Tuesday, May 13
Yoga. Community yoga classes are scheduled at the Church in the Wildwood on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 9 a.m. and a newly-started class on Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. All the classes occur in the church’s Tatter Hall area. These popular classes are led by Lainie Thomas.
Mining Open House. Join SSR Mining Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining for a community open house, at the Victor Community Center, 201 Portland Avenue, Victor on May 13 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Shelby Mullin at Shelby.Mullin@ccvmining.com. This will mark the first open house under the company’s new owners, SSR Mining.
Wednesday, May 14
Wellness Walk. Scheduled for May 7 at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center at 9 a.m. Meet at the upper level and choose a one, two or three-mile hike. Maps are available. Healthy living tips and mindfulness exercises to enhance your walk. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. Free admission.
Cripple Creek Master Plan Meeting. A public meeting will be held on May 14 at the Cripple Creek/Victor High School on the Master Plan project, starting at 6 p.m. Food and refreshments will be available. Consultants will outline a vision for the town’s future. See related story regarding the master plan process on the TMJ website and on our Facebook page.
Thursday, May 15
Mother’s Day with the Wolves! What better to celebrate Mother’s Day with your loved ones than to spend it with the wolves? Join us on a mini tour at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, 4729 Twin Rocks Road, Divide on May 15 from 9 to 11 a.m. to see our resident animals and take a special tour on Chinooks nature trail, where you will hear the story of “THE LOVERS.” Guests Will Receive a Flower for mom, Snacks, & Seasonal Drinks. For more information, call 719-687-9742.
TOPS. Takes Off Pounds Sensibly. Meets every Thursday morning at 9 a.m. in the basement of Church in the Wildwood (10585 Ute Pass Ave.) Green Mountain Falls, CO 80819. Affordable, effective weight-loss.
The Woodland Park Planning Commission will meet on May 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the WP Council Chambers, next to city hall. The meeting is available in-person and on Zoom. Visit the city’s municipal website for more details.
Ute Pass Kiwanis Bingo Night. Come and celebrate Mom during the Ute Pass Kiwanis Bingo night, hosted by the Shining Mountain Golf Course on May 15, starting at 6:30 p.m. Each mom will receive a treat while supplies last. It only costs $20 to buy a packet for 10 games! Food and drink available for purchase. Call 719-642-8679 for more information.
Upcoming
Best Of Results Finalized. Bragging rights have been determined (at least for 2025) for the Best of Cripple Creek, Woodland Park and the Teller County High Country. This annual contest, sponsored by TMJ, represents the oldest and most competitive “Best Of” showdown in the region. The voting and result tabulation has concluded, and we appreciate the amazing support. If your favorite business or personality didn’t win, there is always next year. A summary of the results, which appeared in our March 18 and March 25 issues, were officially posted online and on our Facebook page, in case you missed those issues. The competition featured more than 70 categories, giving voters a chance to pick their favorites for best casinos, restaurants, bars, live entertainment hubs, top businesses, retail treasures and much more, including championship fights for top burgers, steaks, seafood, pizza, Mexican enticing dishes and margaritas, and picks for top dining and the most festive atmosphere. And let’s not forget the always intense individual competitions for best personalities, bartenders, wait staff, politicians, trouble-makers and rumor mongers. Stay tuned for more stories that highlight some of the winners and top finalists. And if you have suggestions for additional categories you would like to see included, email us at editor@mountainjackpot.com.
Shining Mountain Spring Activities. The Shining Mountain golf course in Woodland Park is now open for the 2025 links season. The spacious bar is open for a variety of events on Mondays and Wednesdays, featuring line-dancing and cornball competitions. The SM facility also is the host for Ute Pass Kiwanis Bingo nights. Drink specials are available, and happy hours are scheduled on Fridays. More special events are now available. Several of the golf leagues are already making plans for the season, along with a slew of charity events. For more information regarding tee times (weather permitting) and regular activities, call 719-687-7587.
Calling All Cowboys and Cowgirls – Dust Off Your Boots and Join the Fun! Saddle up for an evening of authentic western charm, meaningful connections, and business-building opportunities during the Chamber After Hours monthly event. Scheduled for May 20 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Park State Bank & Trust. Come dressed in your best western attire and mingle with fellow members of the business community in a lively, relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this is your chance to share ideas, discover opportunities for collaboration, and expand your network in a fun and welcoming environment. The event is free for Chamber members, who are encouraged to attend. For more information, call 719-687-9885 or visit the Chamber’s website.
Donkey Release. The Cripple Creek Donkeys, regarded as the ambassadors of the town, and the premiere tourist attraction, will be released from their winter home into town, where they will freely roam during the summer on May 26. A variety of festivities will occur to celebrate this event, starting at 11:30 a.m. The donkeys are informally cared for by the Two Mile High Club, which also sponsors Donkey Derby Days. For more information, visit the city’s tourism website.
Pearl DeVere Festivities. Scheduled from June 6 to June 8 in Cripple Creek with most activities occurring around the old Homestead House. Pearl DeVere Day is to honor the Madame who built and ran the Old Homestead House during the heyday of the Gold Rush in Cripple Creek. The days’ main event is the Bed Race where teams of three build their own bed to race against other teams. Prizes are awarded for the best decorated bed and costumes, and of course who wins the race. This is one of the more popular zany events in the district.
Queen of the Canyons. Scheduled for June 8 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Pikes Peak APEX unveils an epic new addition to its off-road lineup: Queen of the Canyons, a one-day, 135-mile gravel race with 11,000 feet of climbing. This breathtaking ride follows much of the Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway, taking riders from Colorado Springs through Cripple Creek, Cañon City, Victor, and back. The race features two iconic climbs: Gold Camp Road, a historic mining railroad bed through Cheyenne Canyon, and Phantom Canyon Road, a winding ascent to Victor, Colorado, with sweeping views and a mining legacy. Riders will also tackle a thrilling descent down Shelf Road, famed for its rugged beauty.
