Wolf Mountain Sanctuary
Wolf Mountain Sanctuary
4.5
About
Visitors are allowed to interact with over a dozen wolves at this nonprofit that is dedicated to rescuing the animals from various unfavorable environments.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- RoseD947Westfield, Massachusetts5 contributionsExcellentThe experience of petting and interacting with wolves was amazing. This was my dream since I was younger. We were treated like family instead of visitors. Extra time was given to us to answer questions and interact with the wolves.Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 11, 2024
- Mark BUpland, California23 contributionsAwesome Experience!If you love wolves this is the place to actually spend time inside their enclosure and bond with them. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our experience. Very few places let you interact with wolves and actually touch them for long periods of time. The owner, Tanya, is a wealth of knowledge about everything wolf related. Tanya and her staff were very nice and answered any questions we had. I highly recommend a visit!Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 1, 2024
- Maria V1 contributionAn incredible,unforgettable experience !This was my second time visiting Wolf Mountain Sanctuary. It’s always an incredible experience! Nothing is rushed, and the staff makes sure everyone gets a one on one experience with a wild! Toyna is a magical woman, and incredibly knowledgeable. Her staff are also very knowledgeable and kind.Visited December 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten December 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
135 reviews
Excellent
107
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10
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3
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10
Steve C
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Friends
This was my second visit there in two months and both times have been very spiritual and uplifting. The peacefulness there is incredible only enhanced by the beauty of the wolves. The interaction is fantastic especially since they are my spirit animal. I was extremely fortunate to have bonded with Stormy who I believe is my true spiritual guardian. Such a fantastic place to visit. It is one of the few places that I will continue to visit over and over. The work that they do there is incredible. I highly recommend a trip there to not only learn about these beautiful animals but also about yourself.
Written October 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
randig2
Malibu, CA4 contributions
Apr 2022
Today we visited the Wolf Sanctuary and it was a very moving experience. Tonya the CEO takes you trough a spiritual journey of wolves and how they ended up in her care. The place is not a Zoo, the place is not wild life park. It a place to spend time with wolves in be in their forever home. We are grateful to people like Tonya who pour their heart and soul to caring for such beautiful creatures. Don't go here if you are not open to experiences that are off the beaten track. Life is meant to immerse your self into other peoples worlds and support a journey that you may not normally go on.
Randi
Randi
Written April 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jilljaxxSanPedro_CA
Los Angeles, CA21 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Tonya noticed I wasn’t feeling well (I have a progressive disease that just started getting worse) so she interrupted her talk with her group of visitors to take care of me. She is a powerful healer and so is Holan the Wolf! She was sooo kind and intuitive and compassionate I was left weeping and overwhelmed. Holan just showered me with love, hugs, energy, and kisses for a surreal amount of time. An incredible experience created by the amazing Tonya and her wolves, who love her and love us too. Unforgettable.!
Written April 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah W
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Friends
This place is appalling. The customer service is beyond terrible. We waited for over an hour and a half in the sun and heat, to then have Tonya the owner of this place go on and on and on telling us stories that had absolutely nothing to do with wolves. I had to specifically ask her ‘hey what about the wolves’ … and still she could barely stay on point. Kept getting distracted by things of zero consequence. Most of our sizeable group left early and could not wait to get out of there. It feels like you are trapped just like the wolves here are trapped in tiny enclosures… I would never recommend anyone visit this place. It should be shut down and the wolves should go to an organization that can actually afford to take care of them. These poor animals … out in the blazing sun all day, with barely any shade, in tiny enclosures that they pace around and around and around. It was heartbreaking.
Written October 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dani W
3 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
Have you seen Tiger King? Did you think, "Gee that looks great, I sure would like to visit"? Or, like most empathic folks with even a cursory knowledge of wildlife ecology, did you think, "All places like that should be shut down"? If you're in the latter group, this "sanctuary" will appall you. Poor customer service aside (and to set aside something so terrible takes some doing), this is not a sanctuary. The wolves are kept in small cases surrounded by trailers. They're trotted out, one at a time, like they're nothing but cash cows for the charlatans who run this place. The tour guides, while well-intentioned, are ill-informed and disorganized, with no handle on the crowd, wolves, or time. I'll be reporting this location to the proper authorities.
Written December 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susie Q
Sutherland Shire, Australia3 contributions
Nov 2019
I have been a return visitor to Wolf Mountain Sanctuary from Australia on several occasions. I cannot recommend this place enough. I loved the experience so much Ive blogged about it. Tonya is absolutely incredible. She's dedicated her life to these animals. Tonyas plan is move her pack and herself to a more lux atmosphere for her beloved animals. She is always thriving to keep them safe and well. She is passionate about correcting people misperception on the wolf and educating people about this animal to keep them from extinction.
Written June 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
diAre🤍
Burbank, CA2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
This rescue is amazingly educational! And the direct contact with the wolfs is out of this world.. The guide told us unbelievable stories about the wolfs and himself and was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor! I really liked how he talked about his life stories around this beautiful enigmatic animals. I appreciated listening to the owner speak apache and her dedication! Highly recommended🐺🤍
Written October 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Candie K
Pinon Hills, CA3 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
My favorite part of the trip was being able to touch and kiss a wolf. My teenager was so happy to experience them, too. It made us all smile and laugh and feel joy.
There is an incredible atmosphete of love, peace, and good vibes.
I recommend the private tour with owner Tonya Littlewolf for maximum learning.
It will be a family memory that lasts forever.
There is an incredible atmosphete of love, peace, and good vibes.
I recommend the private tour with owner Tonya Littlewolf for maximum learning.
It will be a family memory that lasts forever.
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vincent T
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Friends
The place is a little far, but it's home to a place that borders between the world of wolves and humans. The sanctuary is home to full blooded wolves and a wolfdog who are friendly and suitable for human interaction. I think they liked me!
The owner and helpers are genuine animal people who cares for the canine's welfare and an appreciation for the lore and biology of the wolves. And surprisingly: the wolves don't have an odor! At all! Three hours of rubbing and being licked by wolves didn't leave a noticeable odor!
The owner and helpers are genuine animal people who cares for the canine's welfare and an appreciation for the lore and biology of the wolves. And surprisingly: the wolves don't have an odor! At all! Three hours of rubbing and being licked by wolves didn't leave a noticeable odor!
Written August 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Little C
1 contribution
Oct 2021 • Friends
Tanya (mama wolf) and her tour guides were amazing hosts, the wolves were absolutely beautiful. This was the first time I’ve ever gotten the opportunity to be up close and in person with wolves and I can’t express how grateful I am that I got to be in the presence of Tanya herself and her beautiful babies.
10/10 I will come back for sure
10/10 I will come back for sure
Written October 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What it is the cita of the entrace?
Written February 20, 2020
Sanctuary Schedule:
They are open for tours from Thursday through Sunday.
Please call to request a tour any other days.
Hours: 10 am to 12 pm
(last tour at 12 pm
To Make a Reservation:
Reservations by Phone Call ONLY
Hours for calls - 8am to 6pm ONLY!
NO Calls on MONDAY.
THIS IS A RESIDENCE, PLEASE RESPECT THAT!
Call 760-248-7818 between 8 am and 6pm pst
Written November 20, 2019
hi my grandkids loves wolfs ; 12 and 16 ; how much does it cost to see them ; im in wheelchair so I don't think I can come ; do you have actsess for me think you
Written November 20, 2019
Hi 👋🏻
Sorry for my delay in getting back to you.
It was only $25 each person to get in.
I’m pretty sure you would be able to get in with a wheel chair. If your on FB shot them a message and they will confirm with you.
There were no stair.
Written March 10, 2020
I have a trip planned to California the end of June. When I came across this website I was thrilled to have a chance to interact with wolves. They are truly magnificent creatures. After reading the mixed reviews, I am not sure now. Are there any local agencies that ensure that these wolves are being housed in suitable living conditions? From the videos, it looks like they are not being treated so well and live in a confined outdoor kennel with zero shading. For anyone that has been there please tell me this is not true. I hope they are not running this facility just as a money making venture. Why can't the owner organize an event to raise money for more natural living conditions for these beautiful wolves? With the money they make could they at least get some inexpensive trees to plant to add some shade. Can they give them more of an "in the wild" environment even though they were born in captivity. Just wondering.
Written January 8, 2018
Hi, I don't normally give reviews on trip advisor but I did for this place (it was actually the first time I ever gave a review). As a biologist who has studied animals and animal behavior all over the world, I was very very depressed and disheartened to see the conditions these animals live in at this place and I would never recommend a visit to anyone who actually cares about the species. The majority of people on my tour loved it because they got to cuddle with a wolf, but this place is absolutely detrimental to the human perception of these beautiful wild creatures and will 100% make more people want to go buy a wolf as a pet...which is not a good idea. I am just going to copy and paste my review here. I had high hopes for this place but cannot in good conscious ever tell someone they should visit. It is the complete wrong location (CA desert) to even have such a place with these animals (some of which were previously wild Alaskan wolves).
Zero care for wolf conservation-
Wolves are absolutely stunning and beautiful animals. I learned that when I was lucky enough to spend a month studying them in Yellowstone National Park as part of a college summer field course. As a biologist and someone who has studied animal behavior and conservation at various sites around the world, I was looking forward to seeing wolves and hearing the conservation and educational messages that Wolf Mountain Sanctuary imparts on their visitors. That is NOT what happened. Where to even start…
Tour and lack of educational message:
The one hour ‘tour’ consists of having visitors interact with the wolves and take selfies. At least half of the tour was spent with the surly and unenthusiastic ‘tour guide’ taking photos of people taking turns sitting and cuddling with a wolf that was brought out to sit on a table. There was no guidance about how you should behave around a wolf and give them some space, and when we went into the enclosures the visitors all mobbed the animals to get good photos. While I understand that many of these wolves (and wolf-dog hybrids) are former pets and used to human interaction, the concept that wolves are WILD animals and you should NEVER have a wolf as a pet was not a part of the tour. Kissing and cuddling a wolf was encouraged and I would guess the majority of the visitors went home thinking they might want to adopt a wolf. While I understand that humans LOVE this kind of thing and WANT to cuddle with a wolf and having a personal connection to a species and interactions with an animal can (if done correctly) lead to a long term desire to want to donate to conservation of a species… the message was never imparted that these wolves are unfortunately in this situation due to very misguided people thinking they make good pets. Wolves are NOT dogs. Dogs have been domesticated for around 15,000 years and are very different from wolves. Even if a wolf has grown up in captivity it is still a wild animal. Even if it is a third generation captive wolf, it is still a wild animal. When I asked if they had any relationship with conservation or research taking place on wild wolves my guide simply said No. They have an enthusiastic audience of people who clearly care and have driven a long way to learn about wolves. It is the perfect place to teach the public about the complex problems wolves face in the wild, human-wildlife conflict, legislation that can favor hunters and ranchers, and the reasons that wolves should never be pets. Educational lessons that were not mentioned. They claim “Our mission is to save the wolves.” What this place actually does is the opposite of that statement and completely detrimental to long term wolf conservation. I will say our guide mentioned one of the wild wolves was there because his entire pack was killed in Alaska as a result of Sarah Palin and her policies. That was the one thing I could get behind, though there was no further explanation.
Environment:
The enclosures are too small and some (not all) have cement floors. The closest thing to a den is a plastic igloo or a crude wooden dog house. There is little to no enrichment for the animals. Some are singly housed, which I understand can be necessary due to the complex social structure of wolves. They are located in the desert where in the summer it gets to be over 100 degrees. Some of the wolves had been wild wolves from Alaska. I am still at a loss for why a sanctuary for wolves would ever be set up in the desert in the first place.
More:
While I appreciate they are working on a very limited budget, it does not take extra money to use their platform to educate their visitors about wolves. Any animal sanctuary that encourages interaction with animals over observing and education, is not thinking about the well being of the animals. Most people were quite happy with the tour as they got to cuddle with a wolf, but as someone who cares about the long-term conservation of wolves, I was very upset with what I saw. I have never written a trip advisor review, but I felt like for this…I had to.
Written January 31, 2018
MichelleB1985
Manchester, United Kingdom
Hello, I am looking to book possibly the private tour of the facility and wanted to check if anyone thinks it's worth the extra money ($150)? What else do you get in addition to the standard $25 admission fee?
Thanks!
Written June 12, 2017
You get to spend about 20 minutes with two different wolves. It was very nice and pictures were taken. This location is very remote and smaller than what I expected. Kind of made me sad that they are in the desert without any wooded area. I enjoyed it but would choose another place if possible.
Written June 13, 2017
Does anybody know how to get there with public transportation? Sadly, I can't drive but would love to go to Wolf Mountain Sanctuary. Any suggestions or tip would be great!
Written January 9, 2017
Hi, I'm interested in visiting the sanctuary on the way to Vegas and we're trying to plan out the day? What is the average time most people have spent on their visit? It sounds like anywhere between 2 hours to 3 hours, is that enough time to spend there or too much time to spend there?
Thanks for any feedback provided!
Written November 6, 2016
Your guesstimate is accurate. The amount of time spent on the tour was about 2-3 hours including time in the gift shop.
Call in advance though to be sure they have a time slot open for the day you plan to visit.
Written November 6, 2016
Hi! We would like to visit the sancuary next spring with our kids. Do we have to reservate? I didn`t see any hours or visiters information at the website....
Kind regards from Germany, Nina
Written July 29, 2016
Hello, I am interested in raising a young wolf. They are magnificent creatures and I would like to inquire the compensation needed to purchase one of the creatures.
Written March 13, 2015
Wolves are so much larger and more powerful than dogs and coyotes. To raise a wolf is NOT a good idea at all. Their might be local state laws (or federal permits) that don't allow for raising wolf as well. Should re-think your plan in my opinion.
Written March 15, 2015
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