This Scenic Wildlife Center In Colorado Offers A Unique, Up-Close Experience With Wolves

There aren't many places where you get the chance to give a wolf a cheeky scratch behind its ears. In fact, you'd be lucky to catch a glimpse of one in the wild. But at Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center (CWWC), you can do exactly that. A must-visit on any Colorado road trip, this non-profit organization provides a hands-on opportunity to learn more about one of the U.S.' most misunderstood animals. Visiting here is about education, conservation, and preservation rather than entertainment, and could change the way you view wolves forever.

Certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, CWWC is an important participant in the Species Survival Program for the endangered Mexican gray wolf and swift fox. The wolf sanctuary also provides a happy home for other wolves, coyotes, and foxes who can't live in the wild. The center was founded by Darlene Kobobel, who surprisingly used to be scared of wolves. In 1993, she rescued a wolf-dog called Chinook who was about to be euthanized at a local animal shelter where she volunteered, and the idea for the center was born. The path hasn't been smooth. Along the way, there's been a devastating fire, evacuation, lease termination, and the death of her beloved Chinook.

But, Darlene eventually found the land where the center now stands, and thanks to donations and sponsors, has continued to expand. Alongside the spacious enclosures, there's an amphitheatre, a vet room, and beautiful forest trails where you can observe the wolves in settings close to their natural habitat. Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is located on Twin Peaks Road just outside Divide, and around 100 miles south of Denver.

Supervised, up-close encounters give you the chance to connect with the wolves, coyotes, foxes, and Coco and Pono, a pair of musical singing dogs. Learn more about their behaviour on the different types of tours. The standard educational tour lasts around one hour and starts at $20. Guides introduce you to the wolves, explain conservation efforts, and talk about how you can play a role in their preservation.

For $25, you can go on a feeding tour in late afternoon. And for a unique nighttime experience, take the full moon tour, happening once a month on a Saturday night. The tour follows Chinook's Nature Trail for a two-hour walk where you'll hear the wolves howl at the moon. You can even howl back at them to get into the spirit of things.

Places fill up quickly on the tours, so reservations are strongly recommended. There's also a strict dress code you should be aware of, which, if you don't follow, you won't be allowed in the enclosures with the wolves. Don't wear any animal products such as leather or suede, and be sure to wear long-sleeved tops and full-length trousers. You should also avoid wearing scrunchies, baseball caps, or sunglasses. Wolves are the magpies of the animal world, and will quite happily take them from you. If you want to go home with cute photos rather than missing accessories, stick to the rules. At the end of the visit, if there's a particular animal you've taken a liking to, ask a member of staff about sponsorship options. The center is open every day except Mondays and Thursdays.

If the high-country landscape along Chinook's Nature Trail inspires you to do more hiking in Colorado, there are lots of beautiful trails near the wolf and wildlife center. Only 10 miles away, Raspberry Mountain Trail in Pike National Forest is a moderately challenging 4.8-mile out-and-back hike. It leads you along wide paths through thick pine forest, which provide welcome shade in the hot summer months, before reaching the top of Raspberry Mountain. There are steep uphill sections and gentler strolls through the valley, but you'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views over the surrounding peaks and reservoirs when you reach the summit. There's a parking lot at the trailhead, but it's closed in winter with snow staying well into spring.

About eight miles away in Mueller State Park, you'll find the Rock Pond, Rock Canyon, and Outlook Ridge Trails Loop. Starting and finishing at the visitor center, the well-maintained five-mile trail winds through dense pine and aspen forests, lush valleys, and passes by several ponds, with some amazing viewpoints throughout.

A daily pass into this underrated mountainous state park starts at $10 per car. Depending on what time of year you visit, other activities include horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife-watching. You're unlikely to have to avoid a dangerous wolf encounter, but may catch a glimpse of grey foxes, black bears, or elk.