery, commemorative items, balloons, pinwheels, glass items, votive lights, food, alcoholic products, statues, shepherd's hooks, stuffed animals, toys, weapons, ammunition, offensive items or those deemed contrary to honoring Veterans, permanent plantings and items taller than the marble headstones among other items, are not permitted and will be removed immediately. No item or object may be attached to a headstone or marker in a national cemetery. Flowers may be placed directly on the ground or in a temporary flower container in front of the Columbarium. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES: To preserve the dignity and serenity of the National Cemeteries please observe our regulations and refrain from the following activities:
• Any form of sports or recreational activities, to include (but not limited to) jogging, bicycling, skating, picnicking, or fishing
• Public gatherings of a political nature
• Littering of the grounds
• Cutting, breaking, or injuring trees, shrubs, grass, or other plantings
• Boisterous activity
• Pets on the property, with the exception of identified service animals, which must be on a leash.
• Entering the cemetery during the hours of darkness
06/18/2026
PROJECT RESUMPTION!!! TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE AFFECTING ACCESS TO PIKES PEAK NATIONAL CEMETERY
Beginning Monday, JUNE 22, Drennan Road will be closed east of Marksheffel Road to Horizonview Drive for construction. The closure is expected to last approximately two weeks.
During this time, access to Pikes Peak National Cemetery will be available using the designated detour route. Please plan accordingly for increase in travel time.
Detour Directions To the Cemetery:
• From Marksheffel Road, travel east on Bradley Road (the parallel road south of Drennan Rd).
• Continue on Bradley Road to Horizonview Drive.
• Turn left (north) onto Horizonview Drive. (CSFD Station 25 on corner)
• Continue north and then turn right (east) onto Drennan Road to reach the Pikes Peak National Cemetery entrance.
We appreciate your patience and understanding and planning accordingly. Your cooperation helps ensure timely and reliable access for all families, visitors, and funeral services.
06/17/2026
Even on our busy weekly grounds keeping and maintenance day, our caretakers responsibilities don’t stop at the turf. Today in our current traditional in-ground cremated remains section, the detailed work required to meet National Cemetery Administration standards continues, including preparing and setting new headstones within just a few days of their arrival.
Every marker is set with the same precision, reverence, and care that guide all operations at Pikes Peak National Cemetery. Before a headstone is ever lowered into place, our team verifies inscriptions, checks alignment, and confirms the exact location with measurements are taken from fixed reference points so that each marker joins the uniform lines that honor equality in service and sacrifice.
Whether a Veteran served in war or peace, whether they were officer or enlisted, each marker stands at the same height and distance; a quiet reminder that all who rest here stood together in service to our nation.
06/17/2026
It's Wednesday and our caretakers are out completing weekly mowing and maintenance to ensure Pikes Peak National Cemetery remains a beautiful and dignified resting place for our nation’s heroes.
As a reminder to visitors, floral pickup occurs every Wednesday morning in accordance with our floral policies to allow for routine mowing or other maintenance.
If you plan to place fresh flowers, we encourage you to keep our Wednesday maintenance schedule in mind. Your understanding and cooperation help us maintain these sacred grounds with the care and respect our Veterans and their families deserve.
06/14/2026
The US Army finds its roots in the Continental Army, which was formed today (June 14) in 1775 to fight against the British for independence during the American Revolutionary War. Following the war, the Congress of the Confederation created the United States Army on June 3, 1784 to replace the disbanded Continental Army, ensuring our new nation would maintain a standing military force to protect its people and its future. These two historic dates together mark the foundation and evolution of the Army we know today, built on service, sacrifice, and a commitment to defend our nation.
As we recognize these important milestones, we also celebrate Flag Day on June 14, a day honoring the adoption of our nation’s flag in 1777. Together, these anniversaries remind us of the enduring symbols and institutions that have shaped the United States from its earliest days.
06/14/2026
Today we observe Flag Day, commemorating June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress passed the Flag Act and officially adopted the flag of the United States.
During the early years of the American Revolution, the young nation needed a unifying symbol, one that could represent the struggle for independence and the identity of the emerging United States. The resolution adopted that day declared that the flag would consist of 13 stripes and 13 stars, representing the original colonies standing together in their pursuit of freedom.
Over time, as the nation grew, the flag evolved, adding stars for each new state, yet its core meaning endured. It has flown over battlefields, accompanied explorers, inspired movements for equality, and served as a steadfast emblem of the principles on which the country was founded.
On Flag Day, we honor not only the adoption of our national flag, but also the generations of Americans who have rallied under it, defended it, and upheld the ideals it represents.
# Freedom250
06/12/2026
On this day in 1948, the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act was signed into law, finally granting women the right to serve as permanent, regular members of the United States Armed Forces. It marked a turning point in military history and opened the door for generations of women to serve our nation with pride, skill, courage, and dedication.
Today we recognize and celebrate the millions of women who have served our country, even prior to the act. To all women veterans: thank you for your leadership, your resilience, and your service to our country.
06/10/2026
Today, we are participating in the El Paso County’s first Veterans Expo, connecting with Veterans, family members, caregivers, and community partners dedicated to serving those who have served our nation. Consider coming by today between 9am to 5pm.
We are excited to be here to share information about VA burial benefits, eligibility, memorial services, and the mission of the National Cemetery Administration.
06/09/2026
A national shrine is more than monuments and markers, it is also the carefully maintained landscape that surrounds them.
The past several days, our caretakers have been preparing the soil and laying new sod in developing interment areas and replacing sod in locations where turf has been damaged by weather, maintenance activities, or the natural wear that comes with serving thousands of visitors and honoring Veterans throughout the year.
These efforts help preserve the appearance, dignity, and accessibility of the cemetery while ensuring every gravesite remains part of a beautiful and well-maintained resting place worthy of the men and women who served our nation.
We appreciate your patience as this work is completed and thank our dedicated caretakers for their continued commitment to maintaining these grounds to the highest national shrine standards.
06/06/2026
Today marks the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944.
More than 156,000 Allied troops crossed the English Channel and stormed the beaches of Normandy in the largest amphibious invasion in history. Facing intense enemy fire, treacherous obstacles, and uncertain odds, they advanced in defense of freedom and helped change the course of World War II.
Today, we remember and honor all those who served in the Normandy campaign, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Many are laid to rest at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, while countless others rest in national cemeteries across our nation.
06/04/2026
The Gravesite Locator kiosk at Pikes Peak National Cemetery has been upgraded so every family can find, navigate to, and honor their Veteran.
Located in our Public Information Center, the kiosk helps visitors quickly locate loved ones’ resting places and navigate the cemetery with ease.
New and enhanced features include:
• Gravesite searches by name
• Printable maps with gravesite locations OR a quick scan from your phone with instant directions
• Daily interment schedules
• Floral policy information
And if the kiosk is unavailable or you prefer to use your phone, simply scan the onsite QR code to access the Gravesite Locator directly from your mobile device. Or use this link: https://www.cem.va.gov/nationwide-gravesite-locator/
This is more than a technology upgrade. It is part of an ongoing commitment to make the visitor experience more intuitive, accessible, and supportive during moments that matter deeply.