Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
4.8(25K)google
4.4(859)yelp
FamilyInteractiveKidsScenic LookoutWildlife
Overview
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a zoological park located southwest of downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Cheyenne Mountain in the United States. At an elevation of 6,714 feet (2,046 m) above sea level, it is the highest zoo in the country. The zoo covers 140 acres (57 ha), 40 of which are in use.
Practical Info
Every day9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeMay through September. It is highly strategic to arrive exactly at the 9:00 AM gate opening. The mountain-side animals—especially the world-famous giraffe herd—are most active and responsive during morning feedings. Morning mountain air is cool, making the steep uphill zoo trek much easier.
Getting TherePerched on the mountain slopes; driving is advised. From central Colorado Springs, take Nevada Ave south, turn onto Lake Ave toward The Broadmoor resort, and round the traffic circle onto Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road. Wind uphill for 3 miles to reach the spacious, complimentary tiers of parking lots.
Travel Tips
- The zoo enforces an absolute Advance Online Timed-Entry Ticket mandate. All patrons, including annual members, must purchase electronic vouchers online with a strict half-hour entry window; physical ticket booths remain non-operational, and non-reserved arrivals are turned around at the mountain base.
- As America's only mountain zoo, the layout features extreme elevation gradients. The primary asphalt gates fill by 10:00 AM on spring/summer weekends; being routed to overflow gravel lots 4 or 5 forces an exhausting, high-angle uphill trek just to reach the turnstiles. Arrive by 8:30 AM to secure top placement.
- Sitting at an elevated 6,714 feet, the mountain face experiences swift, unforecasted afternoon thunderstorm cells. Lightning warnings instantly freeze the open-air Mountaineer Sky Ride mechanism; prioritize the famous giraffe-feeding decks and sky-ride loops immediately upon morning entry before noon storms arrive.
Reviews
Positive
- The mountain-side setting is unique, offering beautiful city views and a cool alpine environment to view wildlife.
- It has the best giraffe-feeding experience in the US, allowing you to hand-feed lettuce to dozens of giraffes up close.
- The habitats are spacious and non-restrictive, showing that the animals are excellently cared for by a passionate staff.
- The open-air Sky Ride chairlift saves you a steep uphill climb while offering a spectacular bird's-eye view of the park.
Heads up
- As a mountain zoo, the paths are incredibly steep; pushing a stroller or walking as a senior is physically exhausting.
- Ticket prices are on the higher end for US zoos and use dynamic pricing in peak season, making it a big expense for families.
- Parking is tiered on the hillside; late arrivals must use far overflow lots and hike up a steep incline just to reach the gate.
- High winds or winter weather will swiftly shut down the summit areas and the chairlift, dampening the value of full-price tickets.