About
Our Story
The Sedona Wolf Sanctuary began as a vision — a dream carried by HealingWolf, a local shaman whose life was forever changed by an out-of-body experience at a young age. Over 25 years ago, she received the calling to create a sanctuary where wolves and people could come together in peace, healing, and mutual respect.
What started as a dream has since blossomed into a sacred space visited by people from around the world. Guests come seeking more than just an encounter with wolves — they come searching for connection: to the natural world, to the wisdom of these powerful animals, and to their own inner spirit.
HealingWolf believed, as many Native traditions do, that wolves are not only spirit animals, but profound teachers. They show us lessons about family, resilience, instinct, and trust —if we are willing to open our hearts and truly see. Here at the sanctuary, we honor that wisdom every day by allowing the wolves to guide the experience on their own terms.
Today, Sedona Wolf Sanctuary continues to stand as both a refuge for rescued wolves and a place of transformation for the humans who meet them. We welcome you to step onto this sacred land with an open mind and heart, and to discover for yourself what we lovingly call wolf magic. Your journey with these remarkable beings will not just be unforgettable — it may also be life-changing.
To learn more about the sanctuary’s work caring for our rescued animals, visit our FAQ page.
Click here to read our Nonprofit feature in the Sedona Monthly Magazine.
The Sedona Wolf Sanctuary is a uniquely spiritual sanctuary and attraction that harnesses the power of ancient medicine wheels and wolf magic.
“What an amazing experience! The sanctuary is beautiful and they intentionally create an environment that is honoring and respectful to the tribes who once inhabited the land, as well as the wolves who are living there now. I loved learning about both the sanctuary and the story of each wolf. They were all rescues and are now being well loved and cared for, including specialty care from a wildlife vet. We spent time with all of the wolves and were able to interact with them! I got kissed by two wolves! It was incredible! And we weren’t rushed. Everyone in the group was able to get photos and have a moment with each wolf. The sanctuary is built on former Native land and is sacred. I had never seen a medicine wheel and appreciated learning about them and having the opportunity to walk it. We received great communication prior to our visit with directions, instructions about what to wear, and what to expect. Upon arrival we learned the history of the sanctuary and how to interact with the wolves. It was all very well done. It’s a beautiful, unique, and incredible experience. Highly recommend.”
— Michelle B.
“This was my third visit and I can never get enough of the spiritual experience. Each wolf exudes a spirit of their own and willingly shares with visitors. I can not recommend enough to plan a visit to this amazing, spiritual area of Arizona. The guides are wonderful, caring people who not only care for these wonderful creatures but also care about the rich, spiritual history and significance of the land.”
— Bart C.
“What an absolutely amazing experience this was. This truly is one of Sedona’s best kept secrets. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable about the wolves and it is clearly evident that they take great care of these majestic creatures and their sacred land. The Wolf Experience is something we highly recommend experiencing if you have not done so before, whether you are a resident of Sedona or just visiting.
— Chris D.
“I reached out a couple of weeks ago to inquire about visiting on their website. I received a text shortly after and our visit was confirmed, with great instructions within 5 minutes. I had a really great experience, and was glad to be able to encounter the wolves. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect when coming here. Our guides shared great information about the wolves and the sanctuary. The wolves are beautiful and sweet. Kodi and Spirit were my favorites, but all of them were amazing. Larka is such a sweetheart. Learning about the medicine wheels and participating in the sage smudging was a new experience for me that I really did enjoy. My visit was absolutely worth the drive. I love following the sanctuary on IG.”
— Nicky A.
“Highly recommended. Our hosts were so friendly. It was a wonderful experience being with wolves, and it was also a spiritual one. Both of our hosts shared the history of the area, a place steeped in Native mysticism. They also told us stories about the wolves and took photos so everyone could focus on the experience. They are doing a wonderful thing for the wolves. This is their only salvation because they can’t be pets, and they can’t survive in the wild. The only other option is euthanasia. I want to go back there!”
— Kelley H.
“Most amazing experience ever! The caretakers are knowledgeable about the land history and the wolves themselves. A must do experience when in Sedona or surrounding areas!”
— Amy L.
“Visiting the wolf sanctuary was absolutely life-changing. From the moment I stepped onto the grounds, I felt this deep connection to the wolves and the land. The staff were so welcoming and knowledgeable — you can tell they truly care about the wolves and their mission. Getting to see the wolves up close and hearing their stories opened my eyes in a way I didn’t expect. It was peaceful, powerful, and emotional all at once. I left with a whole new respect and love for these beautiful creatures. If you’re even thinking about going, do it! It’s an experience that’ll stay with you forever.”
— Taylor R.
“What a great experience! If I could give this place 10 stars, I would — they take such good care and spoil these wolves and give them such great homes. My wife and I enjoyed this experience immensely. Thank you for taking the time to share your pack with us and others. It was truly a humbling experience for a true wolf lover.”
— Ron H.
“The Sedona Wolf Sanctuary was a truly magical experience! I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect, but felt at ease right away by the friendly staff. I appreciated the history and backstory of both the sanctuary and the sacred land. And I really enjoyed the spiritual connection to the medicine wheel for health, healing, and self-direction. The wolves are well taken care of and were just lovely to interact with. Not once did I feel unsafe or concerned. It was truly an incredible experience and I cannot wait to come back for another visit. Go support SWS!”
— Hana F.
“I booked this experience as a surprise for my fiance’s birthday. Wolves are his favorite animal so I knew this would be amazing. Our expectations were highly exceeded. The spiritual connection with the wolves and the land the sanctuary is on is so healing and powerful. Our guides were very knowledgeable about the wolves. We could have honestly listened to them all day sharing their knowledge and experience. You can tell the wolves are more than just animals to them. It was amazing to see the connections they share with the wolves. We can’t wait to go back and see our wolf friends again! Thank you Sedona Wolf Sanctuary!”
— Katie C.
“The Sedona Wolf Sanctuary was a rare glimpse into the world of the wolf. Our most knowledgeable guides shared the history of the ancient lands and the story of how the wolves became so revered as spirit animals, and highly respected by native cultures. We found the wolves to be gentle, beautiful animals, warm, friendly, and very affectionate. It was an experience we will always treasure and never forget. We felt a mystical, almost spiritual bond with them. Being able to step into their world and interact with them was rare and magical, and one of life’s special moments. We will definitely be back to bond with them again, and support the Sedona Wolf Sanctuary.”
— Daulton W.
Meet Cynthia
Chief Wolf Whisperer
Cynthia’s connection to animals began at a young age, with a special bond to wolves —creatures of intelligence, strength, and mystery. She had the privilege of being mentored by HealingWolf, the shaman who founded the sanctuary, learning how to care for the pack and share their wisdom with others.
Today, Cynthia carries this sacred work forward, nurturing the packs’ well-being and guiding guests through transformative experiences. Her dedication, intuition, and love for these animals create encounters that leave lasting impressions and invite every visitor to feel the profound lessons of the wolf.
Got questions for us? Click here to read our FAQ’s.