I really, really wanted to give this place 5 stars. I rarely write Yelp reviews under 3 stars…read more Unfortunately, there are several reasons I can't give this place a stellar writeup. I want to preface my feedback with the fact I've been to several animal sanctuaries in the U.S. and aboard (including a wolf sanctuary in Canada). This one was undoubtedly the lowest quality experience (and worst value) of all of them. I also want to say that at the very end of the tour, my husband and I were told our kids could get a STICKER if they wrote a review during our PAID time to see the animals. For this reason, I suspect that a lot of these reviews are *artificially* inflated. Now, for the details on our experience: 1) COMMUNICATION: Communication could be more organized. You get an address to enter into your GPS as well as an address for "meeting". It would be much clearer to have these side-by-side in one email with a clear distinction. Alternatively, it would be better to just revive the GPS address since you don't need to walk far at all for the meet up place. 2) TIMELINESS: Next, there is not even a 10 minute grace period for arriving late. I take responsibility for arriving on time, but if you miss one exit you are missing out on the experience. Keep in mind that this place is well aware they are not the easiest to get to, and they still cannot give a 10 minute grace period. Moreover, we noticed that the next group after us began EARLY. Communication should, at a minimum, make it extremely clear to arrive early since this place is stricter on time than a German train station. I would not drive here again from a touristy part of SD County like La Jolla. 3) LACK OF FREEDOM TO WALK AROUND: You really cannot walk around much at all. I understand that the foxes are sacred, easily scared, and must be respected. However, this restriction on visitor mobility contrasts starkly with how other sanctuaries I have been to operate. My family and I were looking forward to walking around during the tour and even a little after. However, not even the former is allowed. We felt inhospitable shuffled from cage to cage (seeing a total of a mere 3 cages) as we heard ten times that foxes are not good pets (it was very clear after two times). We felt like there were opportunities to observe the animals more, but we could not. It felt like we were preschoolers who could be unsupervised alone for more than 2 seconds. 4) SOMEONE ELSE'S ADD ON IS A DIRECT TAKE AWAY OF YOUR EXPERIENCE: If someone in your group decides to do an "add on" experience of petting/feeding a fox, keep in mind that you will spend your PAID time to watch them doing that. So, another person's add on is a TAKE AWAY to you and your paid time. My family + one couple in our group did not opt in for this additional experience, and we were not allowed to see the canids even with one other staff member. Instead, we had to watch those who opted in the "add on" feed and pet a fox (which by the way was exorbitantly overpriced for the amount of interaction). Additionally, it was not even clear that the other couple + my family would be able to *sit in* and observe the add on folks. The other couple asked a staff member if we could sit and she paused before saying we could. We were not even allowed to see the animals EVEN with another staff member. Instead, several staff members passively observed the children with the add on experience feed/pet a fox. We signed up for a 45 min tour and we did NOT get that because others who happened to be in our group *happened* to request an additional experience. I wonder if they were surprised that the add on experience did not occur AFTER the tour but rather DURING it. 5) Towards the end of the time, a grey truck raced through the parking lot and directly alongside the space where our group stood. To our surprise, staff acted as if just a leaf had blown by. Presumably, this reckless driver was a staff member because staff did not look over and we did not see a new person look around/try to join a group. Had a child been running around, this would have more than likely been an instantaneous fatality that could have been entirely prevented. That this place makes you sign a waiver saying you will not sue further troubled my husband and I. Please do not allow reckless driving on the premises, especially right where families and children are walking. The animals are cute, and I admire the conservation efforts. However, more attention is needed to guest experience.

100% recommend the encounter. Very sweet foxes and more canids (like a wolf!) great staff,…read moreknowledgeable and friendly. We had so much fun.

This organization is truly a huge asset to our community. They do so much--not only for local…read moreneighbors, but also through the vital services they provide to Pacific Crest Trail hikers who pass through, which our town relies on during the peak season. They also seek volunteers during this time, and I encourage anyone who's able to consider helping out. It's rewarding work and a great way to meet people from all over. Another valuable service they offer is food distribution for the senior community through San Diego Food Bank and Feeding San Diego. First program is for low income seniors and the other program is open to everyone, all ages, with no registration required--just show up. That said, there is one concern that I feel needs to be addressed. While the All ages food program itself is wonderful, two of the older female volunteers who assist with food distribution tend to be overly restrictive when handing out items, which can make participants feel uncomfortable or judged. This contrasts with the approach of the program coordinator, who is genuinely kind and has made it clear that taking what you need is encouraged. Any excess food is redistributed to farms or families in surrounding communities, so nothing goes to waste. Unfortunately, the current approach of these two volunteers has discouraged some people from returning, which is disappointing given how valuable this service is. They used to offer free beading and gardening classes and occasionally have meetings in the hub. Would be nice if they had more fitness classes such as low impact cardio, aerobics or Zumba which my lady drives out to Julian for. Overall, these programs are deeply needed and truly appreciated by all in the community.

On behalf of all PCT hikers going through this area, I'm grateful for Patrice's continued service…read moreto the thru-hiker community during this uncertain 2020 season. If you're a PCT hiker in need of amenities such as hiker food, soft drinks, device recharging, and fuel, the Resource Center might have what you need in order to help you out. Grateful for welcoming and providing for hikers during this difficult time.

Park is located in the center of town and I believe the only grassed shaded area. The design by…read moreJacqueline Caruso Larsen includes a gazebo & picnic tables, public restrooms and water fountains. Weekly Farmers market usually held here during certain times of the year. The park was named in honor of the birth of Salvador Ignacio Linares in Coyote Canyon on Christmas Eve in 1775. Now you know.

Great space to rest in the shade But needs pick up the poop…read moresigns. People are using it to let tgdir dogs pooo, especially tge center part and not picking up. It stepped in one, it a "shiity" business.

I love this village. Its location in the valley, surrounded by impressive hills and mountains. The…read moreride down the grade always suggests entering another world. The people and institutions of philanthropy are something else. It rejuvenates me.

Borrego Springs is about 60 miles from San Diego This is my first time visiting Borrego Springs…read moreand my heart has been completely melted since I arriving two days ago. There are many places you can visit and the locals here are beautiful. friendly, earthy, artsy, and fantastic. It's known for being California's first International Dark-Sky Community. You will notice that there are no traffic lights and street lights here in town. It is a center for public astronomy activities throughout the year. There are many beautiful metal sculptures around the town. Anza Borrego State park, beautiful desert hiking trails, desert oasis, local gardens, nurseries, restaurants, shops, and galleries are among many things I love about Borrego Springs. It's about 80 degrees during the day and high 50s in the evening in early November. Borrego Springs is charming with pueblo-style, modern architecture, and ranch-style house architecture. A local landmark is the traffic roundabout between the airport and downtown, Christmas Circle. The town even has a library and golf courses. There are several resorts but I stay at a local hotel. Great value. Great town. Magical dark and blue sky. Special desert oasis! I hear the wildflowers are amazing in the spring and quite a spectacle. Borrego Springs is my dream destination and I shall come back to visit soon.

The Gold Miners Girl is an adventure all of its own, serving those in the rural communities,…read morepromoting food drives to those in need. Connecting people, pets, and properties w/.the resources available through local, state and federal agencies to help provide services they may need. Restoring History, cleaning up our environment, clearing roads, hiking trails, making paths for others to follow, doing what they can to help make our world a better place. God Bless America

Sitting on a hill overlooking the small town of Julian, CA. It's so amazing to see the headstones…read moremarked with people born in the 1800's. Such a beautiful place.

Not much to see. Poorly maintained but if you are in the area you might as well drive through it.read more

Amazing. Friendly, lovely woman helped me. I think her name was Christine. Her little dog Maddie…read morewas a delight! Super clean and safe with great rates! The security is top of the line.