Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Located on the scenic slopes of Cheyenne Mountain near Colorado Springs in the USA, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers visitors a truly unique experience. It is the highest-altitude zoo in the United States, sitting at an elevation of over 2,000 meters above sea level. This location not only provides breathtaking views of the surroundings but also creates a special atmosphere for exploring the world of wildlife.

The zoo is home to an impressive collection of animals. Here you can find over 750 individuals representing about 170 different species. The zoo pays special attention to the conservation of rare and endangered species—it is home to more than 30 endangered species, highlighting the important conservation mission of this place.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo regularly receives high ratings from visitors and experts alike. It has been recognized as one of the best zoos in North America, ranking 4th in USA Today's prestigious list in 2018 and later rising to 2nd place. This reputation makes it a must-visit for anyone traveling through Colorado and interested in the animal world.

To plan your visit, find out the current schedule, or ask any other questions, you can contact the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo administration. All the necessary information for visitors is available on the official website and by phone.

A visit to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is much more than just watching animals from afar. One of the most memorable activities here is feeding the giraffes. This unique opportunity allows you to get within arm's reach of some of the tallest animals on the planet and offer them a treat. In addition, various demonstrations and educational keeper talks are held throughout the day, sharing interesting facts about animal behavior and care.

The zoo is divided into several zones where you can meet fauna from all over the world. The African animal section is particularly impressive, home to hippos, rhinos, elephants, lions, and tigers. There are also primate pavilions and enclosures for other amazing creatures. A walk through the zoo is a true trip around the world, allowing you to see the diversity of the animal kingdom in conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat.

Besides meeting the animals, the zoo offers other entertainment. Visitors can take the Mountaineer Sky Ride, which ascends the mountainside, offering spectacular panoramic views of the zoo itself and Colorado Springs. For younger guests and history buffs, there is a vintage carousel purchased at the World's Fair in Chicago, adding a touch of nostalgia to the visit. And for a quick bite, there are several cafes and quick-service restaurants on-site.

The most convenient way to reach Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, located southwest of downtown Colorado Springs, is by car. The drive from the city center takes about 10–15 minutes. For visitors arriving in their own vehicles, there is a large and, conveniently, free parking lot on-site.

If you don't have a car, the best alternative is a taxi or one of the ride-sharing services. This is a fast and comfortable way to reach the zoo entrance, as the trip takes about the same amount of time as driving. It's worth noting that there are no direct public transport routes to the zoo, and the nearest bus stops are quite a distance away, making this option impractical for most tourists.

Due to its mountainside location, the zoo spans a fairly large and multi-level area. To help visitors navigate easily and not miss anything interesting, a detailed map is provided to every guest upon purchasing tickets. It will help you plan your route and make your walk through this amazing place as comfortable as possible.

The history of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a story of one man's passion. It all began in 1916 when philanthropist Spencer Penrose received a bear as a gift, which sparked his passion for collecting animals. Initially, his growing collection was housed on his own ranch and on the grounds of the famous Broadmoor Hotel.

As the number of animals grew, Penrose moved them to a permanent home in 1926—the slopes of Cheyenne Mountain, where the zoo remains to this day. This move marked its official founding. In 1938, Spencer Penrose made a generous gesture by registering the zoo as a non-profit public foundation, thereby gifting it to the residents of Colorado Springs.

From its earliest years, the zoo was enriched with unique attractions. In 1937, the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun memorial tower was opened on its grounds. That same year, "The Zoo Special" miniature railroad began operating to transport visitors. Another historic attraction is the carousel Penrose purchased at the World's Fair in Chicago, which continues to delight guests today.

When planning a visit to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, you should expect it to take at least several hours. Most visitors find that the optimal visit duration is around 3.5 hours. This is generally enough time to walk through the main part of the territory and see the most popular inhabitants. However, given the zoo's large size and its unique mountainside location, you could easily spend half a day for a more thoughtful and leisurely exploration of all the exhibits and activities.

The length of your visit will largely depend on how deeply you want to immerse yourself in zoo life. Popular attractions like feeding the giraffes, the Mountaineer Sky Ride panoramic lift, or attending numerous shows and animal demonstrations will require extra time. The schedule for these events is spread throughout the day, so if you want to see several of them, your visit could be significantly extended.

To get the most out of your experience and avoid rushing, we recommend allocating at least 4-5 hours for the zoo, especially if you are traveling with children or want to participate in interactive programs. It's best to arrive in the morning: animals are usually most active at this time, and you'll have the whole day ahead for a leisurely stroll through one of the highest-altitude zoos in the world.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is open to visitors year-round, 365 days a year, making it accessible for a visit in any season. Standard operating hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, it's worth noting that on holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's Day, as well as during special events (such as Boo at the Zoo in October), the zoo may close earlier, usually at 3:00 PM. Since the schedule can change, it is highly recommended to check the official zoo website for the latest information before your visit.

An important point to consider when planning your visit is the need to purchase tickets in advance online. Electronic tickets with a fixed entry time are required for both regular visitors and members. This rule helps manage the flow of guests and ensures a more comfortable experience on the grounds. Tickets for certain days may sell out, so it's a good idea to take care of the purchase well in advance.

Visiting Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a highlight in itself, but its great location opens doors to many other interesting places. Exploring the surrounding area will allow you to dive deeper into the unique atmosphere of Colorado Springs and its picturesque surroundings, turning a trip to the zoo into a full-day adventure or even longer.

In the immediate vicinity of the zoo, you'll find both natural and historical attractions to suit all interests. From majestic memorials to breathtaking nature trails, there's something for everyone. Below is a list of nearby points of interest with their distance from the zoo.