Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs offers stunning views, plenty of animal encounters, and playgrounds – the perfect place to spend a morning or afternoon.

The first thing you need to know about Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is that it is built into the side of a mountain. While this means you have amazing views of the city, it also means your going to walk uphill... a lot. Be prepared. If your kids are not great walkers I recommend a stroller! The zoo does have a shuttle that will drive you to the top of the hill for $2, but the circular path through the zoo means you need to walk both up and down the mountain to see all the animals. 

When you arrive at the zoo there is plenty of parking. The best parking (closest to the entrance) is to the right as you enter the parking lot. It is not easy to get back to your car once you are in the zoo, so make sure you bring everything with you. If we are not bringing a stroller or wagon along I put the kids in camelbacks so they can each carry their own snacks and water.

On pretty days the zoo is bound to be crowded in the morning. If you want the zoo all to yourself choose a snowy or cold day. The animals are still out, or you can see them in their indoor habitats. If the zoo is crowded head to the left at your first opportunity. Nearly everyone heads to the giraffes first and works their way counterclockwise around the loop. If you head to the left you will avoid this route. 

We usually head toward the Gorillas first. The penguins are usually out on the path early in the morning, which the kids love. When you pass the penguins there is a "secret path" that goes straight ahead, instead of turning left into the hippo house. This will take you up on the rope bridge and to the promontory that looks into the hippo ponds. This is a dead-end so it's easy to leave your stroller parked and come back for it. 

For a small fee, you can feed the goats, budgies and giraffes throughout the day. These are both fun and safe ways to interact with the animals. The wallabies and penguins roam free in their enclosure, meaning you can get very close to them.

You can pet the goats at the goat farm and pet some chickens and other animals in "My Big Backyard." My Big Backyard also has a little treehouse with some interesting spiders that often get missed. 

The Loft, adjacent to the goat petting area, has tons of animals you can meet. Volunteers are inside interacting with animals throughout the day. 

One of our favorite exhibits is the mountain lions. Leave your stroller behind, as the pass is rather narrow, and hang out and watch these beautiful creatures from the glass underneath them. They will certainly be watching you! 

There is a Skyride, for an additional fee, it does not go to any animals. There are great views of the city and a playground at the top. You won't be missing anything though if you bypass it. The Carousel on the other hand is one of our favorite little attractions. If it is open, consider taking a spin and watching the city go by. 

You can pack a lunch and find a bench or picnic table. The zoo also has several food options and a beer garden. We are always quite pleased with the food options as there are loads of healthy choices and everything is made fresh. 

Your zoo visit also includes admission to the Will Rogers Shrine. To get up there you will get back in your car and drive up the road that goes into the zoo. The shrine has stunning views of the city and front range. 

Our visits typically last about 2 hours, though if you wanted to see and do everything and enjoy lunch I would plan on 4 hours.  

** Currently advanced tickets /reservations are required