Sky Falconry
Sky Falconry
5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Free fly trained birds of prey! Join us at Sky Falconry for a full range of falconry experiences. Our classes are held on our historic, 40 acre ranch in the beautiful San Diego mountains, just 30 miles from the San Diego airport. Fly hawks, falcons and owls while learning about the ancient sport of falconry, raptor biology and conservation. Book your experience directly on our website, www.skyfalconry.com. A bucket list must!
Alpine, California
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
110 reviews
Excellent
108
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Christy M
Huntington Beach, CA10 contributions
Dec 2020
It's been almost a week since my family and I visited Sky Falconry for a Private Raptor Experience with Denise and Kirk, and I am STILL on Cloud 9 from that day.
I had purchased the event as a wedding anniversary gift to my husband, and it may have been one of the best gifts I could've given my family.
From start to finish, the experience was magical. The drive through the mountains to their ranch was scenic, the facility was tranquil, the birds were majestic, and Denise and Kirk were so knowledgeable, friendly, welcoming, patient and just pure awesome.
Not only did we learn a lot about hawks and falcons, but we gained an even greater respect and appreciation for them by being so close and experiencing them in flight.
It's hard to put into words the feeling you get from watching these birds fly and land on your glove. It's definitely a once in a lifetime kind of thing that as one reviewer has said, "it's the Bucket List item you didn't know you needed."
We loved the passion and care Denise and Kirk have for their birds. The chemistry between each other and the birds is remarkable and creates such a positive vibe that makes you feel almost zen.
As a side note, we visited during Covid-19, and they have done a phenomenal job of creating a VERY safe and sanitary venue.
I highly recommend treating you and/or your family to a Sky Falconry event. You will NOT be disappointed.
Thank you guys!
I had purchased the event as a wedding anniversary gift to my husband, and it may have been one of the best gifts I could've given my family.
From start to finish, the experience was magical. The drive through the mountains to their ranch was scenic, the facility was tranquil, the birds were majestic, and Denise and Kirk were so knowledgeable, friendly, welcoming, patient and just pure awesome.
Not only did we learn a lot about hawks and falcons, but we gained an even greater respect and appreciation for them by being so close and experiencing them in flight.
It's hard to put into words the feeling you get from watching these birds fly and land on your glove. It's definitely a once in a lifetime kind of thing that as one reviewer has said, "it's the Bucket List item you didn't know you needed."
We loved the passion and care Denise and Kirk have for their birds. The chemistry between each other and the birds is remarkable and creates such a positive vibe that makes you feel almost zen.
As a side note, we visited during Covid-19, and they have done a phenomenal job of creating a VERY safe and sanitary venue.
I highly recommend treating you and/or your family to a Sky Falconry event. You will NOT be disappointed.
Thank you guys!
Written December 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bradey
1 contribution
Mar 2020
If you are considering going, GO!!! The raptor experience provided by both Denise and Kirk was well worth the trip. They treated my family and I with great hospitality, professionalism and were very knowledgeable when it comes to the raptors and any questions that we had. The birds themselves were beautiful and their behaviors were something to marvel over. I enjoyed this experience and would recommend it to individuals, couples or groups, you will NOT be disappointed! Two thumbs up, five stars.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris C
Mission Viejo, CA3 contributions
May 2021
It starts with the winding dirt road that leads further and further into the gorgeous hills north of Alpine. It's only a short 2.5 miles but it seems to take you back to another place in time.
Arriving at Sky Falconry we were greeted by Kirk and Denise. We were instantly made to feel welcome and could feel their enthusiasm for what was going to be our private Hawk Walk.
We met our main event in the form of Steam, a beautiful Harris Hawk. She was magnificent!
We were able to have her soar and land on our hands dozens of times. To see her up close was thrilling. Her coloring was like a painting of a sunset and she could fly like a cloud on the wind. My wife and I just loved it.
We highly recommend visiting Sky Falconry for the thrill of a lifetime.
Arriving at Sky Falconry we were greeted by Kirk and Denise. We were instantly made to feel welcome and could feel their enthusiasm for what was going to be our private Hawk Walk.
We met our main event in the form of Steam, a beautiful Harris Hawk. She was magnificent!
We were able to have her soar and land on our hands dozens of times. To see her up close was thrilling. Her coloring was like a painting of a sunset and she could fly like a cloud on the wind. My wife and I just loved it.
We highly recommend visiting Sky Falconry for the thrill of a lifetime.
Written May 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NancySD
San Diego, CA11 contributions
Oct 2020
Our goal was to divert our two teenage grandsons' attention from video games and explore nature.
We had been to the SD zoo with them on several occasions, but we needed to up our game with something both exotic and intriguing.
We heard about Sky Falconry from a story they did on KPBS radio and decided to give them a try.
After showing up with the boys at 8 a.m. for the Hawk Walk, we had no idea of what to expect.
That was a good thing, as both young and old were surprised and delighted by what we saw over the next hour and a half.
Denise and Kirk are passionate falconers, and shared their wealth of knowledge with dazzling detail and personality.
The Harris Hawk performed awesome acrobatic flights and all we had to do was assume the correct position and hold our gloved arm up to have the magnificent bird land about a foot from our faces.
And we each got several close encounters with Heyduke!
Denise ended our experience with a plea for respect for these awesome birds of prey by explaining how humans can help ensure their survival. The morning was exceptional and is already a treasured memory.
We had been to the SD zoo with them on several occasions, but we needed to up our game with something both exotic and intriguing.
We heard about Sky Falconry from a story they did on KPBS radio and decided to give them a try.
After showing up with the boys at 8 a.m. for the Hawk Walk, we had no idea of what to expect.
That was a good thing, as both young and old were surprised and delighted by what we saw over the next hour and a half.
Denise and Kirk are passionate falconers, and shared their wealth of knowledge with dazzling detail and personality.
The Harris Hawk performed awesome acrobatic flights and all we had to do was assume the correct position and hold our gloved arm up to have the magnificent bird land about a foot from our faces.
And we each got several close encounters with Heyduke!
Denise ended our experience with a plea for respect for these awesome birds of prey by explaining how humans can help ensure their survival. The morning was exceptional and is already a treasured memory.
Written October 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jamie G
San Diego, CA52 contributions
Nov 2021 • Friends
I went to this local facility with a visiting friend and we both enjoyed ourselves immensely. The hosts were educational and entertaining, inspiring and accessible. Having one of those majestic raptors on your wrist is an unparalleled experience that is well worth the investment! If you’re looking for a unique gift or outing to enjoy with a nature-loving companion, you need look no further!
Written November 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sln055
Fresno, CA7 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
AMAZING experience! We splurged and got the Private Raptor Experience. You start off by meeting all the birds, and getting a quick lesson about the Harris hawks and Lanner falcons. The trainers are so knowledgeable, and are clearly passionate about their birds. It is amazing to hear how much trust and dedication it takes to train each bird.
After that, you get to take a walk around their beautiful property with one of the Harris hawks (we had Kwa Koi). There are tons of opportunities for photos and hands-on time with the birds. It was also so fun to see how each bird has its own unique personality, and how much that actually shows as you interact with them (especially finding out that Kwa Koi is definitely a mama’s boy!).
After plenty of time with the Harris hawk, we switched over to the Lanner falcons. We interacted with both Ali Baba and Habibi. They DEFINITELY are full of personality, and are absolutely stunning to see in action and up close. (Plus, they have to wear a gps tracker that looks like a tiny backpack and honestly, who doesn’t want to see that?) You can hear facts about how fast these birds are, but it doesn’t even come close to seeing them in action.
The trainers are absolutely as friendly as they are knowledgeable, and made for a very engaging, entertaining and informative experience. Their love and respect for their animals is abundant, and the trust these birds have in “Mom and Dad” is incredible to see
After that, you get to take a walk around their beautiful property with one of the Harris hawks (we had Kwa Koi). There are tons of opportunities for photos and hands-on time with the birds. It was also so fun to see how each bird has its own unique personality, and how much that actually shows as you interact with them (especially finding out that Kwa Koi is definitely a mama’s boy!).
After plenty of time with the Harris hawk, we switched over to the Lanner falcons. We interacted with both Ali Baba and Habibi. They DEFINITELY are full of personality, and are absolutely stunning to see in action and up close. (Plus, they have to wear a gps tracker that looks like a tiny backpack and honestly, who doesn’t want to see that?) You can hear facts about how fast these birds are, but it doesn’t even come close to seeing them in action.
The trainers are absolutely as friendly as they are knowledgeable, and made for a very engaging, entertaining and informative experience. Their love and respect for their animals is abundant, and the trust these birds have in “Mom and Dad” is incredible to see
Written April 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DiffViewPoint
33 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
This is my third trip (two Hawk Walks and one lesson) to fly raptors with Sky Falconry. And I have another trip planned. Every time have been more than enjoyable than the last. Denise and Kirk are kind gracious hosts with minds full of knowledge not just about their birds, but raptor and bird conservation as a whole. Make no mistake- these are not their pets and the experiences to not allow for touching the birds in that manner. These animals are wild beings true to form. Any experience at Sky Falconry is more than a zoo attraction or a raptor rehabilitation center’s bird experiences. Having the bird in your gloved hand is the experience you’ll not soon forget.
Written October 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard Great
3 contributions
Feb 2022
My time at Sky Falconry was worth every penny. Their team was on point in every way and everyone in our group got a chance to experience the awe of having a bird of prey on their arm. Our tour was fun, we learned a lot and our hawk was hungry and happy.
Written February 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
beachsidelounger
Los Angeles3 contributions
Jun 2022
We did the 90 minute falconry class. It was a fantastic experience. The hawks were magnificent, and the guides were knowledgeable and fun. We had multiple chances to fly a Harris’s hawk to our glove, have him catch a piece of food we threw into the air, and take some amazing pictures. This is a once in a lifetime experience, and I’m so glad we did it! Leave extra time to get there on the dirt roads, and carefully follow the instructions that the hosts send you.
Written June 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James N
1 contribution
May 2022
Exceptional!
This is in one word how I would describe our recent experience at Sky Falconry. I am an amateur photographer with a passion for capturing birds in flight. Denise and Kirk met and exceeded our expectations.
We booked the Private Raptor Experience. After an informative discussion on raptors, we got down to watching and photographing a harris’s hawk and lanner falcon perched and in flight. Kirk and Denise listened! Once I got a feel for how the birds were positioned and flown, they were very flexible on how to stage for maximum photo accomplishment. They as well made suggestions on positioning that expanded my opportunities for great shots.
Finally, we have a family member confined to a wheelchair. We were at first concerned that this experience might not be well suited to someone with disabilities. We were assured that they could accommodate a wheelchair, and they delivered. If you have a family member who is in some way disabled, you might clear it with Sky Falconry first. Showing that family member some beautiful scenery on the way, and then having them enjoy the raptors, is a unique “off the beaten path” fun way to spend a few hours!
This is in one word how I would describe our recent experience at Sky Falconry. I am an amateur photographer with a passion for capturing birds in flight. Denise and Kirk met and exceeded our expectations.
We booked the Private Raptor Experience. After an informative discussion on raptors, we got down to watching and photographing a harris’s hawk and lanner falcon perched and in flight. Kirk and Denise listened! Once I got a feel for how the birds were positioned and flown, they were very flexible on how to stage for maximum photo accomplishment. They as well made suggestions on positioning that expanded my opportunities for great shots.
Finally, we have a family member confined to a wheelchair. We were at first concerned that this experience might not be well suited to someone with disabilities. We were assured that they could accommodate a wheelchair, and they delivered. If you have a family member who is in some way disabled, you might clear it with Sky Falconry first. Showing that family member some beautiful scenery on the way, and then having them enjoy the raptors, is a unique “off the beaten path” fun way to spend a few hours!
Written May 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Their pricing information is on their website. (Google Sky Falconry Alpine for the link)
A basic one hour lesson is $70 for participants, or $35 for observers (no direct interaction with the birds).
A hawk walk is one and a half hours, and is $140. A private hawk walk is $550 for 2 people.
Written April 12, 2019
how much time do we need for this activity, what is the price, do we need reservations, what time do classes start ?
Written October 5, 2015
Denise D
Alpine, California
Hi Linda, Thank you for your interest! Our class times range from 1 hour to 2 hours. October through May classes are offered at our Alpine location Thursday through Monday at 8am and 10am, based on availability. Costs range from $35-$175, depending on the class you are interested in taking. I recommend visiting our website for more details. Feel free to also contact me directly at 619-722-0092. We look forward to having you in class! Cheers,
Denise
Written October 6, 2015
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