The center is one of the few facilities in the United States that houses both the Mexican gray wolf and the red wolf.
All animals at the facility are either rescues or part of a managed captive breeding program for endangered species.
The center sits at an elevation of 8,000 feet, which significantly affects the physiological needs of the resident canids.
Guided tours are the only way to view the animals to minimize stress and prevent erratic behavior in the packs.
The sanctuary covers several acres of high-altitude forest, allowing for expansive enclosures compared to standard zoological exhibits.
Wolves at the center are fed a specialized diet that mimics the nutritional profiles of prey animals they would consume in the wild.
The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is a nonprofit refuge dedicated to the conservation of wolves, foxes, and coyotes through public education. Located at 8,000 feet in elevation, the sanctuary houses animals that cannot be released into the wild due to their captive-bred status. The facility is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, ensuring rigorous standards for animal care and welfare. Visitors explore the grounds exclusively through guided walking tours that explain wolf pack dynamics and individual animal histories. The center actively participates in Species Survival Plans for critically endangered Mexican gray wolves and swift foxes. Unlike traditional zoos, the focus here is strictly on predator education and wildlife advocacy. The site features various habitats designed to mimic natural environments for the resident carnivores. It serves as an educational bridge between the public and wild canid species native to North America.
The viewing areas along the main gravel path provide the clearest, unobstructed sightlines into the wolf habitats.
Book reservations well in advance as tours are limited in capacity and frequently sell out.
Wear closed-toe hiking shoes suitable for uneven, unpaved gravel paths.
Bring high-quality binoculars, as the wolves may stay at the back of their large enclosures away from fence lines.
Do not attempt to interact with, touch, or feed the animals, as this is a safety hazard and disrupts the refuge's mission.
Closed on certain weekdays during the off-season; check their calendar for specific operational days as they shift throughout the year.
Strict silence is required during tours to avoid agitating the animals; flash photography and sudden movements are prohibited.
