Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Tips to Plan the Best Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Colorado Springs, one place you absolutely cannot miss is the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo!
Known as America’s only mountain zoo, this unique wildlife park is perched at an elevation of 6,800 feet, offering incredible views of the city and a one-of-a-kind animal experience.
Animal lovers and families with kids will love the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for its unforgettable animal interactions and scenic beauty.
To help you plan your visit and have a great time, here’s everything you need to know before heading to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo!
About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Founded in 1926, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to over 750 animals from around the world. The zoo prides itself on its hands-on, interactive exhibits and strong commitment to animal conservation and education.
America’s mountain zoo consistently ranks among the top zoos in the country for its engaging exhibits and breathtaking location. In 2024, USA TODAY’s Readers’ Choice Awards named Cheyenne Mountain Zoo as the #5 Best Zoo in North America!
Unlike traditional zoos, the hillside layout of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo means you’ll be walking along scenic, winding paths while encountering animals in beautifully designed habitats that blend into the natural landscape.
Must-See Exhibits at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has incredible animal exhibits! You can also learn about the zoo’s residents by watching animal demonstrations, feeding time events, or participating in private animal encounters.
African Rift Valley
One of the most famous attractions at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is its giraffe herd, which is one of the largest reticulated giraffe herds in the United States. Visitors can hand-feed lettuce to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo giraffes for an up-close encounter you won’t forget!
Buy a lettuce bundle at the designated stations and experience a giraffe gently taking it from your hand! The giraffe feeding experience is one of the CMZoo’s most popular attractions.
Rocky Mountain Wild
Get up close with native Colorado wildlife in their natural setting. You’ll see grizzly bears, Mexican wolves, mountain lions, porcupines, raccoons, river otters, moose, and bald eagles.
You can watch the grizzly bears and otters play in their (separate!) river habitats. Catch a live zookeeper talk to learn more about these incredible animals.
Encounter Africa
Watch African elephants splash in a waterfall and walk beside them on the sky bridge. You’ll also see adorable meerkats and African Cape porcupines. And you can spot the zoo’s black rhinoceros roaming the bush plane.
Water’s Edge Africa
At this incredible zoo exhibit, you’ll get close to Nile hippos, ring-tail lemurs, and African penguins. I personally adore penguins, so the penguin exhibit was one of my favorites.
Australia Walkabout
Step into an interactive Australian adventure, where tree kangaroos and wallabies roam freely around the visitors. It’s a walk-through exhibit, so you might find yourself right next to a red kangaroo hopping along!
Head to the aviary to be surrounded by cockatiels, budgies, and princess parrots. You can even feed the budgies!
Asian Highlands
This newer exhibit transports you to the Himalayan Mountains. You’ll see Amur tigers, Amur leopards, snow leopards, and red pandas.
Visit during feeding times for a chance to see the tigers up close!
If you want an unforgettable experience, for a (large) additional charge, you can get a book a behind the scenes encounter with the Amur leopards, a critically endangered species. You’ll get a personalized tour with a zookeeper and maybe even be able to feed one of these rare felines.
Primate World
Watch swinging gibbons, playful orangutans, and lively Western Lowland gorillas in this engaging primate exhibit. The naturalistic enclosures provide plenty of space for climbing and swinging!
During enrichment times to see each different species of primates interacting with special puzzle toys.
Special Experiences
Sky Ride
For a breathtaking view of Colorado Springs and a bird’s-eye view of animal enclosures, take a ride on the Mountaineer Sky Ride, a ski-lift style open-air chairlift.
Tickets can be purchased separately at the zoo. Bring a camera—this is one of the best views in the city!
My Big Backyard
Kids will enjoy playing on an oversized playground, the opportunity to feed chickens, and close-up animal interactions. Kids will enjoy playing on an oversized playground, the opportunity to feed chickens, and close-up animal interactions.
Historic Carousel
Kids of all ages enjoy taking a spin on the CMZoo’s antique carousel! If your Childs not ready to ride a jumping horse, there are also two stationary chariots.
Domestic Goat Playground
You can watch goats folic on their very own playground, hand fee them, and pet them. They are super cute and fun for little kids.
Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun
One unique perk of your Cheyenne Mountain Zoo admission ticket is that it includes access to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun.
What is the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun?
The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is a historic monument located 1,100 feet above the zoo, with spectacular panoramic views of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region.
Built in the 1930s by Spencer Penrose (who also founded the zoo and The Broadmoor), it was named after Will Rogers, a famous humorist and actor of the time.
The stone tower stands 100 feet tall, and visitors can climb to the top for some of the best scenic views in the region.
When and How to Go
Try to go before or after your zoo visit. The views from the top are stunning, and you might even spot some wildlife along the drive up.
You must drive to the shrine. The road begins at the southwest corner of the zoo parking lot. Access is granted with your zoo ticket.
The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is open Tuesdays through Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but no more cars can go up after 3 p.m. The shrine is closed on Mondays, as well as holidays and special events.
Planning a Visit to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo—Essential Information
Admission Info
Hours of Operation
Open every day of the year, usually from 9 AM to 5 PM (varies by season—check online before your visit).
Admission Costs
Prices vary by season, day, and time. Tickets must be reserved online in advance.
Expect to pay $19-$29 per adult and $15-$25 per child. The zoo does offer a military discount for both military personnel and their kids.
Buy Tickets in Advance
Advance e-tickets are required for entry. Tickets do sell out, and if you don’t buy your tickets in advance, you might not be able to go during your preferred time slot.
Parking
Parking is free but limited. By arriving at the time on your timed ticket, you’re likely to be able to find a place to park, as guests will earlier tickets will be leaving.
If you’re a guest at the Broadmoor, you can take a free shuttle from the hotel to the zoo.
Visiting Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Best Time to Visit
Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and more active animals.
Best Season to Visit
There’s no bad season to visit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo!
Spring is a fantastic time to see baby animals and enjoy mild temperatures.
Summer months are the busiest season, with extended hours and the most activities available.
In autumn, the colors at the zoo and surrounding mountains make for stunning scenery, and crowds start to thin out.
In winter months, there are fewer crowds and you can see animals in the snow, which is a special experience.
Accessibility
The zoo is unusual because it’s actually on the side of Cheyenne Mountain, meaning there are steep hills. Shuttle services and wheelchair rentalsare available.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s elevation is 6,800 feet above sea level. You’ll climb 120 feet just getting from the parking lot to highest point at the zoo. You’ll do it gradually, so you might not notice too much at first, but you also might have trouble catching your breath as you adjust to the altitude.
You can skip the climb if you take the zoo shuttle to the top and then stroll down the mountain.
Weather Considerations
Be prepared for changing mountain weather! Bring sunscreen, water, and a light jacket.
Food at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
You can take your own food and water into the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and there are picnic tables in various areas o f the park.
Pack water bottles for everyone, because you’ll get dehydrated quickly in the dry atmosphere, especially if you aren’t from Colorado. If you’re traveling with young children, you’ll probably want to bring snacks.
Coolers are allowed. Glass containers (and alcohol) are prohibited.
Don’t want to bother packing a lunch? No problem!
You’ll have plenty of delicious lunch options at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, including Grizzly Grill and the Cozy Goat Espresso Bar.
Pizza with a View, which offers beautiful panoramic views plus pizza, of course, is my family’s favorite. Plan to stop at Trolly Treats for ice cream or shaved ice.
Zoo Gift Shop – Take Home a Souvenir
Before you leave, be sure to visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Gift Shop, which offers a variety of unique souvenirs and gifts.
You’ll find plush animal toys, educational books and wildlife-themed games. You can also choose from unique Colorado-themed gifts and sustainable products, as well as Cheyenne Mountain Zoo branded t-shirts, hats, and eco-friendly water bottles.
Location
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is located at 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.
The Zoo is a short 15-minute drive from downtown Colorado Springs. It’s about 70 miles south of Denver, making it an easy 1.5-hour drive from the Mile High City. If you’re visiting from Denver, taking I-25 South is the fastest route.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is close to The Broadmoor, Seven Falls, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
Final Thoughts
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of the most unique and memorable zoos in the U.S. Whether you’re feeding a giraffe, taking in the views from the Sky Ride, or watching grizzly bears play, your visit will be an unforgettable adventure. It really is a special zoo, unlike any other.
Remember to buy advance tickets, bring sunscreen, and plenty of water!
If you’re visiting Colorado Springs area with your family, in addition to exploring the Pikes Peak Highway or Garden of the Gods, make sure Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is part of your adventures out west!
