Your Guide to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Way Beyond Watching.

Feed giraffes, frolic with penguins, hang with hippos and roar with the lions.

Located at 6,714 feet above sea level, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers breathtaking views of the city and fun encounters with animals from all over the world.

It's a hands-on experience

At Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, you do more than just watch. Come face-to-face with a giraffe and feed her a piece of lettuce. Attend an animal demo where zookeepers teach you about animal behavior and how they care for different species. Take a spin on the carousel and head to high ground on the Mountaineer Sky Ride.

Stretch with Khalid! Get limber with the 16.5-foot giraffe at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Zoo Location & Tickets

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is at 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.

Please note that advance, timed tickets are required for zoo members and non-members. The advance ticket system keeps the zoo from overcrowding and allows all guests to be able to park on site.

Park Hours

The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Click here for exceptions to these hours.
Click here for current Mountaineer Sky Ride hours.
Click here for current hours for the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun.

Climate & Weather

The entrance to the Zoo is at 6,714 feet, and the elevation increases up Cheyenne Mountain from there. Keep hydrated and slather on that sunscreen year-round. Be prepared for varying weather conditions and wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is an all-weather venue, and refunds are not available due to inclement weather.

Zoo Attractions

Mountaineer Sky Ride - Take a ride higher up the mountain on a ski lift chair for great views of the zoo, the mountain, Colorado Springs and the plains to the east. You can visit a yurt at the top, enjoy the views and then ride back down to the zoo. There is an extra fee for the Mountaineer Sky Ride, but you can get $1 off per ticket when purchased at the Admissions booth when you check in with your advance admission tickets.
Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun - Your ticket to the zoo also includes access to the Will Rogers Shrine of the sun. This historic mountain landmark pays tribute to American legend, Will Rogers and provides breathtaking views of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region. To get to the shrine, you'll get back in your car and drive through the zoo to the shrine's perch about halfway up Cheyenne Mountain.
Historic Carousel - This historic carousel was built around 1925 and was featured at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. It was moved to the Zoo in 1937.
Food & Gifts - The zoo features several restaurants, an espresso bar and a variety of snack & ice cream spots. Take home a zoo-themed souvenir at the gift shop near the zoo entrance.

Fun Activities

Feed Giraffes - Purchase lettuce to get up close and personal with the giraffe herd in African Rift Valley. Giraffe feeding is available all day, every day, whether the herd is inside or outside.
Elephant and Rhino Snack Time - Check the daily schedule for your chance to feed an elephant or a rhinoceros. Feedings available for $10-15 each.
Animal Demos - Enrichment activities and feeding experiences occur throughout the day - check the Daily Schedule at cmzoo.org.

Custom Animal Experiences

You can book a custom animal experience and go behind the scenes with our keepers to learn about each animal's unique personality, personal setting and how their species is adapting to an ever-changing world. You can view your experience choices here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Do I need to get tickets in advance?

Yes! You can order tickets ahead of time here

Are tickets refundable or exchangeable?

The zoo is an all-weather venue, open 365 days a year. All sales are final with no refunds or exchanges.

How long does it take to see the zoo?

Some people can zip through the zoo in 90 minutes. To really enjoy the animals and have a meal or snack, a visit takes about 3.5 hours.

Can I bring my own food and water?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. No glass containers and no alcoholic beverages are permitted. Do not feed any of your food to the animals.

Are pets or service animals allowed?

Pets are not allowed. Guests with service animals may tour certain areas of the Zoo with their service animals. Click here for the service dog guide and map.