Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is genuinely unique. Built into the side of Cheyenne Mountain at over 6,800 feet elevation, it's America's only mountain zoo—and the setting shows. Visitors climb through exhibits as the terrain rises, with views of Colorado Springs spreading out below. Giraffes munch leaves with Pikes Peak in the background. It's not just a zoo; it's a zoo with a view.

The giraffe herd is the largest in any North American zoo, and the feeding experience is a highlight. But the entire layout—winding through mountain terrain, with unexpected views at every turn—sets Cheyenne Mountain apart from flat-ground zoos elsewhere. Plan for hills and stairs; comfortable shoes matter here.

Giraffe Feeding

The signature experience puts you face-to-face with the zoo's famous giraffe herd. For a small fee (crackers are $2-3), you can hand-feed these gentle giants from an elevated platform. The giraffes' long purple tongues wrap around the crackers while you're close enough to appreciate their eyelashes.

African Rift Valley exhibit houses the giraffe herd along with other African species. The reticulated and Masai giraffes are the stars, but keep an eye out for the rest of the collection.

Timing: Giraffes are fed throughout the day, but mornings tend to be more active. The platform can get crowded on busy days—weekday visits offer more intimate experiences.

Major Exhibits

Rocky Mountain Wild showcases animals native to Colorado: mountain lions, grizzly bears, moose, wolves. The exhibit uses naturalistic settings that mirror the actual habitat just a few miles up the mountain.

Primate World houses great apes in settings designed for enrichment and visitor viewing. The orangutans are particularly engaging.

Australia Walkabout lets visitors walk among free-roaming wallabies and kangaroos. A hit with kids who can approach the animals (gently).

Encounter Africa goes beyond giraffes to include hippos, rhinos, and African lions. The lion exhibit offers excellent viewing angles.

Asian Highlands features Amur tigers, red pandas, and snow leopards. The mountain setting feels appropriate for high-altitude Asian species.

Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun

At the top of the zoo sits this striking stone tower memorial to the beloved humorist who died in 1935. Spencer Penrose, the zoo's founder, built it as a tribute to his friend.

The views from the shrine are spectacular—you're looking down at the entire city of Colorado Springs and across to Pikes Peak. The tower plays chimes that carry across the mountain.

Access: Included with zoo admission. The Mountaineer Sky Ride (chairlift) runs between the zoo and the shrine, or you can walk up. Either way, don't skip it—the views alone justify the visit.

Visiting Tips

Expect hills. The mountain zoo layout means constant elevation change. This is more workout than most zoos. Strollers are possible but challenging on some paths. Allow extra time if mobility is limited.

Arrive early. Animals are most active in morning hours, crowds are smaller, and you'll beat the afternoon heat in summer. Plan 3-4 hours for a complete visit.

Weather varies. The elevation means cooler temperatures than downtown Colorado Springs. Layers are smart, especially in spring and fall. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.

Sky Ride: The chairlift ride offers great views and saves your legs for the return trip. Worth the small additional fee, especially with kids.