The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a highly regarded zoo located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, known for its up-close animal encounters and breathtaking views. With a score of 4.0 for value, facilities, and atmosphere, it is ranked #17 out of 18 things to do in Colorado Springs by U.S. News Travel.
Exploring the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Admission Prices and Hours
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission prices vary by season and time of day. During the peak season (late May through September), adult admission on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday is $34.75, while children aged 3 to 11 cost $29.75. Free parking is available on-site.
Animal Encounters and Exhibits
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to a diverse array of animals, with the giraffes being a particular favorite among visitors. Travelers have praised the opportunity to feed the giraffes, calling it a great activity for both children and parents. The zoo’s location on Cheyenne Mountain also offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Facilities and Amenities
In addition to the zoo, admission includes entry to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, a shrine dedicated to actor Will Rogers located about a mile northwest of the zoo’s entrance. The shrine offers spectacular views of Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak.
The zoo’s walking paths can be hilly and tiring, particularly for little legs, so visitors should be prepared for a moderate amount of physical activity.
Special Activities and Events
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers a variety of special activities, although some may incur an additional cost. Visitors should check the zoo’s website or inquire at the entrance for information on current offerings.
Visitor Experiences and Ratings
Positive Reviews
Recent travelers have praised the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for its up-close animal encounters, particularly the opportunity to feed the giraffes. Many visitors have also highlighted the beautiful views from the zoo’s location on Cheyenne Mountain.
Negative Reviews
Some visitors have noted that the walking paths can be hilly and tiring, especially for young children. Additionally, some have commented that certain areas of the zoo could use more maintenance or updates.
Overall Ratings
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 on U.S. News Travel, with high marks for value, facilities, and atmosphere. On Yelp, the zoo has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 1,951 reviews, and on TripAdvisor, it has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 748 reviews.
Conclusion
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a must-visit attraction for zoo enthusiasts and families visiting Colorado Springs. With its up-close animal encounters, stunning views, and variety of special activities, the zoo offers a unique and memorable experience. While the hilly walking paths may present a challenge for some visitors, the overall consensus is that the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a highly enjoyable and worthwhile destination.
References:
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Reviews | U.S. News Travel. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://travel.usnews.com/Colorado_Springs_CO/Things_To_Do/Cheyenne_Mountain_Zoo_62172/
- Reviews – CMZoo. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cmzoo.org/news/reviews/
- 1951 Photos & 748 Reviews – 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo … – Yelp. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.yelp.com/biz/cheyenne-mountain-zoo-colorado-springs
- Review of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – Colorado Springs – Trip Advisor. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/ShowUserReviews-g33364-d274331-r468186030-Cheyenne_Mountain_Zoo-Colorado_Springs_El_Paso_County_Colorado.html
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go … – Tripadvisor. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33364-d274331-Reviews-Cheyenne_Mountain_Zoo-Colorado_Springs_El_Paso_County_Colorado.html