





Zoos
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
📍 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Prominent conservation park with 700+ animals known for its big giraffe herd & feeding experiences. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo houses one of the most prominent giraffe herds in North America and offers interactive giraffe feeding experiences that visitors consistently rank as exceptional encounters. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 24,651 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Recognition
- #2 Best Zoo in North America by USA TODAY 10Best (2 years running)
- Best For
- All ages
- Highlights
- Giraffe encounters, penguin keeper talks, wolf feeding, hippo meetings, animal demonstrations
- Location
- America's mountain Zoo
💡 Did You Know?
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo houses one of the most prominent giraffe herds in North America and offers interactive giraffe feeding experiences that visitors consistently rank as exceptional encounters
- The zoo is uniquely built on the side of a mountain in Colorado Springs, requiring innovative architectural design with ramps, shuttles, and strategic shelter placements to accommodate the steep terrain and severe weather variations
- The zoo features 700+ animals across diverse exhibits including African Rift Valley, Primate World, Penguin exhibits, and Rocky Mountain Wild, demonstrating significant species diversity and conservation focus
- Multiple daily interactive animal demonstrations occur at scheduled times (9:30am, 11am, 1:30pm, 2pm, 2:30pm, 4:15pm) including giraffe encounters, penguin keeper talks, wolf feeding, and vulture feeding presentations
💬 What Visitors Say
- Don't miss the giraffe feeding experience - visitors consistently rate it as a once-in-a-lifetime highlight. Book this paid add-on in advance as it's extremely popular. The experience is reasonably priced and worth every penny.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes and be prepared for significant elevation changes. The zoo is built on a mountainside with steep inclines that can cause heavy breathing and tire stroller/wheelchair users. Consider using the paid shuttle service ($3/person) if walking steep terrain is challenging, though shuttles fill up quickly.
- Check weather forecasts beyond just temperature - mountain weather changes rapidly and can become very windy. Bring layers and wind protection, especially since the zoo operates in all weather conditions with limited heated shelter areas for young children.
- Plan to arrive early or mid-week to avoid heavy traffic to the entrance (can take 30+ minutes). Purchase tickets in advance online to save on gate prices. Parking is free, which helps offset the per-person admission cost.
- Catch the multiple daily animal demonstrations (9:30am, 11am, 1:30pm, 2pm, 2:30pm, 4:15pm) for interactive education. These are animal and weather permitting, so arrive early in the day to ensure your desired demonstration runs.
More Family Fun Nearby
Other venues within driving distance:

Kids Empire Colorado Springs
Family Fun CentersColorado Springs, CO
3 miles away

Pikes Peak Children's Museum
Children's MuseumsColorado Springs, CO
5 miles away
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