Black Canyon Donkey Derby 2025

🐴 Event Overview

Get ready for the 5th annual Black Canyon Donkey Derby, held at Deep Canyon Ranch, in Black Canyon City, Arizona! The race will be Saturday, March 8th, but be sure to come for a full weekend of FUN (events listed below).

🎉 Family Activities

• Vendors: A variety of vendors will be present.
• Food Trucks: Enjoy delicious food options throughout the day.
• Petting Zoo: Fun for the whole family!
• Face Painting: Perfect for kids of all ages!

🏃 What is Burro Racing?

First, let's talk about what a burro is. “Burro” is the Spanish word for donkey.

“Pack burro racing is a sport in Colorado, Arizona, California, and New Mexico that is rooted in the various western states' mining histories. In the early days of the mining industry in Colorado, miners would take donkeys (burros in Spanish) through the mountains of Colorado while prospecting...

During a burro race, a runner and a burro run/walk a prescribed course together, with the runner leading the burro on a lead rope. At the Black Canyon Donkey Derby, there will be a 3-mile course, a 6-mile, or a 9-mile course...

📜 The Rules

• Lead Ropes: All burros must be properly fitted with a halter and lead rope no longer than 15 feet.
• Control of Burro: Participants must maintain control of their burro through handling of the lead rope.
• Jack/Stud Chains: A jack/stud chain may be used to apply pressure as needed, but injuries resulting from it may lead to disqualification.
• Team Structure: A team consists of one handler with one burro and must stay a team for the entire race.

⚕️ Veterinary Checks

It is always wise to have a vet check prior to any big event. Sick or injured burros may not participate.

⚠️ Disqualifications

Any handler mistreating their burro will be disqualified. No “tools” (needles, whips, prods, drugging, clubs, etc.) other than a lead rope will be allowed.

📝 Participant Waivers/Release of Liability

All participants, in any event being held during the 2024 Black Canyon Donkey Derby, participate at their own risk. No town, county, or private property owners along the course will be liable in case of accident or injury...

🤔 Additional Information

• Renting a Burro: You must have prior arrangements in place to have a donkey for your use if you want to participate.
• What to Wear: Comfortable running clothes, with layers, trail shoes, and gloves are recommended.
• Handling Suggestions: Study the course map and be aware of the starting positions to ensure a safe experience.
• Camping: Dry camping is available without reservations. The camping fee is $10 per spot per night.

🗓️ Schedule of Events

Please check back for the schedule as we get closer to the Race!

For more information, visit the race page at Black Canyon Donkey Derby 2025.