Comprising 1,300 acres of sandstone formations the Garden of the Gods, close to Colorado Springs, is a wonderful place to explore on foot, by bike or even try out some rock climbing. Come to see what has drawn human beings to this wonderful place for millennia.
Colorado: Keensburg- Wild Animal Sanctuary
🐯 Tigers, Lions, and a Very Famous King — The Colorado Wild Animal Sanctuary
We hadn’t really known what to expect from the Colorado Wild Animal Sanctuary, but it turned out to be one of the most genuinely affecting places we visited on the whole trip. And I use the word “affecting” deliberately, because this was not — emphatically not — a zoo. It was a rescue centre. There is a difference, and quite an important one.
The sanctuary existed specifically to take in exotic animals that had been confiscated from small, often woefully inadequate private zoos, or rescued from private owners who had, at some point, thought it would be rather a good idea to keep a tiger in their back garden. It presumably seemed less of a good idea once the tiger got bigger. The animals arrived here with histories ranging from the merely unfortunate to the genuinely heartbreaking.
You could view many of the animals from raised walkways and elevated platforms, which was thoughtfully done — it meant you could observe without disturbing, which seemed rather the point. Other areas consisted of vast open enclosures that you could really only take in from a distance. Which, frankly, is probably how the bears preferred it.
We counted over 70 tigers. Seventy. Each one with its own sorry tale. Some were housed in smaller paired enclosures while staff worked with them — patiently, methodically — on the social skills needed to eventually live alongside other tigers in the much larger open areas. It was rather like a very specialised finishing school, except with considerably more snarling.
Among the more notable recent arrivals were some of the animals confiscated from the private zoo belonging to one Joseph Maldonado-Passage — better known to the world, thanks to a certain Netflix documentary, as Joe “Tiger King” Exotic. Joe is currently serving a lengthy federal prison sentence, which tells you something about how things went. His animals, at least, ended up somewhere decent.
Beyond the tigers, the sanctuary was home to African lions, leopards, mountain lions, wolves, and bears. All of them were cared for entirely through the dedication of the staff and the generosity of donors, because running a place like this was not cheap. The annual operating costs ran to over a million dollars a year. A million. For animals that don’t pay rent and have no intention of starting.
Jack and Emily absolutely loved it. Emily, in particular, had a marvellous time spotting the leopard that had appeared in an Animal Planet documentary — she was terribly pleased with herself about that — and we also got to meet the owner of the sanctuary in person. Emily, true to form, immediately made friends not with any of the exotic wildlife, but with the owner’s dogs. Two boxers. Friendly as anything. Sometimes you travel halfway across the world and the highlight is patting someone’s dog.
Planning your visit to the Wild Animal Sanctuary
🐾 About the Sanctuary
The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado, is one of the most extraordinary wildlife refuges in the world. Founded in 1980 by Pat Craig, this non-profit organisation began with a single rescued jaguar cub and has grown into a 33,000-acre haven for more than 750 lions, tigers, bears, wolves, jaguars, leopards, mountain lions, cheetahs, lynx, bobcats, camels and many other large carnivores. Every animal at the sanctuary has been rescued from an abusive, illegal or exploitative situation, and the sanctuary’s mission is to rehabilitate them and allow them to live and roam freely within expansive, species-specific natural habitats.
As a state and federally licensed zoological facility operating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation, the sanctuary relies on visitor admissions, donations and its Founder Programme to fund its ongoing rescue and care work.
🗺️ Location
The sanctuary is situated approximately 30 to 40 miles north-east of Denver, making it easily accessible for a day trip from the city. It is also conveniently located just north of Denver International Airport.
Address: 2999 County Road 53, Keenesburg, CO 80643, United States
🌐 Website
📞 Contact
Telephone: +1 (303) 536-0118
Email: information@wildanimalsanctuary.org
🎟️ Entry Fees
Admission is $50 USD per adult (aged 13 and over). Reduced rates apply for children and senior citizens — it is advisable to check the sanctuary’s official website for the most current pricing, as fees may be updated. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door on arrival.
Private guided tours are also available for individuals and small groups. These two-hour tours begin at the Welcome Centre and cover approximately three miles along the Mile Into The Wild Walkway, led by a knowledgeable Animal Ambassador.
🕘 Opening Times
The sanctuary is open seven days a week, year-round, from 9:00 AM until sunset. It may close on certain public holidays or during severe weather conditions, so it is worth checking the website or contacting the sanctuary directly before your visit to confirm opening times.
🦁 What to Expect
The centrepiece of a visit to the sanctuary is the celebrated Mile Into The Wild Walkway — a remarkable elevated footbridge that holds a Guinness World Record as the world’s longest, stretching nearly 8,000 feet (approximately 2,430 metres). This elevated vantage point allows visitors to observe the animals roaming freely below in their vast habitats, without disturbing them. From the walkway you may witness prides of lions, groups of tigers, wolf packs, and bears going about their daily lives across hundreds of open acres of Colorado grassland.
The sanctuary covers around 1,420 acres at the Keenesburg site, with more than 30 large-acreage habitats. A 48,000-square-foot Welcome Centre provides an excellent introduction to the animals and the sanctuary’s conservation mission.
🍽️ On-Site Facilities
Visitors are well catered for during their visit. The Lions Den Café serves meals on site, and there is also a snack bar offering a range of food, snacks and beverages. A picnic area is available for those who prefer to bring their own lunch. A gift shop provides the opportunity to take home a memento and support the sanctuary’s work. Restrooms and ample parking, including bus and motorcoach spaces, are available on site. The sanctuary is ADA accessible and family-friendly.
🎒 What to Bring
The walkway is outdoors and exposed to the Colorado climate, so comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and footwear are strongly recommended. Sun protection, a hat, and plenty of water are advisable in warmer months. Binoculars can greatly enhance the experience of watching animals at a distance. Photography is welcomed, and the elevated walkway offers excellent sightlines across the habitats.
🐺 Supporting the Animals
Beyond a standard visit, there are several ways to deepen your involvement with the sanctuary. You can adopt an individual animal, become a founding supporter through the Founder Programme, volunteer your time, or make a direct donation. School group visits and specialised guided tours can also be arranged in advance through the website.
Best time to visit Colorado
🌨️ Winter (December – February)
Colorado’s winters transform the state into a world-class ski destination. Resorts such as Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge, and Telluride receive abundant snowfall, making this the premier season for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Temperatures in the mountains regularly drop well below freezing, whilst Denver and the Front Range remain milder, often enjoying sunny spells between storms. Accommodation prices at ski resorts peak during this period, so booking well in advance is essential. Non-skiers will find charm in the cosy mountain towns, festive après-ski culture, and dramatic snow-dusted scenery.
What to pack: Heavy insulated ski jacket and salopettes, thermal base layers (merino wool recommended), waterproof ski gloves and goggles, wool-lined snow boots, fleece mid-layers, neck gaiter, warm hat, sunscreen (UV is intense at altitude), and hand warmers.
🌸 Spring (March – May)
Spring in Colorado is a season of dramatic contrasts. March can still deliver heavy mountain snowfall — excellent for late-season skiing — whilst April and May bring wildflower blooms, rushing rivers swollen with snowmelt, and the awakening of hiking trails at lower elevations. Crowds are noticeably thinner than in summer or winter, and prices dip accordingly. Weather is unpredictable, swinging between warm, sunny afternoons and surprise snowstorms, particularly at altitude. It is arguably the most underrated season for visitors who enjoy solitude and transition landscapes.
What to pack: Waterproof layering system (rain jacket plus fleece), sturdy hiking boots, light thermal underlayers, quick-dry trousers, sun hat and sunglasses, sunscreen, compact umbrella, and a lightweight down gilet for cool evenings.
☀️ Summer (June – August)
Summer is Colorado’s busiest and most celebrated season. Temperatures in the mountains are pleasantly warm — typically 18–25°C — making it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, white-water rafting, camping, and wildlife spotting. Colorado’s 58 fourteeners (peaks exceeding 14,000 feet) are most accessible during this period. Afternoon thunderstorms are a near-daily occurrence in the mountains, so early starts are advisable on high trails. National and state parks such as Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, and Great Sand Dunes attract significant visitor numbers; popular sites should be booked months ahead.
What to pack: Moisture-wicking hiking shirts, durable hiking trousers and shorts, lightweight waterproof jacket (for afternoon storms), sturdy trail or hiking boots, sun hat, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, hydration pack or water bottles, and a mid-layer fleece for evenings.
🍂 Autumn (September – November)
Autumn is widely regarded as Colorado’s most visually spectacular season. From mid-September through mid-October, the aspen forests ignite in vivid gold and amber, drawing photographers and leaf-peepers to areas such as Kebler Pass, Last Dollar Road, and the San Juan Skyway. Temperatures are crisp and pleasant, crowds have thinned after the summer rush, and accommodation is easier to secure. Early snowfall can arrive in October at higher elevations, offering the tantalising prospect of golden aspens dusted with fresh snow. Hunting season is also active in autumn, so hikers should wear bright colours in backcountry areas.
What to pack: Layered clothing system (base layer, fleece, wind-resistant outer shell), sturdy hiking boots, warm hat and gloves (for higher elevations and October onwards), sunscreen, bright-coloured outer layer for backcountry hiking, and a lightweight packable down jacket.
🏆 Overall Best Time to Visit
For most travellers, late summer to early autumn (August to mid-October) represents Colorado’s sweet spot. The weather is reliably warm and settled in August, the fourteeners and high alpine trails are fully accessible, and by September the crowds ease considerably as the aspen foliage begins its golden transformation — offering the rare combination of spectacular scenery, comfortable conditions, and manageable visitor numbers. That said, Colorado is genuinely a year-round destination: winter delivers world-class skiing that is difficult to match anywhere outside of the Alps, spring rewards the adventurous traveller with lower prices and dramatic snowmelt landscapes, and summer provides the greatest breadth of outdoor pursuits. The right time to visit ultimately depends on what you are hoping to experience — but if forced to choose a single window, the golden weeks of mid-September stand apart as something truly extraordinary.
Where to stay in Denver
1. Patterson Inn
The Patterson Inn is a boutique bed and breakfast located in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighbourhood, housed in a restored Victorian mansion dating from 1891. The property offers 9 individually decorated guest rooms, each with its own character, blending period architectural details with modern comforts. Guests can expect a full breakfast each morning, and the inn’s central location makes it a practical base for exploring the city on foot. The Capitol Hill area sits close to Denver’s arts and cultural district, with museums, galleries and restaurants within easy reach. The building itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting its architectural and historical significance to the city. For travellers who prefer the atmosphere of a smaller, independently run property over a large chain hotel, the Patterson Inn offers a straightforward and well-regarded option in central Denver.
2. The Silk Pincushion
3. Ember Hostel
Ember Hostel sits in Denver’s River North Art District, better known as RiNo, one of the city’s most energetic neighbourhoods. The hostel draws a sociable crowd of backpackers and budget travellers who want to be close to the action without paying hotel prices. Dorm beds and private rooms are on offer, and the communal spaces are designed to encourage guests to actually talk to one another rather than disappear into their phones. RiNo itself is well worth exploring — the streets are lined with murals, independent breweries, coffee shops and live music venues. Downtown Denver is a short ride away, and the hostel’s location makes it easy to use the city’s light rail network. It’s a practical, well-situated base for anyone wanting to get a genuine feel for the city rather than simply pass through it.
More to Explore
