Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a nonprofit, mountainside zoo above The Broadmoor in southwest Colorado Springs. Founded from Spencer Penrose’s private animal collection, begun here in 1926 and deeded as a public trust in 1938, its 146 acres rise from about 6,714 to nearly 7,000 feet. The steep setting, city-and-plains views, endangered-species conservation work, and close animal encounters—especially multi-level giraffe feeding at the Giraffe Center—define the experience more than a giant species list.

This is one of Colorado Springs’ strongest paid family attractions: a distinctly local hillside zoo with unusually close giraffe encounters, African Rift Valley views, and an optional chairlift. Allow a deliberate half-day if you enjoy animals or are traveling with children. Skip or reconsider it if natural scenery and hiking are your priority, if steep walking or altitude are difficult, or if zoo ethics are a deal-breaker.

Booking the visit

Buy required timed e-tickets at least 5–7 days ahead; for summer weekends, holidays, and any date fixed in your itinerary, book as soon as plans are firm. Reserve the first entry slot, ideally 9:00–9:30 a.m.; tickets are not valid for early entry and allow a 30-minute arrival window, so be in the entry line no later than 30 minutes after your booked time. Park on site, follow signs for “Step 1: Ticket Scan,” then use the temporary Welcome Gates behind the Elevation Sign; this is currently both the entrance and exit. Do not rely on walk-up tickets, and use the rideshare/taxi admission option only if actually arriving by rideshare or taxi.

Arrive for the 9 a.m. opening and head uphill first rather than joining the immediate giraffe-area bottleneck. Use the suggested uphill route past Water’s Edge: Africa and the goats, via Grizzly Grill and the tapir/Encounter Africa area, then descend via Colobus Tower or the African Rift Valley ramp to the giraffes. Save lunch for after noon.

• Wear grippy walking shoes, sun protection, a refillable water bottle, and a warm/windproof layer; this is a steep outdoor zoo at nearly 7,000 feet, so pace yourself and hydrate.
• Giraffe feeding runs daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and costs extra: currently $3 per lettuce bundle or $5 for two; bring cash.
• Backpacks, coolers, and outside food are allowed, but glass containers and alcohol are prohibited. Feed animals only food bought at designated animal-feeding experiences.
• Use the $3 all-day main-road shuttle if hills are a concern, weather permitting. Wheelchair-friendly shuttles are available on request; ECV scooters are limited and first-come, first-served.
• Add the included Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun before leaving: it is 1.4 miles up the mountain by car and typically open Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Check its separate closure calendar; the interior, chapel, and restrooms require stairs, and photography is prohibited on Shrine property.
• The Mountaineer Sky Ride provides excellent panoramic photos but is weather dependent and requires a round trip. Check the day’s animal-demonstration schedule in the morning because programs can change with weather and animal needs.

Ways to do it

Pairs with