Cripple Creek's free-roaming donkeys are back in town

Photo byImage by Anna from Pixabay

(Colorado) Cripple Creek, a historic mining town on the west side of Pikes Peak, is known for mining, gambling, and free-roaming donkeys.

During the Gold Rush, donkeys were the unsung heroes of the mines, tirelessly pulling heavy ore carts through the tunnels. When machinery replaced them in the early 1900s, the mine operators released the donkeys to roam Cripple Creek.

The Two Mile High Club was established in 1931 to care for the donkeys, and for nearly a century, volunteers have been feeding, sheltering, and providing medical care to the animals.

In late May every year, the donkeys are released from their winter pasture and are free to wander the small town until mid-October. The curious and hungry creatures occasionally create mischief and always delight visitors.

Visitors can feed the animals donkey biscuits available at local businesses, including the Heritage Center, the Jail Museum, Maudie's, and the General Store.

Donkeys were once the backbone of the mining operation, and now they are an integral part of Cripple Creek's charm. The donkeys are worth the trip!

To learn more about the Cripple Creek donkeys, watch this video.