Kangaroo yoga. Alpaca hikes. A geothermal gator sanctuary. These unexpected experiences prove Colorado’s wild side isn’t just for the backcountry.
Smooth Alpaca Farm Experience
Just 25 minutes from Denver, Smooth Alpaca Farm invites you to bond with a herd of curious, wide-eyed alpacas. This working farm blends hands-on animal time with a behind-the-scenes look at how their ultra-soft fleece becomes high-end knitwear. It’s part barnyard visit, part fashion lesson—and entirely charming. Expect fluffy selfies, fun facts, and maybe a scarf or two from the on-site shop to remember your new woolly friends.
Colorado Gator Farm
Set on a geothermal farm in the San Luis Valley, Colorado Gator Farm is an unexpected sanctuary for rescued alligators, tortoises, and other animals. Originally a tilapia farm back in 1977, the reptile rescue and bird sanctuary, opened in 1990, now offers guided, hands-on experiences—from feeding ancient tortoises to safely handling a gator. It’s a striking blend of education and adrenaline, where the surreal setting and close encounters leave you with a story that feels almost too wild to be true.
Kangaroo Ranch
Yoga meets marsupials at this Wheat Ridge rescue where red kangaroos roam freely during beginner-friendly classes held in a rustic, eucalyptus-scented barn. The vibe is serene, a little surreal, and surprisingly calming—until a curious roo hops through your sun salutation. After class, browse the boutique, book a feeding or cuddle session, or snap a selfie with your new cohosts. Because yes, downward dog is great—but downward kangaroo? That’s a flex.
Discover more unique animal encounters in the print issue of Denver Life Magazine available at local newsstands or subscribe to the digital version.
