Alpine: Lions Tigers & Bears Animal Sanctuary Guided Visit

Join a guided 1h 30m visit to the Lions Tigers and Bears animal sanctuary in Alpine. Walk through the sanctuary and see the lions, tigers, and bears there. The visit is rated 5 by 29 reviewers.

Overview

This guided visit takes place at Lions Tigers & Bears, a rescue sanctuary in Alpine, at 24402 Martin Way. You arrive at the ranch and join a group led by an expert from the sanctuary. The visit runs about an hour and a half, though the operator describes it as running up to two hours, and it is built around the stories of the animals that live here.

The animals are the heart of it. Lions, tigers and bears are the headline residents, but the sanctuary also houses bobcats, a leopard, African servals, a mountain lion and a jaguar, plus adopted domestic animals such as horses and llamas. More than 65 animals live on the property in total. Guides explain how each was rescued from abuse, abandonment or the exotic animal trade, and reviewers describe the care the animals receive as impressive.

The framing is that of a Member-for-a-Day. Your booking supports a facility that depends heavily on donations, and part of the visit covers how the trade in exotic animals works and how people can help stop it. This suits travellers who want to see rescued big cats and bears with a guide telling their stories, and one reviewer called it a great place to bring family and friends. It is not a zoo stroll. You move with a guide and a group, listening to individual rescue stories as you go.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrive at the sanctuaryMake your own way to Lions Tigers & Bears at 24402 Martin Way, Alpine, CA. Pickup is not included, so plan the drive in advance.
2. Meet your guideAn expert from the sanctuary leads the group visit and sets out how the facility operates and how the animals arrived here.
3. Guided walk through the sanctuaryThe visit lasts about an hour and a half, with the operator noting it can run up to two hours. You see lions, tigers and bears as you move around the historic ranch property.
4. Meet the other residentsAlong the way you view bobcats, a leopard, African servals, a mountain lion and a jaguar, plus adopted domestic animals such as horses and llamas.
5. Rescue stories and how to helpThe guide explains the backgrounds of the rescued animals and the work being done to stop the exotic animal trade.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the visit smoother, from what to wear to how the tour actually feels on the ground.

• Getting there. There is no pickup. You drive yourself to the sanctuary on Martin Way in Alpine, so check the route before you set out. Bring a passport or ID card, which the listing asks visitors to carry.
• Weather and shade. Visits run rain or shine, so dress for the forecast. One reviewer noted that even on a very hot day there was plenty of shade and the occasional breeze, but weather-appropriate clothing is still on the bring list.
• Footwear and pace. Comfortable shoes are recommended. The visit is a guided walk around a scenic ranch property, so expect to be on your feet for most of the time.
• Food and drink. Food and drinks are not allowed, so eat before you arrive. Smoking is also prohibited on the property, and pets cannot come along.
• Group feel. This is a guided group visit, not a private tour. Several travellers praised their guides as knowledgeable and clearly devoted to the animals, and one mentioned the guide answered every question clearly, so there is room to ask as you go.
• The setting. The sanctuary sits on a scenic historic ranch, and reviewers describe the property as beautiful.

Common issues. The main constraint is logistical: the sanctuary sits in Alpine, and with no pickup included you need your own transport and should budget for the drive. Visits happen rain or shine, and the listing states no refunds, though cancellation up to 24 hours in advance gets a full refund through the booking page. One reviewer found the heat intense despite available shade, so summer visitors should prepare for warm conditions. Food, drinks, smoking and pets are all off-limits during the visit.

Common Questions