Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun
Monday: Closed
Last car permitted up the Shrine road an hour before closure
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road,
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
An Immersive Experience
At nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun serves as the final resting place for Spencer and Julie Penrose, as well as a destination to experience extraordinary architecture and sweeping vistas. Commissioned by the Penroses in 1937 and named for beloved humorist Will Rogers, who famously died in a plane crash during its construction, the Shrine is accessible through Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which Spencer Penrose founded, and provides expansive views of Colorado Springs and the plains beyond.Â
Enjoy the story behind Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun
Experience history
Completed in 1937, the Shrine stands 114 feet high and was fashioned from Cheyenne Mountain granite quarried 700 feet away from the building site. It was constructed entirely without nails or wood, and is instead bound together by 200,000 pounds of steel and 30 wagon-loads of cement.
Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun was named in a two-part tribute. The first is in appreciation for the sun, captured each morning and evening as it illuminates the tower’s stark angles. The second is in tribute to actor, philosopher, and humorist Will Rogers after his untimely death in a plane crash in 1935 during the Shrine’s construction.Â
The Shrine houses several notable cultural attractions, including a 340-square-foot mural by renowned Santa Fe artist Randall Davey. The mural depicts the history of the Pikes Peak region and was commissioned by Spencer and Julie Penrose in honor of their love for the local area and its rich history.
The tombs of Spencer and Julie Penrose can be found in the Shrine’s chapel, accessible through a separate entrance in the lower level of the Shrine. In the 1940s, Julie Penrose decorated the chapel with 15th and 16th century religious relics.
Perhaps the Shrine’s most iconic feature is its sophisticated instrument. It chimes every quarter hour and on the hour and plays a musical program every day at 10:00am, 12:00pm, and 5:00pm. This music, which has played since 1937, can be heard throughout the neighborhood.
Tues-Sun 9am to 4pm (last car permitted up the Shrine road at 3pm). CLOSED Monday.
Dress accordingly: The elevation of the Shrine is 8,000 ft, so bring layers if the weather is cooler.
Weather Closures: Due to the higher elevation, inclement weather at the Shrine may make road closure necessary. In the event of snow or ice, call ahead to confirm the Shrine is open. You may call the Shrine at (719)578-5367 or Cheyenne Mountain Zoo at (719)633-9925, ext. 0.
Visitors may reach the Shrine by car on the Russell Tutt Scenic Highway, which passes through Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road). Advance Zoo tickets are required to access the highway. Visit the Zoo’s website to purchase advance tickets.
Admission to the Shrine is free; however visitors must purchase admission to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to access the road leading to the Shrine.
While we encourage you to take photos on your smartphone while visiting, professional or amateur photography shoots, or private events of any kind, are not allowed on any of El Pomar Foundation’s historic properties, including Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun. Drones are not permitted.
New exhibits, more of the story
New exhibits share stories of the Penroses, Will Rogers, and the Shrine itself, while providing visitors an interpretation of the relics, history, and iconic mural found inside the tower.
For the first time in more than 80 years, visitors can see artist Randall Davey’s inspiration for some of the scenes of his sweeping mural through historic photographs and historic narratives from the Pikes Peak region.
Additionally, conservators treated Davey’s mural on the main floor of the tower, restoring it to its original vibrancy. New scenic pathways provide visitors with the opportunity to experience the grounds in its natural splendor.
What to expect at the Shrine
Will Rogers Shrine is uniquely situated on the side of Cheyenne Mountain. The Shrine’s interior rooms, chapel, and restrooms are only accessible by stairs.
The walk from the parking lot to the Shrine is approximately 50 yards uphill on an asphalt path. At the top of the path 10 stone stairs lead to the Shrine. The viewing deck is made of uneven stone.
Visitors should prepare for unpredictable weather conditions and bring their own water.
Will Rogers Shrine FAQs
Get the information you need to be ready to visit
No. Private events of any kind are prohibited.
Food and beverages are not permitted inside the Shrine grounds. There are designated picnic tables near the parking lot for food and beverages. Bottled water is permitted inside the Shrine grounds and we encourage you to bring water as we do not have water available for visitors.
No. Only service animals are permitted.
Yes, the Shrine closes for all holidays. Please call ahead to confirm holiday hours.Â
What else does El Pomar do for Colorado?
For over 85 years we’ve invested in initiatives, access, and opportunities that promote the success, vitality and well-being of Colorado and its residents. The following are more areas worth taking a deeper dive into El Pomar.
Empowering communities and nonprofits
We support the work of nonprofits and government equivalents all across Colorado with more than $25 million annually through grants and community programming.
Programs
Over thirty years ago, El Pomar’s Trustees realized we could contribute more than grant dollars to support the success and vitality of communities and nonprofits throughout Colorado, which we now do through leadership development and community engagement programming.
Experience more history
A collection of exhibits featuring artifacts from the lives and travels of El Pomar’s co-founders, Spencer and Julie Penrose, Penrose Heritage Museum showcases the legacy of this fascinating couple, as well as the history of the Pikes Peak region.
