Do I need to get tickets in advance?
Advance reservations are required for both members and non-members. Advance tickets are the only way to guarantee admission, because busy days will sell out in advance. Purchase advance tickets now
For all ticket assistance or questions, email [email protected]
Why Advance Tickets?
We are requiring you to get advance tickets, because popular days and times are subject to selling out. We are working to provide our guests with the best possible experience, which we believe includes avoiding overcrowding and off-site shuttles/parking. By restricting the number of tickets sold per time slot, you can park on-site and have more time to spend in the Zoo. During some peak times, you may experience delays in getting into our lot, so please be patient. Our longest waits for on-site parking are still less time than it takes to shuttle back and forth from off-site parking.
To do away with off-site shuttling, we have to limit the number of tickets we sell throughout the day, and they are subject to selling out. That’s why we require you to purchase your tickets in advance. Purchase advance tickets now
I am a Zoo member. Do I still need to get an advance ticket?
Yes. All members are required to reserve a timed e-ticket in advance. Be sure to sign-in to our website (or register to create your account) to receive your free e-tickets. Children 2 and under must also have a ticket.
Does my infant need a ticket?
Yes. All individuals visiting the Zoo must have their own advance e-ticket, including children age 2 and under.
I’m having trouble reserving my tickets in advance. Who can I contact?
Please email [email protected] Facebook (preferred). You may also call
Are my Zoo tickets refundable or exchangable if I need to change my plans?
No refunds or exchanges. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is an all-weather venue, and is open 365 days a year, regardless of weather. No refunds or exchanges will be given for inclement weather or any other reason. All sales are final. (Free member tickets are returnable, so another member can use them.)
It rained on the day we visited the Zoo. Can I get a refund or a raincheck?
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is an all-weather venue, and refunds are not available due to weather. There are plenty of places around the Zoo to take cover temporarily, and our showers on the mountainside are often brief and pass through quickly.
Can I buy gift certificates/gift cards for the Zoo?
Although the Zoo does not offer gift certificates/gift cards, we do offer an opportunity to purchase gift tickets, which can be used for admission any day of the year. Click here to learn more and purchase gift tickets.
How long does it take to go through the Zoo?
It really depends on you. If you were to see everything at a fast pace, it would take about 1-1/2 hours. To stop and enjoy your favorite animals and have lunch or a snack, it takes an average of 3-1/2 hours. The Zoo is a wonderful relaxing place to wander through, so we suggest allowing ample time to take advantage!
I lost something at the Zoo. Who should I contact?
If you’ve lost an item during your Zoo visit, we’ll do our best to help you find it. Please call 719-633-9925 , or email [email protected]
May I bring my own food and water into the Zoo?
You are welcome to bring food, coolers, backpacks, etc. Just please refrain from bringing in any glass containers or alcohol, and please do not feed any of your food to the Zoo animals. Outdoor seating can be found at various locations around the Zoo, with the main picnic area near the carousel. Outside food and drink may not be taken in to any of the Zoo restaurants. Learn more about food options, picnic areas and gifts at the Zoo.
Can I take photos and videos at the Zoo?
Yes! If the photos are for your own personal use to capture memories of your family and friends, you are welcome to take photos and videos and share them online. However, if the photos or videos are being taken by a hired professional, or if the photos or videos will be used for a commercial purpose, please view our policy on Media, Photography and Videography at the Zoo
Are pets allowed in the Zoo or at the Shrine?
We love all animals. However, your pets are not allowed in the Zoo or at the Shrine because they can startle and stress the Zoo animals. Pets must also not be left in cars in our parking lot. We reserve the right to contact proper authorities if we see a pet left in a parked car unattended.
Guests with service animals may tour certain areas of the Zoo with their service animals. Print or view the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Map with service animal areas . Please contact our Guest Services at [email protected]
How do I schedule my school field trip or group?
If you are coming on your own, self-guided field trip, we ask that you please let us know your group details and date by completing this School/Group Registration Form , or email [email protected]
If you would like to schedule an educational program, guided tour, or Docent Safari, please visit the Schools and Groups page.
How do I become a Zoo member?
There are three ways to become a Zoo member before your visit:
Purchase your membership online .By phone, call Membership at Let them know if you plan to visit that day, and they’ll make sure you’re all set. Upgrade your admission tickets to a membership within 14 days. You can do this by contacting the Membership Department directly, either by email at [email protected]
For additional membership information, visit Membership .
What's a better value for a Zoo visit, Zoo daily tickets or a Zoo membership?
A Zoo membership often pays for itself in as few as two visits. You can also apply your general daytime admission to a new Zoo membership up to 14 days after purchase (restrictions may apply). Please call 719-424-7830 or Membership for additional details.
Do I need my membership card to visit the Zoo?
If you no longer have your membership card – no problem! The admissions gate has a listing of all of our members. Simply show a photo ID with your advanced timed-ticket reservations, and you will be admitted. You may request a replacement card by calling our membership office at 719-424-7830 or
Is the guest shuttle running today?
Shuttles run daily from late spring through Labor Day and on select high traffic days the rest of the year, weather permitting . Heavy rain, snow or mechanical difficulties may keep them from running on a particular day. Please ask at the admissions gate or call ahead to 719-633-9925 or email [email protected]
Visit our Accessibility page for additional access information, including stroller and wheelchair rentals.
Are the animals outside today? If not, may I still feed the giraffe even though they aren't outside?
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is open year-round. If animals are not out, it’s most likely due to weather or yard conditions. You will still be able to visit many animals inside their buildings and enclosures.
We generally do not put giraffe out if it’s below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or if the yard is muddy or icy. With their long legs, giraffes can fall and get injured on slippery surfaces. You can still visit and feed the giraffe when they are inside their building in African Rift Valley ! Be sure to check our live GiraffeCams to see if the giraffe are out on the day of your visit.
Can I drive to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun without going through the Zoo?
The only road to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun goes through the Zoo, and the admission cost for the Shrine is included in your Zoo admission or Zoo membership (additional guests not on the membership must pay Zoo admission).
The Road to the Shrine is drive-up only – no walking or biking is permitted.
The road is open when the Shrine is open, weather and road conditions permitting.
The Shrine is closed on most major holidays.
For more information, please visit Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun .
Please Note : The Shrine is subject to closure or restrictions due to inclement weather, adverse road conditions and special Zoo events. Any time the Zoo closes early, the last car up to the Shrine will be one hour prior to the Zoo’s closing time, or in other words, the same time as the last Zoo admission for that day.
Is the Carousel and/or Sky Ride operating today?
The carousel and Sky Ride operate daily May 1 through Labor Day. However, if we have seasonally warm weather during the off-season, we try to open them. In the off-season, please call ahead 719-633-9925 to find out if the carousel and/or Sky Ride will be operating on the day you want to visit.
Can we go out leave the Zoo and then come back in?
Yes. Admission to the Zoo is for the entire day. Please save your receipt for re-entry!
How do I volunteer at the Zoo?
Want to invest some time somewhere that you can make a difference? There are several ways to volunteer at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Volunteers keep Cheyenne Mountain Zoo running smoothly. We rely on them for everything from keeping the animal areas tidy to keeping our offices organized! Please visit our volunteer page for complete details.
I have leftover meat and other items that I would like to donate. Will you accept them?
For safety/health reasons, we only accept USDA inspected meat. It must be in the original wrapper and cannot be expired. If it does not meet these criteria, we can refer you to rescue centers and/or rehabilitators that may accept your meat. Please visit our materials wish list for additional items the Zoo welcomes as donations on an as-needed basis.
I have an animal that I don’t want. Will you take it?
It depends on the species and whether or not it fits into our master plan. Usually this is not the case, but we can refer you to a rescue center that may be able to help. You may also consult with the Pikes Peak Humane Society at 719-473-1741 .
I would like to have a private event or party at the Zoo. Who should I contact?
Taste, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s exclusive caterer and event service provider , is a one-stop shop for all your event planning needs. For more information or to book your next event, visit the Venue Rentals & Catering page, or contact the Taste Catering at 719-314-0970 or [email protected] .
