Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun

Spectacular from afar. Breathtaking from the top.

This historic monument is 1.4 miles up the Russell Tutt Scenic Highway from the Zoo entrance. Built by Spencer Penrose between 1934 and 1937, it stands dedicated to Will Rogers, who died in a plane crash in 1935. The elevation of the Will Rogers Shrine is 8,136 feet on the top deck and provides breathtaking views of Colorado Springs, the Pikes Peak Region and Eastern Plains. Learn more

Book a Scenic Ride to the Shrine Tour!

This summer, take a Scenic Ride to the Shrine during your Zoo visit! Now through Labor Day, Zoo guests and members can book a guided Jeep tour through the picturesque mountainside above the Zoo to Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun.

BUY SCENIC RIDE TO THE SHRINE TICKETS

Price:

$10 per person

Tour Times:

  • Scheduled Scenic Ride tours run from 9:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
  • The experience lasts about 1 hour, including the Jeep tour and half-an-hour to explore the Shrine on foot.
  • The Shrine is closed on Mondays and most holidays (see below).

Location & Ride Check-In:

  • Ride check-in is located inside the Zoo, by the roundabout near the Grizzly Grill. View Check-in Location Map
  • Arrive 5 minutes before your ticket time. All tours depart on time.

Scenic Ride Details:

• Timed Scenic Ride to the Shrine tickets must reserved be for the same date as your advance Zoo admission ticket. (Scenic Rides require a Zoo Admission ticket or member reservation for that day.)
• Timed Scenic Ride to the Shrine tickets must be scheduled for later than your timed Zoo admission tickets.
• Scenic Ride to the Shrine tickets are limited and may sell out in advance.
• Guests who need wheelchair-accessible transport are welcome to visit the Shrine using their own vehicles. Please present your daytime admission Zoo ticket at the drive-in gate from the guest parking lot to gain access.
• See availability and purchase Scenic Ride tickets at cmzoo.org/ride.
• Questions about Scenic Rides to the Shrine: Please calll (719) 633-9925.

Shrine Hours:

Open Tuesdays – Sundays, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (last Ride to the Shrine guided tour starts at 2 p.m.)
Closed on all Mondays. See holiday closures and special event hours below.

Cost to visit the Shrine:

  • Now through Labor Day 2025:
      • Scenic Ride to the Shrine Tour, $10 per rider on a guided Jeep tour (see above.)
      • Access to the Shrine is limited and available only by reservation, in effort to improve the guest experience within the Zoo and to the Shrine.
      • Information and a link to purchase timed tickets for Scenic Ride to the Shrine Jeep tours are available at www.cmzoo.org/ride
  • After Labor Day 2025:
    – Your Zoo admission includes a drive to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun for that day, whether you choose to visit the Zoo or not.
    – You must have paid Zoo admission for each person going up to the Shrine. Advance timed Zoo tickets are required.

Access to the Shrine:

  • Now through Labor Day 2025:
    • Access is limited to Scenic Ride to the Shrine guided Jeep tours ($10 per rider on a guided Jeep tour).
    • Timed ticket reservations for the Scenic Ride to the Shrine tours are available online at www.cmzoo.org/ride.
  • After Labor Day 2025: Please watch for signage that will direct you to the new Shrine road vehicle entrance archway in the southwest corner of the Zoo’s parking lot, and show your Zoo admission receipt. View details and map of new vehicle entrance.
  • The road to the Shrine of the Sun is drive-up only; no walking or biking is permitted (except during Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s annual Run to the Shrine).
  • *Accessibility: Guests who are unable to ride in a Jeep (need wheelchair-accessible transport) are permitted to drive themselves to the Shrine in their own vehicle. Last accessibility car up at 3 p.m. Please present your daytime admission Zoo ticket(s) at the drive-in gate from the guest parking lot to gain access.

Environment at the Shrine:

Will Rogers Shrine is uniquely situated on the side of Cheyenne Mountain. Visitors should prepare for unpredictable weather conditions and bring their own water. The Shrine’s interior rooms, the chapel and restrooms are only accessible by stairs. The walk from the parking lot to the Shrine is approximately 50 yards uphill.

*Shrine Holiday closures and special Zoo event hours:

The Shrine is closed on most holidays, except for two during the summer, see below.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – closed
President’s Day – closed
Easter – closed
Run to the Shrine (May 17 & 18, 2025) – early closure at 1 p.m. (last car up at 11:30 a.m.)
Memorial Day – OPEN
Juneteenth (Thursday, June 19, 2025) – closed
Moonlight on the Mountain (June 26, 2025) – early closure at 3:30 p.m. (last car up at 2 p.m.)
Independence Day, July 4 – OPEN
Labor Day – closed
Columbus Day – closed
Boo at the Zoo (October 17-19, 24-26, 31, 2025) – early closure
Veterans Day – closed
Thanksgiving Day – closed
Day after Thanksgiving – closed
Electric Safari (December 5-23, 25- January 1, 2026) – early closure
Christmas Eve, December 24 – Shrine closes early at 2 p.m. (last car up at 1 p.m.)
Christmas Day, December 25 – closed
December 26 – January 1 – closed

Please Note:
– The Shrine is owned and operated by El Pomar Foundation, and may have different hours of operation than the Zoo.
– The Shrine is subject to closure due to inclement weather and/or adverse road conditions without prior notice, and due to special events. Please call ahead to confirm.
– El Pomar Foundation does not allow professional or amateur photography on any historic properties, including Will Rogers Shrine.