SPECTATOR INFORMATION
AND FAQ
Spectators, friends, and family are an important element of the energy of the Sky Trials. Please review the FAQs below.
1. Are guests / spectators invited to all events listed?
Absolutely! Any events listed on our Schedule of Events page are open to all guests, visitors, etc. We would love to see you at the evening socials.
2. Is there a designated hotel?
Yes! Our vice president, Hyatt Glenn, has secured a group rate at the Staybridge Suites in Lehi. Lehi is the closest city in Utah to our events. It is 30-40 minutes from the Sky Trials field, 30 minutes from Marshall Radio HQ, 30 minutes to Salt Lake City International Airport, and within 10 minutes to a variety of good dining options. To book a room in our designated block at the Staybridge Suites, use this link.
3. Will I need 4WD or AWD to get to the Sky Trials field?
Mother nature is hard to predict, but we can safely bet that having 4WD or AWD will be necessary to access the field. From the Pony Express Trail Road, you will take a turn that will take you onto a dirt road. In January, this is occasionally snowy. If you do not have 4WD or AWD, there are options to carpool.
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In the event of snow on these dirt roads, the Utah Falconers' Association will have the dirt road plowed out to the Sky Trials field.
4. What can I expect? This is my first falconry event / Sky Trials.
Welcome! We are so excited to have you.
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The Sky Trials are a tradition that started in 1975 by Gerald Richards. He had the idea to get falconers together for an "end of season" event to show off their birds at their most fit. Instead of driving all over the state, Gerald suggested using highly trained racing homing pigeons to demonstrate the agility and talent of both falcon and quarry.
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In 2025, at the 50th Year Anniversary, you can expect to see falcons performing at their highest. We will start at 8 AM promptly on each day. The falconer will go to the judges table in the middle of the field, and release their falcon. The falcon will start climbing. Spectators of each flight will have the opportunity to follow the GPS readings and data via our own phones, on an app called Aerovision, so you can see exactly what is happening. As the falcons ascend hundreds of feet, you may want to bring binoculars, as they can "speck out." When the falconer makes the call, the pigeons will be released, and you'll witness stoops (or dives) of 100+ miles per hour from the falcons. The GPS data will inform how well each falcon scores. To read more on the judging criteria, please click here.
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Falconers are a friendly group. Please introduce yourself and ask questions! If you want to accompany a falconer to the field, don't be shy or hesitate to ask.
5. Is this a good event to bring kids to? What about pets?
Kids are invited! However, please keep in mind that the elements can be cold.
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We are going to request that you leave pets at home. Pets can be distracting to the falcons as they are flying, and certain falcons may not appreciate certain dogs. You will see falconers with dogs at the Sky Trials field, and their falcons have trained alongside these dogs. We will be requesting that all additional dogs (and birds as well!) that are not, at that moment, being flown, be returned to the vehicle to allow every falconer and falcon the best possible flight.
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6. Will there be food available for purchase? What about souvenirs?
We will not have organized food and drink available for purchase. We will have some coolers of hot water and powdered drink mixes, but please come prepared with your own snacks, lunches, etc. Of course, you are welcome to leave whenever you need to. ​​
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As for souvenirs and swag, we will have a variety of Gerald Richards and Utah Falconers' Association T-shirts, hats, patches, and stickers available. We can accept paypal, venmo and cash. Occasionally falconers will bring items that they have made to sell as well. And, of course, please join us for our banquet and raffle on Saturday evening!
7. How can I get involved?
We will need volunteers! We will need volunteers to help with the merchandise table; raffle tickets; directing vehicles etc. If you have items to donate to our raffle, we would greatly, GREATLY appreciate it! We accept ALL raffle items - it does not need to be a falconry specific item. We would love to have your support in making this a Sky Trials we can all be proud of! If you are interested in getting involved, use the "Contact Us" form below.
More questions? Use the Contact Us form.