Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Colorado Springs’ Mountain Oasis of Wildlife
Explore Colorado Springs’ renowned Cheyenne Mountain Zoo—where immersive wildlife encounters, conservation leadership, and mountain views create unforgettable adventures for every visitor.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: A Unique Wildlife Experience in Colorado Springs
Nestled at an elevation of 6,714 feet against Colorado’s breathtaking Rocky Mountain backdrop, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo stands as a crown jewel of Colorado Springs. Recognized as one of the top-ranked zoos in North America, it captivates guests with an inspiring blend of hands-on animal encounters, progressive conservation work, and panoramic mountain vistas.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, an avid traveler, or a family seeking memorable adventures, this mountainside zoo delivers one-of-a-kind experiences all year round.
Overview: America’s Mountain Zoo
- Highest elevation zoo in the United States (over 6,700 feet above sea level)
- Over 750 animals from nearly 170 diverse species, including more than 30 endangered species
- 40 acres of developed animal exhibits across a scenic 140-acre property
- Ranked the #2 Best Zoo in North America (2025 USA Today)
- Features such as antique carousel, the Mountaineer Sky Ride, multiple restaurants, and unique animal feeding opportunities
A Brief History: From Philanthropy to Public Trust
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s roots stretch back to 1926, founded by philanthropist Spencer Penrose as a home for his growing collection of exotic animals. In 1938, Penrose donated the zoo as a non-profit public trust to Colorado Springs, cementing its future as a place devoted to recreation, education, conservation, and scientific research.
This vision continues to define Cheyenne Mountain Zoo—connecting guests of all ages with wildlife and wild places through transformative experiences that inspire real-world action.
Zoo Development Timeline
- 1926: Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Society founded
- 1938: Becomes public trust ‘for the people of the Pikes Peak region’
- 1989-Present: Master Plan drives facility improvements and new exhibits, including:
- Asian Highlands (1996)
- African Rift Valley (2003)
- Rocky Mountain Wild & Mountaineer Sky Ride (2008)
- Encounter Africa (2013)
- The Loft (2014)
- Australia Walkabout (2015)
- Water’s Edge: Africa (2020)
Immersive Exhibits and Animal Experiences
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s distinctive, terraced layout mirrors the mountain itself, allowing for naturalistic animal habitats and spectacular city views around every turn. Here, engaging with animals doesn’t mean viewing from afar—up-close, hands-on opportunities are the norm.
Main Animal Areas
| Exhibit | Featured Animals | Notable Experiences |
|---|---|---|
| Reticulated Giraffe Herd | Giraffes (one of the largest herds in the world) | Hand-feed giraffes at eye level |
| Water’s Edge: Africa | Nile hippos, African penguins, lemurs, warthogs | Observe hippos underwater, interact with penguins |
| Rocky Mountain Wild | Grizzly bears, moose, lynx, wolves, otters | See bears swim with trout, explore native Colorado wildlife |
| Asian Highlands | Amur tigers, snow leopards, red pandas | View big cats in natural, mountainous habitats |
| Primate World | Orangutans, gorillas, tamarins, siamangs | Watch primates play and interact up close |
| The Loft | Beavers, goats, chinchillas, snakes, ferrets | Hands-on learning, touch stations for kids |
| Australia Walkabout | Kangaroos, wallabies, emus | Walk among hopping marsupials |
| My Big Backyard | Chickens, rabbits, koi, bees, tortoises | Interactive family area with touchable animals |
Other Noteworthy Animal Encounters
- Okapi and Mountain Tapir Habitat: Observe elusive, endangered species in lush surroundings.
- Rocky Cliffs: Home to Rocky Mountain goats.
- Roaming Experiences: Indian peafowl freely wander the zoo, delighting visitors.
Signature Attractions Beyond the Animals
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo enhances the classic zoo visit with attractions that immerse visitors in the beauty and thrill of its mountain setting.
- Mountaineer Sky Ride: An open-air ski lift carries guests above animal habitats for panoramic views of the zoo, mountains, and Colorado Springs below.
- Antique Carousel: Ride a classic 1925 Allan Herschell Company carousel—enjoyed at the zoo since 1937.
- Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun: Included with admission, this historic landmark offers striking architecture and unforgettable vistas accessible via the Cheyenne Mountain Highway.
- Variety of Dining & Shopping: Options like Grizzly Grill, Pizza with a View, and Cozy Goat provide refreshments, while gift shops offer unique souvenirs.
Interactive and Family-Friendly Zones
- The Loft: Playful, hands-on education center with daily animal demos and opportunities to interact with small mammals and reptiles.
- My Big Backyard: Perfect for young explorers—kids can pet gentle farm animals and discover nature’s wonders up close.
- Kids Activities: Animal feedings, educational shows, and creative learning stations throughout the zoo.
Conservation and Education at the Core
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a global leader in conservation, animal welfare, and species survival initiatives, fostering ecological stewardship among visitors while making direct contributions to preserving wildlife around the world.
Flagship Conservation Programs
- Species Survival Plans: The zoo participates in 30+ national breeding programs for endangered species such as black-footed ferrets, Wyoming toads, and Mexican gray wolves.
- Black-footed Ferret Success: Over 647 kits (young ferrets) have been bred and released since 1991, contributing significantly to the species’ gradual recovery in the wild.
- Quarters for Conservation: Every zoo admission includes a contribution to field conservation projects. Guests choose specific causes to support, leading to more than $2 million raised since 2008 for animal protection worldwide.
- International Partnerships: Participation in global projects like the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation project, partnering with other major zoos and institutions to rescue and reintroduce amphibians at risk.
Educational Initiatives
- Guided tours, interactive exhibits, and school curricula designed to foster curiosity and respect for all living things.
- Seasonal camps, workshops, and daily animal demonstrations for all ages.
Planning Your Visit
A trip to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is more than just a day at the zoo—it’s an unforgettable adventure, with stunning scenery complementing intimate wildlife moments.
Here’s what you need to know for an optimal visit:
Essential Information
- Open year-round: Daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last admission 4 p.m.); hours may vary during holidays and special events.
- Location: Just southwest of downtown Colorado Springs, accessible by car with free parking on-site.
- Tickets: Timed entry system; adults and children require tickets, available online or at the entrance. The Mountaineer Sky Ride ticket is sold separately—a small discount applies if purchased at entry.
- Dining & Amenities: Full-service cafes, snack kiosks, restrooms, stroller rentals, and souvenir shops distributed throughout the property.
- Accessibility: Pathways are ADA-compliant with shuttle service and accessible facilities for guests with mobility challenges.
Tips for Your Adventure
- Book tickets early during peak seasons to ensure preferred time slots.
- Dress in layers—mountain weather can change quickly.
- Bring sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera for the scenic views!
- Arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled entry time; early arrivals are held to manage capacity.
Why Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Stands Out
Among North American zoos, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is celebrated for its pioneering approach to animal care, conservation, and visitor experience.
- Unmatched Setting: The only major U.S. zoo built on a mountainside, offering awe-inspiring city and mountain views at every turn.
- Immersive Encounters: Opportunities to hand-feed giraffes, walk among wallabies, and touch friendly farm animals create lifelong memories for all ages.
- Conservation Leadership: A proven history of raising awareness, funding, and scientific expertise for critically endangered species worldwide.
- Continual Innovation: Ongoing improvements ensure new and improved exhibits, always prioritizing animal well-being and guest engagement.
Guest Feedback
Visitors consistently rank Cheyenne Mountain Zoo as a must-see attraction in Colorado Springs, applauding its close animal interactions, beautiful setting, and attentive staff. Many appreciate the sense of care and well-being evident in every animal habitat and the opportunity to help conservation just by visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What animals can you hand-feed at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo?
A: The most famous hand-feeding experience is with the reticulated giraffe herd. Visitors can also feed budgies and interact with goats and other small animals in The Loft and My Big Backyard.
Q: Is the zoo open year-round?
A: Yes, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is open 365 days a year, with daily hours typically from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.). Holiday and weather-related changes may occasionally apply.
Q: Is there an additional cost for the Mountaineer Sky Ride?
A: Yes, the Mountaineer Sky Ride is a separate ticketed attraction within the zoo, offering a unique aerial perspective over animal habitats and Colorado Springs.
Q: Are special events or after-hours programs available?
A: The zoo often hosts seasonal events, educational workshops, and after-hours adventures, such as ‘Electric Safari’ and summer camps. Check their official website for updated schedules and registration details.
Q: How does visiting help conservation?
A: Every ticket supports the zoo’s Quarters for Conservation program, directing funding to global wildlife protection projects. Guests choose which initiatives to support at each visit.
Visiting Highlights
- Hand-feed one of the world’s largest giraffe herds
- Ride the Mountaineer Sky Ride for epic mountain views
- Explore immersive habitats like Africa, Asia, and the Rocky Mountains
- Interact with animals in family-friendly zones
- Support conservation while having fun
- Enjoy mountain air and stunning cityscapes year-round
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers a blend of adventure, education, and conservation spirit unlike any zoo in America. It’s not just a visit—it’s a mountaintop experience that creates new advocates for wildlife and lasting memories for visitors of all ages.
