In May, as the sun warms the west side of Pikes Peak, the snow melts and the donkeys move from their winter pasture to their summer feeding ground.
On Monday, May 29th, at noon, the donkeys will be released in Cripple Creek!
They will be free to roam the area until mid-October. The animals are a fun addition to the mountain town, and they love munching on apples, carrots, and other donkey treats available at local businesses.
Two new rescue donkeys have joined the herd this year, and the mother-daughter pair will be at the release on Monday.
The best viewing spot is on C Street near the Thurlow Avenue intersection in Cripple Creek.
The annual event usually occurs on May 15th, but it was rescheduled this year due to inclement weather.
Snap some photos and share your favorites with the Two Mile High Club for the opportunity to win swag.
Donkeys are a big part of Cripple Creek's history. The animals worked in the mines to move heavy ore carts until the early 1900s when machinery took over. When the donkeys were no longer needed, they were released into the streets of Cripple Creek to fend for themselves.
In 1931, the Two Mile High Club was formed to care for the donkeys, ensuring they were fed, sheltered, and had the appropriate medical care. The club continues to care for the donkeys to this day, relying 100% on donations. Go here to learn more about how you can support or sponsor a donkey.
The Cripple Creek donkey release is a fun tradition you don't want to miss!
Not far from Cripple Creek, there is another distinguished donkey, Clyde
Clyde is the esteemed mayor of Divide, Colorado. He won the 2022 election with an impressive 5,635 votes, and he is currently serving a two-year term with his canine vice mayors, Cinna and Maizey Little Wolf.
Learn more about Clyde here.
Comments / 3