Will Rogers Memorial Shrine of the Sun, Colorado Springs

Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, also known as Will Rogers Shrine, is a commemorative tower and chapel on Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is named for Will Rogers, the American humorist, who died in a plane crash in Alaska in 1935 during construction of the shrine. It is also a tomb for the remains of Spencer Penrose – who built many of the city's prominent properties, including the neighboring Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and The Broadmoor resort – and his wife Julie. Completed by Penrose in 1937, the shrine is a 100ft, five story observation tower that overlooks The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, and Garden of the Gods.
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994 for its artistic and architectural qualities.
The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is located at 8,136ft in elevation. It is about 1,500ft in elevation above Colorado Springs, and is also above the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on the side of Cheyenne Mountain. Views of the Rampart Range, Colorado Springs, and the plains can be seen from the site on a promontory on the mountain, which is accessed via the Cheyenne Mountain Highway. The road to the shrine is restricted at the toll gate to individuals who have purchased Cheyenne Mountain Zoo tickets. See Will Rogers Memorial Shrine of the Sun and all Colorado Springs has to offer by arranging your trip with our Colorado Springs trip planner.