Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
The snapshot
Step into the wild heart of the Rocky Mountains, where the howl of wolves echoes through the pines. This mountain sanctuary is home to wolves and wolf hybrids you can observe up close—watch them interact, hear their calls, and gain a deeper understanding of these powerful, misunderstood animals. Choose from educational tours, intimate encounters, and special monthly events that bring you closer to the pack.
The full experience
High in the mountains above Divide, where aspen groves give way to rugged peaks, one of nature’s most powerful predators waits to meet you. The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center—one of only two sanctuaries in the country accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums—has been a haven for wolves since 1993. Founded by Darlene Kobobel and sustained by devoted volunteers, the Center works to protect these endangered, misunderstood animals while challenging the myths that have long threatened their survival.
The Pack
The sanctuary is home to an extraordinary range of wolves, from the compact swift fox to the towering timber wolf—the largest native canid in North America. Here, you’ll find two of the rarest wolves on Earth: the American Red wolf, and this is the only place in Colorado to see them—Mexican gray wolves, British Columbian and tundra wolves, and striking arctic wolves round out the pack.
Beyond the wolves, curious foxes, coyotes, and wolf hybrids make their home here, too. The swift foxes are part of the Species Survival Program, and like their wolf neighbors, many of these animals are available for up-close encounters during your visit.
Your Visit
Follow a guided trail through spacious, natural enclosures and watch as wolves pace, play, and call to one another. Learn their stories, observe their social dynamics, and feel the weight of a predator’s gaze. The Center offers seasonal events, full moon experiences, VIP tours, and photo encounters—including the chance to be greeted (and kissed) by an ambassador wolf.
Before you leave, browse the expansive gift shop for one-of-a-kind finds for the wolf lover in your life.
The Center is open year-round (except Mondays and Christmas Day), and every visit directly supports the care, feeding, and conservation of these animals and their wild counterparts.
Hours & seasons
Average time
- Typical Visit: 2-3 hours
Difficulty/accessibility
The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is handicap accessible, with designated loading and unloading areas and accessible restrooms. The trail itself is unpaved—a mix of gravel and woodchips that can turn muddy, snowy, or uneven depending on the season. The Center accommodates visitors as conditions allow, and guests are encouraged to call ahead during inclement weather.
A golf cart is available for visitors with mobility challenges. It accommodates one person, must be reserved in advance, and is only available during the summer months.
The guided tour follows a gentle pace along the trail, with some inclines and steps. Benches are placed throughout, and guides carry two-way radios to assist anyone who needs help.
Phone & address
Additional information
- Reservations are highly encouraged for tours and experiences, as space is limited.
- The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is located at over 9,100 feet above sea level, on a gravel outdoor walking path through natural terrain. Come prepared and stay hydrated!
- Read the rules on clothing and allowed items carefully before your visit. Wolves are wild animals and the Center rules are designed to protect both humans and animals.
What we love (and you will too)
Your Local Guide, Peter Cole
Peter is always looking - looking for an answer to a question he doesn't know, looking for something new to learn or looking for the best place to try some new cuisine.
Wolves are my favorite animal, and I love the mission at the Wolf and Wildlife Center. To see the commitment they have made to not only care for these creatures but to educate the public about the importance wolves play in the ecosystem is amazing. Plus, you get to interact with wolves! What could be better?
Wolf-Lovers Tip
Be sure to look up and notice the ravens in the trees. There's a special symbiotic relationship between wolves and ravens - ask your guide to tell you more!
Plan your adventure
- What to bring
- How to prepare
- The Seasons
- Good to know
- Review their dress code requirements. No loose-fitting clothing or dangling jewelry is allowed during wolf interactions.
- Dress for the weather. All tours are outside.
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
- Bring your water bottle and stay hydrated. You’ll be at a higher elevation.
- Make reservations
- Plan for the weather in the mountains
- Be sure to look at the interactive tours – you’re going to want to meet these guys up close!
Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center is open year-round, and all the tours are outside, so always dress for the weather. Starting in June, the entire center is full of wildflowers, making it a spectacular backdrop. However, the wolves get more active when it’s cooler out, and wolves in the snow is a sight to see!
There’s also a great gift shop at CWWC with an art gallery upstairs. The gallery is full of photo prints of wolves, making great gifts for the wolf-lovers in your life!
Getting here
- About 40 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs
- Take Highway 24 just past Divide
- No public transportation is available
- Parking is limited, so be sure to book your tour ahead of time
FAQs about Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
Why should I visit the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center?
When you visit the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, you aren’t just creating memories that last a lifetime. You are also directly contributing to the care and conservation of the species you love. CWWC is an AZA accredited institution which means the sanctuary is held to the gold standard of animal care, education, and conservation practices. CWWC strives to give animals the best quality of life possible as they cannot be released into the wild. The sanctuary focuses heavily on education to improve the recovery and protections of their wild counterparts. As a 501-C-3 non-profit, all funds from experiences and tours go back to the care of animal residents and the upkeep of the Center.
Can we bring our pets?
Pets are not allowed in the parking lot or on the tour trail, for the wellbeing of our animals. We have a dog run relief area you are welcome to use. Dogs must be kept in your vehicles when not in the dog run; in a shady area, with access to water.
How accessible is the Center?
All events and tours take place outside rain or shine. Trail conditions vary based on the time of year. Accommodations and accessibility details can be located here: https://www.wolfeducation.org/rules.
What are the age restrictions for tours?
Educational tours do not have an age requirement. Special events and animal encounters vary. You must be 18+ to enter any enclosures with the exception of ambassador foxes, New Guinea Singing dogs and coydog. Details can be located here: https://www.wolfeducation.org/interactive-tours.
Is there a dress code in place?
There is a dress code that is strictly enforced for all interactive tours. Standard tours do not have clothing restrictions, but please dress appropriately. Colorado mountain weather can be unpredictable! Here’s a helpful guide: https://www.wolfeducation.org/rules.
Call Pikes Peak Region Attractions and talk to a local: 1-800-525-2250
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Price List
Standard Tour: Adult: $20 – $25 | Child (3 – 11): $15
Feeding Tour: Adult: $25 – $30 | Child (3 – 11): $15
Full Moon Tour: Adult: $35 | Child (8 – 11): $15
Full Moon Feeding Tour: Adult: $25 – $30 | Child (3 – 11): $15
Meet & Greet Encounter (18+): $120 – $140 per person
VIP Encounter (18+): $375 – $450 for 1 – 2 guests | $150 per additional guest up to 4
Ultimate Alpha (18+): $500 – $575 for 1 – 2 guests | $250 per additional guest up to 4
Coyote / Dog Encounter (16+): $150 for 1 – 2 guests | $75 per additional guest up to 3
Fox / Singing Dog Encounter (13+): $150 for 1 – 2 guests | $75 per additional guest up to 3
Professional Photos (18+): $600 for 1 – 2 guests | $75 per additional guest up to 4
