95 Years of Caring for Colorado’s Living History
Since 1931, the Two Mile High Club has dedicated itself to caring for the World Famous Cripple Creek Donkeys, our hoofed historians who help tell the story of how donkeys shaped Colorado.
For 95 years, generations of volunteers and supporters have carried forward a tradition rooted in Cripple Creek’s legendary mining history. Donkeys were essential partners in Colorado’s early mining communities, hauling supplies, working alongside miners, and helping build the towns that grew around the search for gold.
Today, our historic herd of 16 donkeys keeps that story alive. They are more than a beloved local tradition. They are a living connection to the people, animals, and industries that shaped the World’s Greatest Gold Camp and helped write an important chapter of Colorado history.
The Two Mile High Club provides year-round food, shelter, veterinary services, farrier care, medications, and daily care tailored to the individual needs of each donkey. When health, weather conditions, and veterinary guidance allow, some members of the herd continue the treasured tradition of free roaming in Cripple Creek. As our herd has aged, however, many of our senior donkeys now require the added safety and comfort of pasture life, along with close daily monitoring, specialized senior feed, and individualized care.
Whether roaming the streets of Cripple Creek or enjoying their retirement years safely in pasture, each donkey remains an important part of our living history. Their well-being always comes first, allowing us to honor the traditions of the past while giving every member of the herd the care they need today.
Our work is made possible through donations, sponsorships, grants, fundraising events, and dedicated volunteers.
When you support the Two Mile High Club, you are helping care for these remarkable animals while preserving a uniquely Colorado story.
In our 95th year, your gift helps our hoofed historians continue telling the story of how donkeys shaped Colorado for generations to come.
Ryan Kercher - 5 Star Google Review
Awesome! We set out to find donkeys for my girlfriend to visit and we found them! We drove around Cripple Creek for quite awhile and never found them wandering the streets. So, on a whim, I decided to check out their winter hangout and sure enough, as soon as we pulled up, there they came. (It was early August so I am not sure why they were there, but no bother).
Very nice little viewing platform, self-serve cooler of treats, donation box (also a QR code you can scan in case you don't have cash), some brochures... Nothing fancy but everything you need to have a pleasant donkey-interaction! It even instructs you how to properly feed them and why these treats are healthy for them, etc.
So, I put some money in the donation box, grabbed a few bags of treats and let the donkey-snacking begin! (oh, they also have a trash can for used feed bags)
What a blast! They are sweet, sometimes vocal, gentle, love snacks, pets and selfies, lol
If self-control (and the fact that I ran out of donation cash 😀) hadn't kicked in, we would have spent half the day there and probably fed them the entire cooler full of treats, lol
This is (in my opinion) the true gem of Cripple Creek and an up-close homage to their traditions and history.
Take the kids for a sightseeing day trip, (or friends from out of town maybe?) make a generous donation (so they can continue doing this) and feed those donkeys! 🥰
Since its inception in 1931, the Two Mile High Club has proudly served as the guardian of the historic Cripple Creek Donkey herd. Our mission is rooted in a deep commitment to honoring the legacy of these noble creatures, who were once integral to the gold mining industry. We strive to preserve their historical significance and ensure their continued well-being, which, in turn, enriches the cultural tapestry of the Cripple Creek District.
Our Core Objectives
Preservation and Care: We are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for the donkeys, including food, shelter, veterinary services, and farrier care, ensuring they remain healthy and thrive as living symbols of our mining heritage.
Community Engagement: By fostering collaboration between local businesses, residents, and friends of the community, we aim to promote the growth, prosperity, and welfare of the Cripple Creek District.
Cultural Celebration: As the official sponsor of Donkey Derby Days, held annually on the last full weekend in June, and our Fall Fest, occurring the first weekend in October, we celebrate our local traditions and support the town and its businesses.
Non-Profit Commitment: Based in Cripple Creek, Colorado, our organization operates as a non-profit, nonpartisan, and nonsectarian entity, dedicated to serving the community and preserving our unique heritage.
Through our efforts, the Two Mile High Club ensures that the Cripple Creek Donkeys continue to symbolize the rich history and vibrant spirit of the World's Greatest Gold Camp. We invite you to join us in our mission to support and cherish these remarkable animals and the community they represent.
Organization name
Cripple Creek Donkeys - Two Mile High Club
other names
Cripple Creek Donkeys, TMHC
2020
Tax id (EIN)
80-0209755
Category
Animal-Related
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
136 W Bennett AvenueMailing
Two Mile High Club PO Box 306Teller County, CO, US
