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20 JULY 2026 By Rachael Bouley As temperatures in Phoenix peak, why not head north and enjoy cooler weather and fun family adventures? Sedona, the surrounding Verde Valley, and the nearby San Francisco Peaks offer a break amidst stunning natural beauty and awesome animal adventures. Here are three wildlife attractions that might become the highlight of a summer getaway.  1500 E. State Route 66, Williams bearizona.com If you’re exploring Sedona or Flagstaff for the weekend, Bearizona is a must-see. The drive-through safari park was founded in 2010 and has gained a reputation for its black bear cubs. Located 60 miles northwest of Sedona and 30 miles west of Flagstaff, the park is near Williams on Historic Route 66 and covers 160 acres, home to bears, badgers, bison, burros, deer, wolves, and more. Visitors can see the park’s residents up close from a car or shuttle as they drive through over three miles of Ponderosa Pine Forest, where North American animals roam in their natural habitats. More animals can be found in Fort Bearizona, which is a 20-acre walk-thru plot with winding paths – more of a zoo vibe. Over half of the park’s residents are orphaned wildlife, and the junior black bears are the stars of the show. Bearizona is also known for its conservation pond for Northern leopard frogs, which are endangered in the Western and Rocky Mountain populations. When you go, don’t forget to check out the in- person chats (from a safe distance, of course) with grizzlies, elk, and jaguar, plus animal training shows.  3505 W. State Route 260, Camp Verde outofafricapark.com You will likely pass Out of Africa Wildlife Park on your way into Sedona, and it’s a worthwhile stop if you want to see lions, tigers and bears. Not far from I-17 and 25 miles southwest of Camp Verde’s town center, the park is highly regarded for its spacious habitats and its focus on preservation, rehabilitation, and positive public interaction. The preserve was founded by Dean and Prayeri Harrison in 1988 and bears a notable resemblance to the natural African habitats of many of its residents. The park spans more than 100 acres of rolling hills and valleys, with the Mingus Mountains providing a picturesque backdrop. Many of the habitats have unobstructed photo platforms so you can snap fence-free photos of the animals as they roam. In addition to the big cats, there are hundreds of other exotic mammals, reptiles, and birds to observe, including antelopes, hyenas, rhinos, zebras, monkeys, and snakes. You can explore the park on your own or upgrade to an African Bush Safari tour. Other encounters include getting up close and personal with a sloth, feeding a tiger, and zip-lining over the park grounds.   Camp Verde, AZ 86322 sedonawolfsanctuary.org While Bearizona and Out of Africa are open to families of all ages with general admission available on the day, Sedona Wolf Sanctuary is an adults-only adventure by appointment only. It’s worth the drive, as the sanctuary is highly regarded as a refuge for rescued wolves and a sacred place for humans to meet and interact with them. The sanctuary was founded over 25 years ago by HealingWolf, a local shaman who was called to create a refuge where wolves and people could find peace, healing, and mutual respect. Like many Native traditions, HealingWolf believed that wolves are both spirit animals and profound teachers who can enlighten humans with valuable lessons on family, instinct, trust, and resilience. Most of the wolves were rescued from situations of neglect, abuse, or abandonment, and were left unable to survive in the wild. Some were taken in by people who thought they would be good pets, only to realize these creatures need open land to roam. The sanctuary offers Wolf Experiences that you can book either solo or as part of a group. It begins with an orientation covering the pack and sanctuary history, before you are invited inside the enclosures for an organic encounter. The animals are never forced to approach but tend to be more curious and social when they feel safe. Each visit also includes a guided journey through the sanctuary’s sacred spaces to strengthen your connection with nature. LIONS and TIGERS and BEARS, oh – wait, WOLVES too BEARIZONA SEDONA WOLF SANCTUARY OUT OF AFRICA