Get an up-close look at critically endangered wolves on a fascinating tour at California Wolf Center in Julian. Learn about conservation efforts and witness wolves in their element—and support their future survival.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour 20 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical activity involved
Wildlife
History
Julian was founded during the California Gold Rush and has a legacy of rugged outdoor life, which continues today through its conservation projects.
Conservation
The center actively promotes habitat preservation for wolves and educates the public about the importance of predator coexistence.
California Wolf Center
Get an up-close look at critically endangered wolves on a fascinating tour at California Wolf Center in Julian. Learn about conservation efforts and witness wolves in their element—and support their future survival.
California Wolf Center is a nonprofit conservation organization focused on wolf recovery, education, and research.
The center operates a Conservation Facility where visitors can join guided tours, learn wolf behavior, and support active conservation programs. Programs include school group tours, enrichment demonstrations with ambassador packs, feeding tours, holiday-themed experiences, private tours for small groups, and public conservation tours offered on select days.
Tours are led by trained staff who present educational information about wolf biology, pack dynamics, and the species' role in North American ecosystems. The Enrichment Tour visits two ambassador wolf packs and highlights environmental enrichment techniques used to encourage natural behaviors. Feeding Tours demonstrate feeding-related behavior while staff provide large food items to encourage instinctive responses. Holiday Tours add seasonal enrichment activities on select dates, blending education with hands-on elements for families.
School Group Tours and specialized School Groups - Wolf Conservation Tour offer curriculum-aligned content suitable for K–12 audiences, combining observation with classroom-ready educational material. Private Tours accommodate an intimate group of visitors—up to six people—and provide a tailored experience and dedicated presentation.
California Wolf Center emphasizes transparent conservation goals and public education as pathways to species recovery. Ticket revenue and program participation support care for resident wolves and ongoing outreach. The center’s visitor experiences are designed to be informative, respectful of animal welfare, and supportive of broader wolf conservation efforts. Visitors interested in booking should reserve spots in advance, as capacity limits and seasonal scheduling affect availability for specific tours and school programs.
Tours Offered
7 Experiences
Guided, feeding, private, school, holiday
Private Groups
Up to 6
Private tours for small groups
Conservation Focus
Endangered Wolves
Works with critically endangered wolves
Tour Schedule
Fri–Mon (some)
Wolf Conservation Tour runs Fri–Mon
Secure tickets for guided conservation tours, private visits, feeding events, or school programs—limited spots available.
Dress in layered, comfortable clothing
Wolves are active regardless of weather; layering helps you stay comfortable throughout the tour.
Arrive early to ensure a full experience
Early arrival allows time for check-in and orientation before the tour begins.
Bring a pair of binoculars
Helpful for observing wolves and other wildlife from a distance during your visit.
Be prepared for outdoor areas
Some parts of the facility may involve standing or short outdoor walks.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive footwear is recommended for walking around the facility's outdoor areas.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Dressing in layers ensures comfort regardless of outdoor conditions.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Binoculars
Helps observe wolves and distant wildlife more clearly.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protects against sun exposure during outdoor portions of the visit.
summer