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Join the pack at Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Centre

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We took our family to get high in Colorado. But there wasn't any pot involved!

Although the state is famous for legalizing marijuana in 2012, we eschewed a chemical high for a natural one -- and that included being kissed by a wolf at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center in Divide, a short drive northwest of Colorado Springs, and a few hours south of Denver.

Getting up close and personal with a wolf has been on my daughter's bucket list for years, so I built a four-day adventure around a photo session that included a half hour with two wolves, and a tour of the sanctuary complete with howling.

The other days included sleeping atop Cheyenne Mountain at Cloud Camp, and watching the Colorado sunset at the breathtaking Ranch at Emerald Valley, both Broadmoor properties.

But first, the wolves. We signed liability waivers, got rid of any tassels, dangly objects and jewelry, left our cameras, purses, sandals and wallets behind, and entered the enclosure. The two gates were quickly locked behind us and I have to admit it was a bit daunting to be penned in with two large wolves, but Micah, a six-year-old timber wolf, and Keara, a 10-year-old Alaskan Interior wolf, were great hosts.

They are the centre's ambassadors, and Micah in particular is well-versed in meeting and greeting visitors, especially when treats are involved.

We put our trust in Darlene Kobobel's hands and lens -- she not only photographs the encounters but is the head wolf lady who started rescuing wolves and wolf-dogs 23 years ago and runs the 14-hectare sanctuary and education facility in order "to be a voice for all animals and to educate the public as to why wolves, coyote and fox are essential to our eco-system."

Many wolves come to the sanctuary after failed attempts by people to make them pets. Some have been kept in tiny, cramped kennels or chained in backyards. They've also been rescued from college dorms, roadside zoos, photo farms, and the fur industry. After so much exposure to humans, they can't be returned to the wild.

"Our animals did not ask to live in captivity, but since they do, we give them the best possible life we can offer. The only thing we cannot give them is freedom," Kobobel says.

The centre provides the wolves with large enclosures, food and vet care, It operates solely on public donations and sponsors. We prepaid $250 for our Alpha Photo Session for the four of us -- and it was worth every penny. Other options include a standard one-hour educational tour for $15, and a feeding tour is $20. Tours are conducted year round.

Communicating with the wolves is free. Our group howl was returned with a spine-tingling chorus from many of the 17 wolves residing on the property.

Just being close to these beautiful creatures -- literally in your face -- and hearing their haunting howls is a once in a lifetime experience and definitely worth putting on your bucket list. For more information, visit wolfeducation.org.

Put your head in the clouds

Adventure feeds the human spirit and taste-testing a variety of experiences off the wilderness menu is good for the soul.

Following a howling good time at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, we spent a few hours enjoying the pretty mountain community of Manitou Springs with its artsy shops and lively restaurants. Garden of the Gods, a natural landmark of sandstone rock formations, is also a must-see.

We spent the first night in the third-floor suite at the charming Avenue Hotel Bed and Breakfast, in Manitou Springs, and the next morning took a ride on Broadmoor's Pikes Peak Cog Railway, about 14 km up the 4,267-metre-high mountain, while taking in some of Colorado's most spectacular views spanning from the Front Range to Kansas and New Mexico.

Visitors should be aware that even in the summer temperatures drop 30 to 40 degrees on the way up, and I have to say we were not dressed for the climb. Luckily you can purchase hot drinks and warm clothing during the 45- minute layover at the top of Pikes Peak.

That night we again found ourselves on top of the world at Cloud Camp, a wilderness retreat crowning Cheyenne Mountain. Truly, it's cloud nine. Perched atop a rock precipice at 2,804 metres above sea level, it's an adventure just getting there. We took a jeep ride to the top although you can go by mule, or hike.

Greeted by stunning 360 degree views, amazing staff and guest cabins featuring hand-hewn wood details, it's breathtaking. But the view is not the only thing that takes your breath away -- so does climbing a few stairs to get to the main lodge! When you come from an elevation of around 100 metres, it's amazing how being up in the clouds affects your breathing.

My favourite part was the spectacular lodge, where meals and stories are shared among guests at the enormous dining-room table. Preparing appetizers with the chef, while sipping wine, added to the one-of-a-kind experience in the truly intimate setting.

Our third night in Colorado featured a hail storm followed by a spectacular sunset while tucked away on the porch of a refurbished century-old lakeside cabin at Ranch at Emerald Valley, another Broadmoor Wilderness Experience on Cheyenne Mountain.

Surrounded by wildflowers, lakes and mountains, its serenity is almost indescribable. Our visit included guided horseback riding along steep ridges, followed by archery and phenomenal food.

Nestled in 400-plus-hectares of the Pike National Forest at an altitude of 2,499 metres, this ranch retreat is like no other place on earth -- a wilderness experience that will definitely feed anyone's wanderlust. Check out broadmoor.com and get your head in the clouds!

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