The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center in Divide, Colorado, is a renowned sanctuary dedicated to the rescue, conservation, and public education surrounding wolves and other wild canids. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, this nonprofit offers immersive wildlife experiences, including guided tours, conservation programs, and hands-on learning opportunities. Whether you're an animal lover, a nature enthusiast, or looking for a unique Colorado experience, the center offers powerful insights into predator preservation, ecosystem balance, and the crucial role wolves play in the wild.
The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is located in Divide, Colorado, nestled in the scenic Rocky Mountains, about 90 minutes southwest of Denver and just west of Colorado Springs. The center is easily accessible by car, with well-maintained roads leading directly to the facility. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area, which provides a fitting backdrop for the sanctuary’s mission of wildlife conservation.
The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center (CWWC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, care, and preservation of wolves and other wild canids, including coyotes and foxes. The center's mission is to educate the public about the importance of wolves in the ecosystem, advocate for humane treatment of wildlife, and provide a safe, natural habitat for the animals in its care.
CWWC works to dispel myths surrounding wolves and emphasizes their role as crucial apex predators that help maintain ecological balance. Through hands-on learning experiences, the center fosters a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship.
The center plays an active role in global and regional wildlife conservation. It participates in Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, which are cooperative breeding and conservation initiatives designed to ensure the survival of endangered species. CWWC is also a certified member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Sanctuary Association (ASA), reflecting its high standards of animal care and conservation ethics.
In addition, the facility supports legislative efforts and public awareness campaigns to protect wolves in the wild, including advocating against wolf hunting and promoting reintroduction initiatives in areas like Colorado where wolves have historically roamed.
The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center spans multiple acres of forested land, providing spacious, natural habitats for its resident animals. The enclosures are designed to replicate the animals’ native environments as closely as possible, allowing for physical activity, socialization, and enrichment.
The center includes a visitor center with educational exhibits, a gift shop, and rest areas. Guided tours are conducted along well-maintained trails that offer views of the enclosures, with opportunities to hear the wolves howl, observe their behaviors, and learn about their individual stories. Educational programs and special events are hosted year-round, making the center a hub for wildlife education and advocacy in Colorado.
The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center offers a variety of guided tours that provide an up-close and educational experience with its resident animals. The standard educational tour is the most popular and runs multiple times daily. Led by knowledgeable staff members, these tours typically last around 60 to 90 minutes and provide detailed information about the wolves, coyotes, and foxes housed at the sanctuary.
Participants learn about the social structure, behavior, diet, and conservation status of each species. The tours also explain the history of each individual animal, many of which were rescued from unfortunate circumstances, such as illegal ownership or wildlife trafficking.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, the center offers specialized tours such as the “Alpha Tour” and “Meet a Wolf.” These experiences allow small groups or individuals to engage more closely with the animals, under the supervision of trained handlers. During these tours, guests may have the opportunity to safely enter enclosures, take photographs, and observe the animals’ behaviors up close.
The “Meet a Wolf” program is particularly popular, offering a rare chance to interact with socialized wolves that are accustomed to human presence. These interactions often include face-to-face encounters and howling sessions, where visitors can join in and listen to the wolves respond.
Unique to the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center are their Full Moon Tours and seasonal events. Full Moon Tours are held monthly and include a guided walk through the sanctuary in the evening, culminating in a group howl under the moonlight. These tours offer a magical and memorable experience, emphasizing the wolves’ natural nocturnal habits.
Special holiday-themed events such as “Howl-O-Ween” and “Winter Wonderland” integrate educational activities with seasonal fun. These events often include scavenger hunts, animal enrichment demonstrations, and themed photo opportunities.
For photography enthusiasts, the center provides specialized tours designed for capturing high-quality images of the animals in naturalistic settings. These sessions are scheduled during optimal lighting conditions and often include access to areas not available during standard tours. Guests are encouraged to bring professional equipment and are guided to the best vantage points for wildlife photography.
The center also accommodates school groups, scout troops, and other educational organizations. These group tours are tailored to age and curriculum, offering interactive learning stations, conservation-focused discussions, and hands-on activities. Teachers and group leaders can work with staff to align the experience with educational goals.
Private group tours can be arranged by appointment and are ideal for birthday parties, corporate outings, or family gatherings. These tours are customizable and can include add-ons such as private animal meet-and-greets or exclusive access to certain areas of the sanctuary.
All tours at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center are conducted with a strong emphasis on safety—for both visitors and animals. Guests are required to follow specific guidelines, such as staying on designated paths, not feeding or touching animals outside of supervised programs, and maintaining a respectful noise level. Children are welcome but must be closely supervised at all times.
Trained guides provide thorough instructions at the beginning of each tour to ensure a safe and respectful experience. Photography is permitted throughout most of the center, but flash is discouraged as it can startle the animals.
By blending education, conservation, and unforgettable wildlife interactions, the tour experiences at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center offer visitors a rare glimpse into the lives of these majestic predators while fostering a deeper understanding of their role in the ecosystem.
The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is open to the public year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences for weather and wildlife activity. Spring and fall are particularly popular due to mild temperatures and the increased activity of wolves and other animals during these transitional seasons. Winter visits offer a unique opportunity to see the wolves in their thick coats and hear their haunting howls against the snowy backdrop, while summer provides the most tour availability and longer daylight hours.
Morning hours are generally ideal for wildlife viewing, as the animals tend to be more active and alert. Booking a morning tour can increase your chances of observing natural behaviors such as play, interaction, and vocalizations.
All visits to the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center require advance reservations, as the center operates through guided tours only. It is highly recommended to book your tour online through their official website or by phone, especially during peak travel seasons and weekends.
Tours often fill up quickly, so planning at least a week in advance is advisable. The center offers a range of tour options, including standard walking tours, full moon tours, VIP encounters, and seasonal specialty events. Each tour is led by knowledgeable guides who share facts about the animals, conservation efforts, and the center’s mission.
When planning your visit, it’s important to come prepared for Colorado’s often unpredictable weather and the center’s outdoor environment. Here are a few essentials to consider:
Note that food and drink are not allowed during tours, and pets are strictly prohibited for the safety of the animals and visitors.
The center is located in a mountainous region near Divide, Colorado, where weather conditions can shift quickly. Summers are generally warm and dry, while winters can bring snow and freezing temperatures. Spring and fall may offer a mix of sunshine, rain, and cooler air.
Tours are held rain or shine, so check local weather forecasts before your visit and dress accordingly. In the event of extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snow or lightning, the center may modify or cancel tours for safety reasons, so it’s best to confirm your reservation prior to arrival.
For the safety of both guests and resident animals, the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center has established specific safety guidelines that all visitors must follow:
Additionally, guests should be aware that photography is allowed but must be done respectfully. The use of flash or loud camera equipment is discouraged. Children are welcome but must be supervised at all times, and group tour sizes are limited to ensure a safe and intimate experience.
By planning ahead and respecting the center’s guidelines, visitors can enjoy a meaningful, educational, and safe encounter with some of North America’s most fascinating predators.
The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center features a welcoming visitor center that serves as the starting point for all tours and activities. Here, guests are greeted with helpful information about the animals, the center’s conservation mission, and the available experiences. The visitor center includes educational displays that highlight the ecological importance of wolves, foxes, and coyotes, as well as the challenges they face in the wild.
Staff members are available to answer questions, assist with tour check-in, and offer guidance on how to make the most of your visit. The center’s layout is designed to ensure an informative and engaging experience from the moment guests arrive.
Within the visitor center, the on-site gift shop offers a curated selection of items that reflect the center’s wildlife conservation goals. Visitors can purchase apparel, books, locally-made crafts, and ethically sourced souvenirs. A portion of the proceeds from the gift shop helps support the center’s rescue, rehabilitation, and education programs.
Popular items include wolf-themed merchandise, eco-friendly products, and educational materials for children and adults. The gift shop also offers adoption kits, allowing guests to symbolically adopt one of the center’s resident animals and contribute directly to its care.
The center provides several rest areas throughout the grounds to ensure visitor comfort. Benches and shaded seating areas offer places to relax between tours or while waiting for scheduled presentations. Clean restroom facilities are available at the visitor center, maintained for accessibility and convenience.
Water fountains and hydration stations are also available to help guests stay comfortable—especially important during warmer months or longer guided experiences.
Educational displays are strategically placed throughout the facility to enhance visitor understanding of the animals and their habitats. These include interpretive signs, interactive panels, and visual exhibits that provide insights into wolf behavior, pack dynamics, and the role of predators in maintaining ecological balance.
Many of the displays are designed to be family-friendly, making them ideal for school groups and young learners. The center’s educational approach emphasizes conservation, dispelling myths about wolves and encouraging respect for wild canids.
The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center offers designated spaces for private events, educational workshops, and group presentations. These facilities are available for rent and can accommodate school field trips, corporate retreats, and community gatherings. Events are often accompanied by tailored tours and educational programs, providing a unique and immersive experience.
Groups interested in hosting an event at the center are encouraged to contact staff in advance for availability, pricing, and customization options.
Ample parking is available on-site for both individual visitors and group tours. The parking lot is located near the visitor center and provides easy access to all main facilities. Designated accessible parking spaces are available for guests with disabilities, and the lot is designed to accommodate buses and larger vehicles for group visits.
Clear signage guides visitors from the parking area to the entrance and tour check-in locations, ensuring a smooth start to the visit.
The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center (CWWC) plays a critical role in the preservation of endangered canid species, including the gray wolf, Mexican gray wolf, and red wolf. As one of only a few sanctuaries in the United States certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to house and breed these species, the center actively contributes to the Species Survival Plan (SSP), a program designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of captive populations. The center’s participation in these programs helps maintain genetic diversity and provides opportunities for future reintroduction efforts.
One of the most significant conservation impacts of the CWWC is its educational outreach. Through guided tours, school programs, and community events, the center educates thousands of visitors each year on the importance of apex predators in maintaining ecosystem balance. These educational experiences are designed to dispel myths surrounding wolves and highlight the ecological roles they play, such as controlling prey populations and supporting biodiversity.
By fostering a deeper understanding of wolves and other wild canids, the center cultivates a conservation-minded public that is more likely to support wildlife protection initiatives. The awareness generated by the CWWC extends beyond its physical location, thanks to its digital content, social media engagement, and participation in national conservation campaigns.
The center is also an advocate for rewilding efforts, particularly in the Rocky Mountain region. As Colorado continues to explore the reintroduction of gray wolves into the wild, the CWWC provides essential scientific and educational support to these initiatives. Staff members often collaborate with wildlife officials, conservation organizations, and academic researchers to share expertise and promote strategies that ensure the successful reintroduction and long-term survival of wolf populations.
While the center does not release animals into the wild due to its sanctuary status, it serves a vital role in rescuing and providing lifelong care for wolves, coyotes, and foxes that were previously kept as illegal pets or mistreated in captivity. These animals often arrive with physical or psychological trauma, and the center gives them a safe, enriched environment where they can thrive. By offering sanctuary to animals that cannot be returned to the wild, the CWWC underscores the importance of responsible wildlife stewardship and the consequences of human interference.
The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center collaborates with a variety of local and national organizations to further conservation goals. These include partnerships with Defenders of Wildlife, the Endangered Wolf Center, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Such collaborations strengthen the center’s ability to contribute to policy development, public outreach, and scientific research focused on predator conservation.
Through these multifaceted efforts—preservation, education, advocacy, rescue, and collaboration—the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center has established itself as a cornerstone of wolf conservation in the American West. Its impact reaches far beyond its borders, influencing public perception, supporting endangered species, and helping shape the future of wildlife conservation in the United States.
Visiting the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is more than just a wildlife excursion—it’s an educational journey into the lives of North America’s most misunderstood predators. From impactful conservation efforts to memorable up-close encounters, the center offers a unique window into the natural world. Book your guided tour, support predator preservation, and experience the wild heart of Colorado today.
