Are tickets required in advance for Cheyenne Mountain Zoo?

Yes, timed e-tickets must be purchased in advance online for all visitors, including members and children aged 2 and under. It is highly recommended to book several days ahead, especially for popular dates and times, as the zoo often sells out.

How long does it typically take to visit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo?

Most visitors find that 3.5 to 5 hours is a good amount of time to explore the exhibits and enjoy some animal encounters without rushing. However, if you plan to participate in multiple feeding experiences, watch several animal demonstrations, or are visiting with young children, you might want to allocate a full day.

Is Cheyenne Mountain Zoo wheelchair accessible, given its mountain location?

Yes, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo strives to be accessible. While the zoo is built on the side of a mountain with some steep pathways, accessible routes are maintained for all major exhibits. A guest shuttle service is available for a fee to help navigate the inclines, and manual wheelchairs and motorized scooters can be rented. Additionally, the zoo offers sensory bags and quiet zones as part of its KultureCity partnership.

ZooColorado, US

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Perched at an impressive 6,714 feet above sea level on the scenic Cheyenne Mountain, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs offers a truly unparalleled wildlife adventure.

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About

Perched at an impressive 6,714 feet above sea level on the scenic Cheyenne Mountain, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs offers a truly unparalleled wildlife adventure. As the highest zoo in the United States, it provides not only intimate encounters with over 750 animals representing nearly 170 species but also breathtaking panoramic views of Colorado Springs and the vast plains to the east. More than "just watching," the zoo is designed for hands-on, immersive experiences that connect visitors deeply with the animal kingdom. A highlight for many is the African Rift Valley exhibit, home to one of the largest reticulated giraffe herds in the world. Visitors can stand eye-to-eye with these majestic creatures on an elevated boardwalk and even hand-feed them lettuce, creating unforgettable memories.

Beyond the giraffes, the zoo boasts diverse habitats like Encounter Africa, where you can observe African elephants, black rhinoceros, and playful meerkats. Water's Edge: Africa offers unique underwater viewing opportunities for Nile hippos and African penguins, showcasing their natural behaviors. The Asian Highlands transports guests to the mountains of Asia, where Amur tigers, snow leopards, and red pandas roam naturalistic habitats. For a taste of local wildlife, Rocky Mountain Wild features grizzly bears, Mexican wolves, and moose.

The visitor experience is further enhanced by attractions such as the Mountaineer Sky Ride, an open-air chairlift that glides high above exhibits like the Rocky Mountain goats, grizzly bears, and Amur tigers, offering spectacular aerial views of the zoo and surrounding landscape. The zoo also features a historic carousel dating back to 1925 and includes admission to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, a historic landmark with sweeping vistas. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is consistently recognized for its excellence, having been ranked among the top zoos in North America by USA Today. Its commitment to conservation is evident through its breeding programs for endangered species and its "Quarters for Conservation" initiative, which has raised millions for global wildlife protection. Unlock an interactive field guide for this spot: get the Snappit app to identify nature on the go.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's unique story began in 1916 when philanthropist Spencer Penrose received a bear as a gift. As his collection of exotic animals grew, they were initially housed at his Broadmoor Hotel. However, after a monkey bit a hotel guest, Penrose decided a more suitable home was needed, leading to the founding of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in 1926. In 1938, Penrose officially incorporated the zoo as a non-profit public trust, dedicating it to the people of Colorado Springs for recreation, education, conservation, and scientific facilities. To this day, the zoo operates as a non-profit organization, relying on admissions, memberships, donations, and grants rather than local or regional public tax support, a testament to Penrose's enduring legacy.

What to do here

Engage with keeper talks and animal demonstrations scheduled throughout the day. Take advantage of interactive feeding opportunities beyond giraffes, such as budgies. Explore the historic carousel and enjoy lunch with a view at one of the on-site eateries.

Seasonal info

Summer: All attractions are typically open, but afternoon thunderstorms are common. Fall/Spring: Cooler temperatures can mean more active animals and fewer crowds. Winter: The "Electric Safari" transforms the zoo with dazzling lights during the holiday season, and animals can be very playful in light snow.

Accessibility

The zoo is committed to accessibility and abides by ADA guidelines. While the terrain is hilly, accessible routes are available for all major exhibits. A wheelchair and stroller-friendly guest shuttle operates regularly for a small fee, assisting with inclines. Manual wheelchairs and motorized scooters are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. The zoo is also a KultureCity partner, offering sensory bags with noise-reducing headphones and quiet zones for neurodiverse guests. Reserved parking spaces are available for guests with disabilities near the entrance.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Plan for at least 3.5 to 5 hours to fully enjoy the exhibits and basic animal encounters. If you wish to participate in multiple feeding experiences, attend animal demonstrations, or are visiting with young children, a full day (6+ hours) is recommended.
Best time to visit: Arrive early, ideally right at opening, to secure parking and experience the animals at their most active. Weekdays during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) generally offer fewer crowds and potentially lower ticket prices. Summer is ideal if you want to experience the Mountaineer Sky Ride operating daily. Visiting on a cloudy or slightly inclement weather day can also mean fewer visitors and more active animals.
Location: Colorado, US
Species in this guide: 14

Best for

Families With Children Of All AgesWildlife Enthusiasts And Conservation AdvocatesNature Photographers And Those Seeking Scenic Mountain ViewsVisitors Looking For Interactive And Hands On Animal Experiences

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Don't miss

Giraffe Feeding

A signature experience allowing you to hand-feed lettuce to the giraffes from an elevated platform.

Mountaineer Sky Ride

An open-air chairlift offering incredible views over the zoo and the surrounding mountains.

Water's Edge

Africa: Observe hippos swimming underwater and African penguins interacting in their habitat.

Asian Highlands

See Amur tigers, snow leopards, and red pandas in their naturalistic mountainside enclosures.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Veiled Chameleon

Fire Skink

Giant African Millipede

Chuckwalla

Burmese Python

Eastern Box Turtle

Gopher Snake

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Purchase Tickets Online in Advance

Timed-entry tickets are required for all guests, including members, and popular time slots can sell out quickly.

Arrive Early

Get there right at opening to take advantage of cooler temperatures, more active animals, and better parking availability. Off-site parking with shuttle service begins once the main lot fills.

Wear Appropriate Footwear and Hydrate

The zoo's mountainous terrain means lots of uphill walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated at the high altitude.

Utilize the Guest Shuttle

If walking inclines is a concern or you're with small children, consider using the golf cart shuttle service ($3/day) that travels along the main zoo road.

Don't Miss Giraffe Feeding

This iconic interactive experience is a must-do. Purchase lettuce bundles for a small fee for an unforgettable close encounter.

Check the Daily Schedule

Plan your visit around animal demonstrations and keeper talks to get the most out of your experience and learn directly from the experts.

Dress in Layers and Bring Sunscreen

The mountain weather can be unpredictable, and the high altitude intensifies the sun's rays.

Frequently asked questions

: Yes, timed e-tickets must be purchased in advance online for all visitors, including members and children aged 2 and under. It is highly recommended to book several days ahead, especially for popular dates and times, as the zoo often sells out.
: Most visitors find that 3.5 to 5 hours is a good amount of time to explore the exhibits and enjoy some animal encounters without rushing. However, if you plan to participate in multiple feeding experiences, watch several animal demonstrations, or are visiting with young children, you might want to allocate a full day.
: Yes, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo strives to be accessible. While the zoo is built on the side of a mountain with some steep pathways, accessible routes are maintained for all major exhibits. A guest shuttle service is available for a fee to help navigate the inclines, and manual wheelchairs and motorized scooters can be rented. Additionally, the zoo offers sensory bags and quiet zones as part of its KultureCity partnership.