Raptors at Elk Fest! Start your wildlife watching weekend in Bond Park and meet some of the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program’s educational ambassador raptors.
WILDLIFE WATCHING
The festival coincides with the famous elk rut, or elk mating season. Wild elk are often easily seen in town and in nearby Rocky Mountain National Park. Remember elk are wild animals. Always keep a safe distance, especially from the males (bulls), which can be aggressive as they defend their females (cows) from other bulls at this time of year. Give them room – use your zoom! Learn the most important rule of safe and respectful wildlife watching.
PARKING
Elk Fest is one of Estes Park’s busiest weekends, so a little advanced planning can go a long way when it comes to getting to and around downtown. The Town offers free and paid parking options, Electric Vehicle charging stations (both Level 2 and Level 3 DFCF fast-charging stations), designated motorcycle and RV parking. Those with valid ADA placards always park for free in any public space. Visit Estes.org/Parking to find the best spot for your trip.
Want to let someone else do the driving? Head straight to the Town’s parking structure (691 N. St. Vrain) and hop on the Town’s free downtown trolley (Red Route). Trolley and special event shuttle service information can be found at Estes.org/Shuttles.
Raptors at Elk Fest! Start your wildlife watching weekend in Bond Park and meet some of the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program’s educational ambassador raptors.
WILDLIFE WATCHING
The festival coincides with the famous elk rut, or elk mating season. Wild elk are often easily seen in town and in nearby Rocky Mountain National Park. Remember elk are wild animals. Always keep a safe distance, especially from the males (bulls), which can be aggressive as they defend their females (cows) from other bulls at this time of year. Give them room – use your zoom! Learn the most important rule of safe and respectful wildlife watching.
PARKING
Elk Fest is one of Estes Park’s busiest weekends, so a little advanced planning can go a long way when it comes to getting to and around downtown. The Town offers free and paid parking options, Electric Vehicle charging stations (both Level 2 and Level 3 DFCF fast-charging stations), designated motorcycle and RV parking. Those with valid ADA placards always park for free in any public space. Visit Estes.org/Parking to find the best spot for your trip.
Want to let someone else do the driving? Head straight to the Town’s parking structure (691 N. St. Vrain) and hop on the Town’s free downtown trolley (Red Route). Trolley and special event shuttle service information can be found at Estes.org/Shuttles.
Visit with the Raptors as you step into the past at the old Fort Collins Water Works.
The 1883 Water Works was Fort Collins’ first public works project. It is located along the foothills west of Fort Collins, where the historic Overland Trail runs through the property. It now boasts 23+ acres, four buildings, two ditches, vintage apple trees, and more.
A Hoot-tastic Halloween Extravaganza:
Join the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program’s OWL-O-WEEN!
Get ready for a spooktacular event that will leave you owl-fully enchanted! The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program is thrilled to announce Owl-O-Ween! This fun-filled family experience combines the magic of Halloween with the captivating world of live educational owls.
Join us on October 24, 2026 from 12-4pm at Rocky Mountain Raptor Program located at 720 E Vine Dr in Fort Collins for an unforgettable afternoon of trick-or-treating and behind-the-scenes adventures at RMRP. See plenty of owls, explore the mysterious rodent rooms, and peek into the fascinating raptor kitchen where we prepare delicious meals for our feathered friends.
Mark your calendars and get ready for an afternoon of Halloween fun like no other. Owl-O-Ween is the perfect event for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a good spook. Don’t miss out on this feather-ruffling extravaganza!
We are so excited that Wild Birds Unlimited Fort Collins is once again hosting Owl-Be-Home for Christmas, a fundraiser for RMRP! During the event, 10% of all proceeds will be donated to RMRP so make sure you do your holiday shopping for the bird lover in your life to make your gift give twice!
The Birds of Prey Class Series offers birders an in-depth look at the raptors of Colorado. Learn about the natural history of these birds, identification pointers, and our Educational Ambassador raptors will offer you an up-close look at these amazing creatures.
This class will feature soaring raptors such as hawks, eagles, osprey, and vultures.
The class will be held at the Fort Collins Senior Center in the Prairie Sage Room, 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526.
Tickets: rmrp.org/BirdsOfPrey2026
The Birds of Prey Class Series offers birders an in-depth look at the raptors of Colorado. Learn about the natural history of these birds, identification pointers, and our Educational Ambassador raptors will offer you an up-close look at these amazing creatures.
This class will feature raptors built for speed: falcons and more!
The class will be held at the Fort Collins Senior Center, Prairie Sage Room. 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
Tickets: rmrp.org/BirdsOfPrey2026
The Birds of Prey Class Series offers birders an in-depth look at the raptors of Colorado. Learn about the natural history of these birds, identification pointers, and our Educational Ambassador raptors will offer you an up-close look at these amazing creatures.
This class will feature the owls of Colorado.
The class will be held at the Fort Collins Senior Center, Prairie Sage Room. 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526.
Tickets: rmrp.org/BirdsOfPrey2026
Colorado Gives Day is a fabulous day to support the RMRP. Donating through the Colorado Gives Day link enters the RMRP into an opportunity to leverage more money to help the RMRP.
Donate through our Colorado Gives Day Organization page!
Rocky Mountain Raptor Program (RMRP) | ColoradoGives.org
For more information, go to our Colorado Gives Day event page!
https://www.rmrp.org/colorado-gives-day/
Celebrate the season at RMRP’s winter wonderland open house! View our Educational Ambassador raptors face-to-face, learn about how RMRP cares for raptors that are sick or injured, and do some holiday shopping!
Spread Your Wings and Celebrate!
The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program’s 34th Annual Gala!
Get ready to soar! The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program’s 34th Annual Gala is taking flight — and you’re invited to an unforgettable evening celebrating you and the thousands of magnificent raptors you’ve helped rescue, heal, and release over 39 years of dedication to Northern Colorado’s wild skies.
This highly anticipated evening honors the incredible achievements in raptor rehabilitation and conservation education made possible through your support.
Your evening will include:
- Meeting live raptors up close – experience the awe of seeing these incredible birds face-to-face.
- Silent and live auctions filled with unique experiences, local treasures, and must-have items.
- Lively live auction led by the always-entertaining Auctioneer Taryn Atlas.
- A delicious dinner and decadent dessert are sure to delight your taste buds.
- Two complimentary Odell beverages to toast to another year of success.
- Interactive educational displays that showcase the impact of your support.
- Free photo booth fun, courtesy of Craig Vollmer Photography.
- Inspiration at every turn as we celebrate the mission and magic of raptors.
Join us for a night of camaraderie, inspiration, and celebration, as we come together to champion the life-saving and life-changing work of the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program.
Ticket Sales begin on November 28th. More information coming soon.