What Town Is Built Into a Mountain in Colorado? The Story of NORAD
When people ask, “What town is built into a mountain in Colorado?” they might not be looking for a traditional town at all. Instead, one of the most famous underground facilities in the world—NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command)—is built directly inside Cheyenne Mountain near Colorado Springs. While it’s not a town in the traditional sense, this military installation is an engineering marvel, housing a high-security command center deep within the Rocky Mountains.
What Is NORAD?
NORAD is a bi-national military organization between the United States and Canada, responsible for monitoring and defending North American airspace. Originally built during the Cold War, the facility inside Cheyenne Mountain was designed to withstand nuclear attacks, EMPs, and other threats while serving as a central hub for military intelligence and aerospace defense.
A Town Beneath the Mountain
While NORAD isn’t a town with shops, houses, and schools, the facility does function much like an underground city. Inside, you’ll find:
15 massive three-story buildings mounted on springs to absorb shock from potential explosions.
A system of tunnels and corridors carved deep into the mountain, reinforced with thousands of tons of granite.
A self-sustaining infrastructure, including its own power plant, water reservoirs, and air filtration system.
Blast doors weighing 25 tons each, designed to seal off the facility in case of attack.
At its peak, hundreds of military personnel worked inside NORAD, ensuring 24/7 surveillance of North American skies.
How Was NORAD Built?
Construction began in 1961, at the height of the Cold War, when fears of a Soviet missile attack were at their highest. The U.S. government chose Cheyenne Mountain as the location because:
It provided natural protection due to its thick granite walls.
Its elevation (9,500 feet) offered an excellent vantage point for radar and communication systems.
It was close to Peterson Air Force Base, ensuring quick response times in case of emergencies.
By 1966, NORAD was fully operational, monitoring the skies for missile threats, unidentified aircraft, and later, even space debris.
NORAD Today
Although the primary command center was moved to Peterson Space Force Base in 2006, the Cheyenne Mountain facility remains a fully operational backup command center, ready to be activated in case of an emergency.
One of NORAD’s most famous public missions happens every December when it tracks Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, a tradition that began in 1955 after a child accidentally called the command center expecting to reach Santa.
Can You Visit NORAD?
Unfortunately, Cheyenne Mountain NORAD is not open to the public, as it remains a classified military installation. However, you can:
Visit the Peterson Air and Space Museum in Colorado Springs to learn more about NORAD.
Explore Cheyenne Mountain State Park, which offers great hiking and views near the famous mountain.
Tour the Air Force Academy, where future military leaders train.
Final Thoughts
While NORAD isn’t a traditional town, it remains one of the most fascinating places built into a mountain in Colorado. Its Cold War-era origins, high-tech defense systems, and underground infrastructure make it one of the most secure and secretive facilities in the world.