Tucked in the pine-scented foothills of Divide, Colorado—just west of Colorado Springs—you’ll find a wildlife experience that’s equal parts goosebumps and heart-tugs. The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center isn’t a typical roadside animal park. Here, you don’t just snap a pic and move on. You connect, eye-to-eye, with wolves, coyotes, and foxes who’ve been given a second chance at life—and might even join them in a twilight howl.
This isn’t just a detour. It’s a calling for nature lovers, animal advocates, and anyone curious about Colorado’s wilder side. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be a few feet away from a 100-pound wolf with amber eyes and an old soul, this place is your answer.
What We Love
Up-Close Wolf Encounters
These are no ordinary “behind-the-fence” sightings. On guided educational tours, you’ll be just feet from majestic wolves, learning their rescue stories while watching them pad silently through the forested enclosures. Bonus: If you book a “Meet & Greet,” you can enter a wolf enclosure (yes, really!) and interact face-to-face.
The Howl Sessions
Stick around for a group howl—and don’t be shy. When the staff lets out a long, echoing howl, the wolves will respond, their calls rippling through the valley like something out of a nature documentary. It’s eerie, beautiful, and completely unforgettable.
Foxes With Flair
Don’t sleep on the center’s slyest residents: the foxes. Watch as they prance, dart, and delight guests with their big personalities. Some have been habituated to humans (rescued from the exotic pet trade), and they seem to love showing off for the camera.
Conservation With Heart
Every tour here is about more than oohs and aahs. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of predator roles in ecosystems, the myths around wolves, and why protecting them matters. It’s education that sticks—with fur.
Limited Group Sizes
With small group tours and a reservation-only policy, the experience feels intimate, calm, and personalized. You won’t be elbowing for space or herded through exhibits like cattle. Here, the animals come first, and the vibe follows.
Atmosphere & Setting
Picture tall Ponderosa pines swaying in the wind, the scent of juniper in the air, and the occasional crunch of gravel under hiking boots. The center feels tucked away—almost secret—surrounded by forest and mountains with views that stretch toward Pike National Forest. Rustic wooden fencing and naturalistic enclosures blend into the landscape, and everything is designed to keep the animals calm and the humans awe-struck. You won’t hear cheesy music or tourist chatter here—just birdsong, rustling wind, and the occasional spine-tingling wolf howl.
Value (Is It Worth It?)
Standard tours start around $20–$25 for adults, with discounts for kids and seniors. Specialized tours (like the VIP “Alpha” experiences) range higher, but include extra time and up-close access. Expect to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours total on site. For the cost, you get a deeply moving, up-close look at wildlife most people only ever see in movies. Best for families with older kids, couples looking for a meaningful day trip, animal lovers, or photographers eager for that perfect shot.
Other Considerations
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Reservations are a must—walk-ins are not allowed, so plan ahead.
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Weather-wise, it’s Colorado—so pack layers, sunscreen, and a hat.
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The terrain is natural, so wear closed-toed shoes; some parts are uneven or sloped.
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There’s no café on-site, but there’s a small gift shop and restrooms. Nearby Divide and Woodland Park offer good dining options.
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Accessibility: Tours are walking-based and outdoors, so folks with mobility concerns should call ahead for guidance.
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Wolf interaction tours have age restrictions, usually 18+, so double-check before bringing the kids.
Whether you’re chasing unforgettable photos, searching for a soulful connection with nature, or just want to howl beneath Colorado skies, the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center offers something rare: the chance to be wild at heart for an afternoon.
Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
📍 Lower Twin Rocks Road, Divide, CO 80814