A trip to Colorado Springs is not complete without a visit to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

This mountain zoo is over 146 acres and home to over 950 different animals.

Erick and I have not been to this zoo in over 3 years and the construction and changes that they’ve made in that time were definitely noticeable. The elephant exhibit is amazing, the lions have a brand new home, the small birds are in a much more modern and spacious space, and the zoo overall has a much cleaner feel.

What sets this zoo apart from others (besides being a true mountain zoo) is the interaction you can get with the animals. My boys LOVE to feed the giraffes and small birds, and you can feed the elephants. {Each feeding will cost some extra money, varies depending on which animal you feed}

Because the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is built along the side of Cheyenne Mountain, it is steep so some out of towners might have a hard time. They do offer a shuttle ($2 per person all day) so there are options to get around without walking the entire zoo.

Other activities at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo include the carousel, a playground, Mountaineer Sky Ride, The Loft, and My Big Backyard (one of my boys’ favorites). AND you can watch the giraffes without leaving home! (I totally just discovered this giraffe cam as I am writing this post!).

Overall the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a fantastic zoo and you will not leave disappointed. My boys come about every month with Nana and Papa (who have a grandparent’s pass which is a wonderful option) and they love every minute of their zoo adventure.

TIP- get there early to find a parking spot. Parking is free but once the main lot fills up the overflow lot is several miles away and guests are shuttled in from the Sears on Southgate

Other zoos along the front range:
Denver Zoo
Pueblo Zoo

Location: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd.   Colorado Springs, CO  80906
Price: varies depending on age and season. Check website here
Website: http://www.cmzoo.org