The next time you visit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, you could see some changes to your admissions process. Zoo members and guests should watch for directional and instructional signs that will be in place when we make the shift from our former admissions process to our new temporary process, tentatively scheduled for early January.
These changes are necessary to proceed to the next phase of construction, making way for an incredible new admissions experience, new giraffe barn, expanded giraffe yard and more. (Get more information on the exciting improvements here.)
Follow this three-step guide to the new admissions process:
STEP 1. TICKET SCAN – Park at the Zoo at your ticketed time, and get your tickets scanned at an admissions booth.
• Advance, timed tickets are still required for members and guests.
• Look for the sign that says “Step 1: Ticket Scan” at the Zoo entrance.
• We’ll stamp your hand to document your scanned tickets.
STEP 2. STAMP CHECK – Walk past the former drive-in entrance towards the iconic Elevation Sign.
• Look for the sign that says, “Step 2: Stamp Check” and get your hand stamp checked by staff.
STEP 3. WELCOME GATES – Take a right behind the Elevation Sign, and head towards the Welcome Gates into our temporary Zoo entrance.
That’s it! You’re in the Zoo.
Past the gates:
– On your left, our temporary Gift Shop at the Cabin is open for souvenirs and stroller/mobility rentals.
– Straight ahead, you’ll see an updated map.
– On your right, visit the restrooms, catch The Mountaineer Sky Ride (weather permitting) and purchase Sky Ride, animal feeding and carousel tickets. There is no access to animal exhibits this way.
– Turn left to visit Water’s Edge: Africa and Primate World, and to access the rest of the Zoo!
When you’re all safari-ed out, return to these gates to exit the Zoo.
Pro Tips:
• Once you’re in the Zoo, you’ll enjoy a regular visit – just in a different order. If you prefer to have a plan before you go, check our daily animal demonstration schedule and consider your route on our website. See the schedule at cmzoo.org/visit and an updated map at cmzoo.org/map, once we make the switch.
• Look out for updated signs and maps to direct you to all of your favorite animals. Even during construction, all animal exhibits are open, with changes to some viewing areas (assuming no unusual circumstances, like weather or veterinary procedures).
• Ask for help! We want you to have the best experience every time you visit. Please ask any staff member for assistance if you need help finding your way.
• With the Zoo entrance now at a different location, your Zoo day could begin differently, or you could walk directly to the giraffe herd and start your Zoo adventure there.
• If you want to visit the giraffe herd first, consider this route:
1. Head uphill toward Grizzly Grill, past Water’s Edge: Africa and Rocky Mountain goats.
2. At Grizzly Grill, walk towards the playhill, tapir and Encounter Africa.
3. Turn right after the tapir yard, and go down the Colobus monkey tower stairs or elevator, or the African Rift Valley ramp to the giraffe.
4. After feeding the giraffe, you can follow your familiar counter-clockwise route through the Zoo, ending up back at the new entrance/exit.
We appreciate your patience and support as we navigate inconveniences necessary for improvements. Our staff is working hard to make your visit enjoyable, and to make sure your favorite animals will be visible as normal during construction.