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Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun: A Colorado Icon

A historic shrine on Cheyenne Mountain offering panoramic views, cultural exhibits, and a peaceful final resting place.

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Perched high on Cheyenne Mountain, the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun offers stunning panoramic views of Colorado Springs and the surrounding plains. Built in 1937 by Spencer Penrose, it stands as a tribute to the beloved humorist Will Rogers and serves as the final resting place for Penrose and his wife, Julie.

A brief summary to Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun

  • Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check the weather before visiting, as the road to the shrine may close due to inclement conditions.
  • Allow at least an hour for your visit to fully experience the shrine and its surroundings.
  • Bring bottled water, as it is not available for purchase inside the shrine grounds.
  • Dress in layers, as the elevation can make the temperature cooler.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Colorado Springs, take I-25 S to exit 138 for S Academy Blvd. Continue on S Academy Blvd, then turn left onto Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd. Follow this road to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo entrance. From July 1st through Labor Day 2025, access to the Shrine is via a guided Jeep tour, costing $10 per person, in addition to Zoo admission. After Labor Day, show your Zoo admission receipt at the new Shrine road vehicle entrance in the southwest corner of the Zoo's parking lot. Zoo admission is required to access the shrine. Free parking is available at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, but it can be limited.

  • Public Transport

    Take a Colorado Springs bus to the nearest stop on S Academy Blvd. From there, walk approximately 1.5 miles south to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo entrance. Bus fare is about $2.00. Upon entry to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, access to the Shrine is via a guided Jeep tour, costing $10 per person, in addition to Zoo admission. After Labor Day, show your Zoo admission receipt at the new Shrine road vehicle entrance in the southwest corner of the Zoo's parking lot. Zoo admission is required to access the shrine.

  • Ride Share

    Take a ride share directly to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo entrance at 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. From July 1st through Labor Day 2025, access to the Shrine is via a guided Jeep tour, costing $10 per person, in addition to Zoo admission. After Labor Day, show your Zoo admission receipt at the new Shrine road vehicle entrance in the southwest corner of the Zoo's parking lot. Ride share/taxi drop-offs get faster access into the Zoo. Expect to pay around $15-25 for a ride share from downtown Colorado Springs.

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Discover more about Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun

The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, completed in 1937, is more than just a monument; it's a historical landmark offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the past. Spencer Penrose, a prominent figure in Colorado Springs' history, commissioned the shrine as a memorial to his friend, Will Rogers, following Rogers's untimely death in a plane crash in 1935. The shrine also became the final resting place for Spencer and Julie Penrose. Constructed from Cheyenne Mountain granite, the 100-foot-tall shrine stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity, using no wood or nails in its construction. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits detailing the lives of Will Rogers and the Penroses, view a 340-square-foot mural depicting the history of the Pikes Peak region, and appreciate the intricate details of the chapel, which houses 15th and 16th-century religious relics. The shrine's carillon plays music every quarter hour and presents a program at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 5:00 pm daily. Located 1.4 miles up the Russell Tutt Scenic Highway from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo entrance, the shrine offers sweeping vistas of Colorado Springs, the Pikes Peak region, and the vast eastern plains. The site includes a small museum providing an overview of Spencer Penrose's life and contributions to Colorado Springs. The shrine is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm, with the last entry at 3 pm. Note that the Shrine is closed on Mondays and most holidays.

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