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Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun: A Colorado Icon

A historic shrine on Cheyenne Mountain offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Colorado Springs' past.

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Perched high on Cheyenne Mountain, the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is a unique tower and chapel offering stunning views of Colorado Springs and the surrounding landscape. Named after the beloved humorist Will Rogers, it serves as a memorial to his life and a final resting place for the Penrose family.

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

  • Access to the Shrine requires purchasing admission to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
  • From July 1 through Labor Day 2025, access to the Shrine will be via a guided Jeep tour, with a $10 per person fee in addition to Zoo admission.
  • The Shrine is closed on Mondays.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is accessed through the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. From downtown Colorado Springs, follow Cheyenne Boulevard southwest. Turn left onto Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road and proceed to the Zoo entrance. Free parking is available at the Zoo, but can be limited. From July 1 through Labor Day 2025, access to the Shrine will be provided by a guided Jeep tour requiring a $10 ticket per person in addition to Zoo admission. After Labor Day, access to the Shrine is included with Zoo admission. Zoo admission costs vary.

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Discover more about Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun

The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, often called the Will Rogers Shrine, is a special tower and chapel located on Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Completed in 1937, the shrine stands as a testament to the vision of Spencer Penrose, a prominent figure in the development of Colorado Springs, who also built The Broadmoor resort and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. The shrine is named in honor of Will Rogers, a famous American comedian and writer, who died in a plane crash in 1935 during the shrine's construction. The five-story tower, standing 100 feet (30 m) tall, is constructed in the Romanesque Revival style, featuring granite quarried from Cheyenne Mountain itself. Remarkably, the structure was built without wood or nails, held together by steel and cement. Inside, terrazzo floors, marble, and ironwork add to the architectural beauty. The shrine also houses European artworks from the 15th and 16th centuries, including a 16th-century Baroque painting of the Madonna. Beyond its architectural and artistic merits, the Shrine offers panoramic views of the Rampart Range, Colorado Springs, and the vast plains. The site also serves as the final resting place for Spencer and Julie Penrose, whose tombs are located in the chapel. A large mural by artist Randall Davey depicts the history of the Pikes Peak Region. The shrine's instrument plays musical programs every day at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm, which can be heard throughout the neighborhood.

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