The tower was constructed using 1,200 tons of local pink granite.
It was originally named the Cheyenne Mountain Shrine before being renamed in honor of Will Rogers following his death in a 1935 plane crash.
The interior murals were painted by artist Randall Davey between 1935 and 1937.
The structure serves as a mausoleum for the site's benefactor, Spencer Penrose, and his wife Julie.
The architectural design is intended to echo the verticality of regional sandstone formations.
The site includes a bronze statue of Will Rogers created by sculptor Jo Davidson.
The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is a granite mortuary tower built by Spencer Penrose to memorialize humorist Will Rogers. Situated on the slopes of Cheyenne Mountain, the structure features murals by Randall Davey depicting the history of the Pikes Peak region. Visitors access the site via the same road used to reach the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. The tower serves as the final resting place for Spencer and Julie Penrose. It was dedicated in 1937 and stands approximately 100 feet tall. The site offers panoramic views of the city of Colorado Springs and the surrounding plains. The structure is built from native pink granite sourced from the local mountains. The interior walls contain hand-painted tiles illustrating the life of Will Rogers and local history.
The top-level observation deck provides the best 360-degree vista of the Front Range.
Bring a windbreaker, as the elevated location is significantly windier and cooler than the city below.
Use the provided binoculars or bring your own to take full advantage of the panoramic views from the observation decks.
Ensure your vehicle's brakes are in good condition, as the road leading to the shrine involves a steep, sustained incline.
Attempting to hike to the shrine from the base of the mountain, as there is no pedestrian-friendly trail and the road is narrow with heavy traffic.
Open daily, weather permitting; road access may be restricted during severe winter weather.
Maintain a quiet, respectful volume as the site functions as a memorial and mausoleum.
