Colorado’s Rocky Mountains hide a surprising number of places where you can learn the ancient art of falconry, though not every outfit you’ll read about online actually offers training. The most reliable documented options are a state falconry club and a raptor rehabilitation center, plus a few educational programs that work with birds of prey—but the rest of the list is mostly myth, outdated names, or unverified claims.
Falconry: An Ancient Art in Modern Times
Falconry, the practice of training birds of prey to hunt, has fascinated people for centuries. Colorado’s Rocky Mountains offer a unique backdrop for this timeless tradition. Here are the places where you can actually connect with raptors—and where you should be cautious about what’s promised.
Related travel guides: Hidden Mountain In Colorado, Alpine Treasures In Colorado, and Secrets Of Colorado's Mount Princeton Springs Hot Springs.
1. Colorado Hawking Club
The Colorado Hawking Club is a community of falconry enthusiasts dedicated to preserving and promoting this ancient art. It is a state-level club that connects practitioners, but it does not document public training centers, workshops, or lessons at its site. If you’re already a licensed falconer or seriously pursuing a license, the club can be a valuable network for mentorship and shared knowledge.
Highlights:
- Community: Join a network of passionate falconry practitioners.
- Mentorship: Connect with experienced falconers who can guide you through the licensing process.
- Preservation: Support efforts to keep the tradition alive in Colorado.
2. Rocky Mountain Raptor Program
Located in Fort Collins, the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program focuses on the rehabilitation of injured birds of prey. They also offer educational programs, but falconry training is not documented at this site. You can visit to see raptors up close and learn about their care, but you won’t be flying a hawk on your fist here.
Highlights:
- Rehabilitation: Witness the care and recovery of injured raptors.
- Education: Attend workshops and seminars on raptor biology and conservation.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Get involved in the hands-on work of raptor care.
3. HawkQuest
HawkQuest, based in Parker, Colorado, provides educational programs with birds of prey. Their mission is to inspire environmental stewardship through close encounters with raptors. However, no evidence supports that they offer falconry training or hands-on flying experiences. What you can expect are presentations where you’ll see hawks, falcons, and eagles up close—but not train them.
Highlights:
- Interactive Programs: Get up close and personal with hawks, falcons, and eagles during educational shows.
- Educational Outreach: Participate in school programs and community events.
- Conservation Messaging: Learn about raptor ecology and habitat protection.
4. Wild Wings Environmental Education
Wild Wings Environmental Education, located in Boulder, combines environmental education with raptor programs. Their focus is on conservation and habitat preservation, not falconry training. You can attend presentations and meet non-releasable birds, but you won’t be handling or flying them.
Highlights:
- Educational Programs: Engage in interactive lessons on raptor ecology and conservation.
- Raptor Encounters: Meet ambassador birds up close during scheduled events.
- Conservation Efforts: Support initiatives aimed at protecting raptor habitats.
5. The Broadmoor and Garden of the Gods Resort & Club (Colorado Springs)
If you’re in Colorado Springs and want a documented falconry experience, your options are The Broadmoor and Garden of the Gods Resort & Club. These are the only two Colorado Springs venues with evidence of falconry offerings—not the many “Falconry Excursions” or other named outfits you’ll see online. Both resorts offer guided experiences with trained birds, often as part of a luxury stay or day package.
Highlights:
- The Broadmoor: Enjoy a falconry experience on the resort’s grounds, with expert handlers and stunning mountain views.
- Garden of the Gods Resort: Combine a visit to the iconic red rock formations with a hands-on raptor encounter.
- Resort Amenities: Make it a full day with dining, spa, or hiking between sessions.
6. Colorado Raptor Center
The Colorado Raptor Center in Pueblo offers educational opportunities focused on raptor conservation and rehabilitation. It does not document falconry training programs. You can visit to see injured birds being cared for and learn about the species that call Colorado home, but you won’t be flying them.
Highlights:
- Rehabilitation Services: Observe the care and treatment of injured raptors.
- Educational Outreach: Participate in community programs and events focused on raptor conservation.
- Visitor Center: Explore exhibits on local raptor species and their habitats.
What About the Other Names You’ll See?
You’ll find many other names online—Front Range Falconry, Falconry Excursions, High Country Raptors, Raptors of the Rockies, Eagle Wing Falconry, and others. None of these are supported by evidence in the sourced facts. Some may have existed at one point, but there is no documentation of their current services, locations, or even their existence. The same goes for HawkQuest and Wild Wings when it comes to falconry training specifically—they are educational programs, not training centers.
If you’re serious about learning falconry, your best bet is to start with the Colorado Hawking Club for mentorship and then seek out a licensed falconer who offers formal apprenticeships. Falconry is a regulated activity requiring a state and federal license, and it takes years of dedication—not a single afternoon.
Discover Falconry in Colorado
Falconry training centers in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains are rarer than the internet suggests. The documented options are limited to a few rehabilitation and education centers, plus the resort-based experiences in Colorado Springs. If you’re looking for a true hands-on falconry course, you’ll need to do your homework and verify current offerings directly with the facility.
Trained experts at the documented venues can guide you through the process, ensuring safety. You’ll learn about the history of falconry, bird care, and hunting techniques—but only if you choose a verified provider. It’s about understanding and respecting these creatures.
Visiting a raptor center in Colorado is an opportunity to connect with nature and learn about a timeless skill—whether you’re watching a rehabilitation session or flying a bird at a resort. If you’re looking for an adventure that combines education and excitement, consider exploring the world of raptors in the Rockies—just make sure you know what you’re signing up for.
