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Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park Pagosa Springs

4.6
·610 reviews·Pagosa Springs, United States

A privately owned wildlife rescue center offering animal feeding tours and horseback rides, dedicated to the well-being of its rescued residents.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

3 PM Daily

Feeding tour with Denise

CrowdMedium
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Our mountain lion, Willow

Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park Pagosa Springs

Best Time

3 PM Daily

Feeding tour with Denise

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A privately owned wildlife rescue center offering animal feeding tours and horseback rides, dedicated to the well-being of its rescued residents.

4.6
(610 reviews)

"Absolutely amazing! The secret is to visit at two o'clock and hang out until Denice conducts the 3pm feeding of the animals."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Feeding Tour Times

Arrive for the 3 PM feeding tour; Denise's passion is heartwarming! :star:

👢 Wear Mud-Ready Shoes

Expect muddy paths, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are your best bet. :boot:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bear Feeding Time

Bear Feeding Time

Bear Enclosure

Witness bears enjoying frozen fruit treats, a delightful way to cool down and see them up close.

Mountain Lion Encounter

Mountain Lion Encounter

Mountain Lion Enclosure

A chance to see a majestic mountain lion, a highlight for many visitors seeking local wildlife.

Animal Feeding Tours

Animal Feeding Tours

Various Animal Enclosures

Engage with staff like Denise and learn the heartwarming stories behind each rescued animal.

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Planning Your Visit

Feeding Tour is a Must-Do

Don't miss the animal feeding tours, especially the 3 PM session led by Denise. Arrive early to secure a spot and enjoy the animals' feeding rituals. Be prepared for potential weather changes; umbrellas are provided if it rains.

Embrace the Wild Weather

This is a wildlife park, so expect animals to be more active at certain times and potentially shy away from crowds. Visiting during or after rain can be a unique experience, and the staff is accommodating.

Best Times

When
3 PM Daily
Why
Feeding tour with Denise
Crowd
Medium
When
Opening Hours
Why
See animals before crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Pagosa Hot Springs are fully underwater!!! #pagosasprings #denver #Colorado #milehighcity #pagosahotsprings
@coloradofishingfun
34.6K likes • 703.1K views

🎯 Feeding Tour Times

Arrive for the 3 PM feeding tour; Denise's passion is heartwarming! :star:

👢 Wear Mud-Ready Shoes

Expect muddy paths, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are your best bet. :boot:

Dont roast me too hard about the egg smell. But please explain… #fy #fyp #colorado #vacation #pagosasprings
@moonlitshadowz
27.9K likes • 502.7K views
Hey Siri: Find us the perfect Colorado property. ✨ 🏡 Mountain Bird Ranch, 668 Pagosa Springs, CO | Listed by Dan Dockray #livsothebysrealty #luxuryhomes #livsir #sothebysinternationalrealty #luxury #coloradolife #coloradolifestyle #summervibes #Summer #mountain #mountains #coloradohomes
@livsothebysrealty
8.6K likes • 177K views

☔️ Rain Gear is Provided

Don't let rain deter you; umbrellas are available for tours. :umbrella:

💰 Affordable Entry

Great value for the experience and supporting a good cause. :moneybag:

reddit.com

Best place to see mountain lions?

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Feeding Tour Times

Arrive for the 3 PM feeding tour; Denise's passion is heartwarming! :star:

👢 Wear Mud-Ready Shoes

Expect muddy paths, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are your best bet. :boot:

☔️ Rain Gear is Provided

Don't let rain deter you; umbrellas are available for tours. :umbrella:

💰 Affordable Entry

Great value for the experience and supporting a good cause. :moneybag:

🐴 Horseback Rides Available

Add a 30-minute horseback ride to your visit for an extra adventure. :horse:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(610 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park, highlighting the passionate staff, well-cared-for animals, and the heartwarming feeding tours. The affordable entry and unique encounters with local wildlife make it a highly recommended stop. Some visitors note that animals can be elusive, and the park is relatively small, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.

"Loved our visit! Definitely do the feeding tour (check the times). When we went it needed up POURING rain and we had to stop the feeding tour and wait it out and then go back out once it calmed down a bit. They do have umbrellas you can use which was a huge bonus. I would wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. The animals are well taken care of and you can tell they’re loved. Def a great organization!"

Vickie Parry

"Absolutely amazing! The secret is to visit at two o’clock and hang out until Denice conducts the 3pm feeding of the animals. Her absolute love and rapport with each of her charges is truly heart-warming. We visited during a torrential rain/lightning storm, which added a unique twist, but I suspect that you will enjoy it immensely no matter the weather."

J P

"Low key spot that isn’t too large to explore. Has the essentials and depending on the day you might see animals since they obviously want to hide away from most watchers.

The bears are the reason to come, today we lucked out and it was “popsicle” time and we were able to watch two bears chow down on frozen fruit to cool down. Got neat art inside that’s a bit high for my taste but some cool pieces to at least look at.

Overall great experience for the low entry cost."

Dallas Green

What People Like

Passionate staff
Well-cared-for animals
Heartwarming feeding tours

What People Dislike

Animals can be elusive
Park is small

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The park is located south of Pagosa Springs on Highway 84. It's a short drive, making it easily accessible for a day trip. Many visitors drive their own vehicles.

Yes, there is parking available for visitors at the park. It's generally ample, especially if you arrive earlier in the day.

Public transportation options are limited in this area. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park.

Take Highway 84 South from Pagosa Springs. The park will be on your right. It's a straightforward drive.

Pagosa Springs itself offers hot springs and other natural attractions. The park is a great addition to a broader exploration of the area.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entry cost is very affordable, making it a great value. Specific pricing can be confirmed upon arrival or by contacting the park directly.

Advance booking is generally not required for general admission. However, it's always a good idea to check their website or call ahead, especially for specific tours.

The park typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's best to check their official hours before your visit, as they can vary seasonally.

While not explicitly mentioned, the low entry cost is often highlighted as a benefit. Inquire at the front desk about any potential group or special discounts.

General admission allows you to explore the park and see the animals. Special tours, like the feeding tour, may have separate or included components depending on the package.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of local wildlife, including bears and mountain lions, as well as other rescued animals. The specific animals present can vary.

Absolutely! The feeding tours, especially the 3 PM one with Denise, are highly recommended for their educational and heartwarming content. Reddit

Most visitors spend around 2 hours at the park, including time for a horseback ride. You can easily spend longer if you take your time exploring. Reddit

The entire park is an engaging experience for children, with opportunities to see animals up close and learn about their stories. The feeding tours are particularly captivating for kids.

Yes, photography is encouraged. You'll have opportunities to capture great shots of the animals, especially during feeding times. Remember to be respectful of the animals' space.

🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining

While the park focuses on wildlife, they do offer 'popsicles' as a treat, which are a hit with visitors. It's a simple offering but adds to the charm. Reddit

It's generally a good idea to bring your own snacks and water, especially if you plan to spend a longer time. There are no extensive dining facilities on-site.

Pagosa Springs has various dining options. You can plan to eat before or after your visit to the park in town.

The mention of 'popsicles' suggests a simple, refreshing treat is available, perfect for a warm day. Reddit

Yes, it's advisable to have a meal before you arrive, as food options within the park are limited to simple treats.

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon can be ideal for lighting, but feeding times offer unique opportunities to capture animals in action. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of the animals' well-being and avoid using flash photography directly at them.

You can capture close-ups of various animals, their feeding behaviors, and the natural habitat. The mountain lion and bears are popular subjects.

Yes, the park is noted as a good place to see mountain lions, and with patience, you can get excellent photographs. Reddit

A telephoto lens can be beneficial for capturing detailed shots of animals from a distance. However, a standard camera or smartphone can also yield great results.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park is a fantastic destination for families. The animal feeding tours are a huge hit with children, offering an exciting and educational experience. Seeing animals like bears and mountain lions up close, and learning their rescue stories, is captivating for young minds. Reddit

Practical tips for families: Wear sturdy, mud-friendly shoes as paths can get messy. The park provides umbrellas if it rains, so don't let weather concerns stop you. The affordable entry fee makes it a budget-friendly outing, and the opportunity to see local wildlife in a sanctuary setting is a memorable experience for all ages.

💰 Budget Travelers

This park is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. The entry cost is very affordable, offering significant value for the experience. Reddit You can enjoy seeing a variety of rescued animals, learn their stories, and even participate in feeding tours without breaking the bank. Reddit

Tips for saving: Pack your own snacks and water to avoid on-site food costs. The main attractions are the animals and the feeding tours, which are included or very reasonably priced, making it a cost-effective way to spend a few hours exploring local wildlife.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of the Sanctuary: Animal Care

Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park is more than just an attraction; it's a privately owned wildlife rescue center dedicated to the well-being of its animals. Many of the residents have unique stories of rescue and rehabilitation, which are shared by the knowledgeable staff. This personal touch makes the experience deeply rewarding, as visitors can see firsthand the care and love these animals receive. The staff, like Denise, are passionate about their charges and eager to share their knowledge, making the park an educational and heartwarming destination. Reddit

Visitors often remark on how well-cared-for the animals appear, noting their healthy coats and active behaviors. This commitment to animal welfare is a significant draw for many who appreciate supporting organizations that prioritize conservation and rescue. The park's relatively small size also allows for a more intimate viewing experience, where you can truly appreciate the individual personalities of each animal. Reddit

When planning your visit, remember that these are wild animals, and their behavior can be unpredictable. They may choose to rest or hide, especially during peak visitor hours. However, the feeding tours offer a fantastic opportunity to see them at their most active and engaged. The park's dedication to providing a naturalistic environment, coupled with their rescue mission, makes it a truly special place to visit.

Experiencing the Park: Tours and Activities

The animal feeding tours are a highlight for most visitors, offering an up-close look at the animals' daily routines and a chance to learn their individual stories. The 3 PM feeding tour, often led by Denise, is particularly praised for its engaging and heartwarming presentation. Visitors should aim to be present for this tour to get the most out of their visit. Reddit

Beyond the feeding tours, the park offers horseback trail rides, providing a different perspective of the surrounding landscape and a bit of adventure. These rides are typically around 30 minutes long and can be a great addition to your day. Reddit The park also features some art inside, though it's noted as being a bit high for some tastes, it still offers some interesting pieces to look at. Reddit

It's important to note that the park's layout means you might encounter muddy conditions, especially after rain. Wearing appropriate footwear is highly recommended. Despite its size, visitors often find that 2 hours is a good amount of time to explore everything, including a horseback ride. Reddit

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