Most people – including residents – have no idea that you can have a wolf encounter in New Mexico. But those people haven’t been to Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in the tiny, unincorporated community of Candy Kitchen.
Candy Kitchen supposedly earned its name because, during Prohibition, the local moonshiner sold piñon candy as a cover for booze production. Located roughly 60 miles south of Gallup, both this community and the sanctuary are remote.
To reach Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary, you bump along a gravel road into, well, the middle of nowhere. The wolves’ howls carry through this quiet area, providing a beautiful if eerie greeting.
This 90-acre sanctuary houses rescued wolves and wolf-dogs that can no longer live in the wild.
The sanctuary is home to more than 60 wild animals, which are housed in pairs or groups.
Visitors must take a guided tour to view the facility.
The guides here are really knowledgeable, both about wolves in general and these wolves specifically. They tell you about the different animals’ personalities and their backstories.
If some of the names sound familiar, it’s because author George R. R. Martin and his wife support the sanctuary and named the Westeros Pack after the “Game of Thrones” characters!
For a unique experience, sign up for a feeding tour, where you can accompany sanctuary volunteers as they give the wolves their breakfast. (Pictured wolf is actually receiving a treat basket.)
During the tour, there is a fence separating you from the animals. If you’d like to get closer, it’s worth paying for one of the encounters.
Take a 30-minute walk in the company of an ambassador wolf.
Or opt for the canine encounter tour, which allows you to interact with the sanctuary’s wolves, wolf-dogs, Australian Dingos, and New Guinea Singing Dogs.
You can even stay overnight at the sanctuary.
Fall asleep to the sound of wolf howls.
Accommodations range from tent camping and RV sites to a cabin or retreat center that you can rent.
Staying here lets you take advantage of one of the packages, which bundle together accommodations and various wolf encounters.
To learn more about the sanctuary, watch this video featuring an interview with Wild Spirit’s director, Leyton Cougar.
Tip: The best time of year to visit is winter because that's when the wolves are most energetic.It's important to make reservations in advance by calling (505) 775-3032 or emailing ([email protected]) the sanctuary. Only standard tours don't require advance reservations.
Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary is located at 378 Candy Kitchen Road, Ramah.
For more one-of-a-kind experiences in New Mexico, click here.
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