Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Description:

• On the lower slopes of Cheyenne Mountain, at 6,800 feet above sea level, this medium-size zoological park is my top choice for a family outing. The zoo's 800-plus animals, many in "natural" environments, include wolves, lions, leopards, red pandas, elephants, hippos, monkeys, giraffes, reptiles, snakes, and lots of birds. Rocky cliffs have been created for the mountain goats; there's a pebbled beach for penguins and a new animal-contact area for children. The zoo is home to more than 30 endangered species, including the Siberian tiger, Amur leopard, and black-footed ferret. The zoo's giraffe herd is the largest and most prolific captive herd in the world; there have been about 200 live births since the 1950s. Visitors can actually feed the long-necked beasts ($1 for three crackers).

  There's also a colorful antique carousel, built in 1926, the year the zoo was founded. New in 2008, the $8.2-million Rocky Mountain Wild lets visitors get up close and personal with mountain lions, grizzly bears, moose, and other local denizens. A stroller- and wheelchair-accessible tram makes a full loop of the zoo in about 15 minutes; it operates from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Admission to the zoo includes road access to the nearby Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, a granite tower built in 1937, with photos and information on the American humorist. The tower also affords great views of the city and surrounding countryside. Strollers, double strollers, wheelchairs, and wagons are available for rent at Thundergod Gift and Snack Shop. Allow 2 to 4 hours for the zoo and an extra 45 minutes for the shrine.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010