How to Visit
Take a Guided Tour
Meet the animals who call Southwest Wildlife home.
Join us for a daytime Walk With Wildlife Tour or the unforgettable Twilight Tour or Full Moon Tour. Each tour lasts up to two hours and offers an up-close look at Arizona’s native animals and the inspiring stories behind their rescues. Tours are best suited for ages five and older. For families with younger children, our Family Day event, designed so you can explore at your own pace.
Reservations are required for all tours, and waitlists are available if a tour fills.
Guided Sanctuary Tours
Walk with Wildlife Tour
All Month Long
This two-hour guided tours allow you to get an up-close view of some of our permanent sanctuary animals as guides share their compelling stories.
Full Moon Tour
April 4th, 2026 | 4-6 PM
Join us for a unique guided tour of Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center by the light of a full moon. If you’re lucky, you might even hear a serenade from the Mexican gray wolves. After the tour, watch the full moon rise while enjoying a selection of light refreshments.
Join Us for Special Events
We host seasonal and special events throughout the year that offer different ways to experience the sanctuary and connect with Arizona’s wildlife. These include educational programs, holiday celebrations, and one of a kind special events.
Check our upcoming events calendar below for current offerings and registration details.
Private Tour Policy
To confirm your private tour, payment must be received in advance based on the timing of your booking:
- Bookings made more than 30 days in advance: Payment is due 14 days prior to your scheduled tour time.
- Bookings made within 7 days of the tour date: Payment is due 48 hours prior to your scheduled tour time.
Please note that reservations are not considered confirmed until payment has been received.
Upcoming Events
Bat Netting
May 16th, 2026 | 6:00–10:00 PM
Join us at the Sanctuary for one of our most popular events! In partnership with Arizona Game & Fish, you’ll experience bats up close, learn about their vital role in our ecosystem, and hear from biologists as they safely study and release them. These incredible (and often misunderstood) flying mammals help control insect pests and disease, making their conservation more important than ever.
Important Visitor Information
Reservations Required
Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is not open to the public without an appointment or an event reservation. All tours, visits, and donation drop-offs must be scheduled in advance.
Private Tours
For groups of 10 or more, a private tour is required. This is a great option for large groups or those who prefer a more personal experience.
Call the education department at (480) 471-3621 or email at [email protected] to inquire about booking a private tour of the sanctuary.
Cancellation Policy
Guests may receive a full refund if they cancel at least 24 hours before their scheduled tour date and time. Weather related cancellations will be at SWCC’s descretion.
Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance will be considered a donation to support our mission.
Tour or Event Sold Out? You can join the waitlist if a tour time is fully booked or can’t accommodate your group size. If spots become available, you’ll be notified by email. Waitlist requests are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sanctuary Address: 27026 N 156th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Note: Drive on 156th Street (dirt road) for approximately 1 mile. Then, turn into the driveway immediately before Redbird. Look for the SWCC signs along the way!