Have you ever had the chance to pet a wolf? Howl with a wolf? Sedona Wolf Sanctuary is not just a wolf rescue but a healing place that offers “wolf magic.” Local Shaman, HealingWolf, started the sanctuary over 25 years ago so that people and wolves could come together in harmony. She believed that wolves are more than spirit animals, but also teachers and protectors. During the encounter, some may feel a healing or peaceful energy which is the wolf magic.
Sacred Land and an Ancient Medicine Wheel
This Sanctuary is the only wolf rescue in the country that is on sacred land, and part of the experience includes walking an ancient medicine wheel from over 900 years ago. The wheel is a big circle lined with rocks and divided into four quadrants that represent different life stages; infancy, teen, mature adult, and elderly. You can walk the medicine wheel clockwise to set intentions for the future, or counterclockwise to revisit the past and heal old wounds and traumas. I chose to walk counterclockwise and as soon as I reached challenging age ranges on the wheel, I became a bit emotional. Whether you are spiritual or not, the medicine wheel will at the very least lead you to reflection.
What Are Wolves Really Like?
We began the wolf experience with an informative talk about the psychology of wolves and how packs operate. Contrary to what you might think, wolves are more like cats than dogs in many aspects such as problem solving. They are independent thinkers and understand cause and effect better than dogs who wait for a cue from their human. While they are loyal to their family, they are fearful of others and aloof like a cat to strangers.
Meet the Pack: The Six Wolves of Sedona Wolf Sanctuary
Before visiting with the wolves, we participated in a saging ceremony to clear our energy and set an intention. Wolves read energy well so to have the best experience and to calm any nerves you may have, this is important. There are six wolves at the Sanctuary separated by three different enclosures. This pack is led by an alpha female named Yiva, but she wasn’t feeling very social with us and hid the entire visit in the 8ft den she dug. Thor and Spirit share an enclosure with her and were much more curious about us. Larka is now a lone wolf and in an enclosure on her own. She is a wolf dog over 12yrs old, which is far past the average life expectancy of a wolf at 5-7yrs in the wild. She lost her love years ago so she has chosen to retreat as wolves are monogamous for life. The last enclosure is where you’ll meet an arctic wolf named Kodi that is stunning with all white fur, and Luna, a very friendly black and gray wolf. Luna gave me kisses and we even got her to howl with us which was such a beautiful experience.
How to Visit Sedona Wolf Sanctuary: Booking, Directions, and What to Expect
If you are visiting Sedona, we hope you add this experience to your list. Remember it is by appointment only and do not follow GPS, you will receive driving directions after booking. A high clearance vehicle is not necessary but it is a bumpy ride. Check out the video below to learn more about the sanctuary and follow us on socials for more adventures. We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.
Looking for more adventures in Arizona? Check out additional blog posts dedicated to our home state here.
