Get your trusty long ear, your trusty lawn chair, and bring all the good vibes to Apache Junction's Prospector Park for the annual BRAY Apache Junction Burro Derby! This approximately 3 mile course is flat and fast, although the scenery is so beautiful you and your burro may choose to simply mosey and enjoy for as long as possible.
Apache Junction
Arizona
At the ringing of the start bell teams will head toward the Superstition Mountains and the storied Lost Dutchman Mine before looping around and heading back to camp, toward the trailers so your donkeys can get a nice ambitious hustle to the finish.
While historically the Apache Junction Burro Derbies have been no pack saddles allowed, you may choose to use one if you prefer.
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This year we'll be at the Apache Junction Rodeo Grounds, partnering with the East Valley Back Country Horsemen to feature a plethora of entertainment, food trucks, and vendors. We're also adding in-hand obstacle courses to the mix and the participant favorite Jackpacking.
Hee-Haw Hootenany Information
For 2025 we're partnering with the East Valley Back Country Horsemen (https://evbch.org/) for the Hee-Haw Hootenany and EVBCH Fun Festival. There will be vendors, live music, kids crafts, food trucks, demos, competitions, and more! This even is free to attend, so even if you can't participate come join us.
Join us January 25, 2025 at the Apache Junction Rodeo Grounds from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
1590 E Lost Dutchman Blvd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
AJ Burro Derby
This approximately 3 mile course is flat and fast, although the scenery is so beautiful you and your burro may choose to simply mosey and enjoy for as long as possible.
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Obstacles & Jackpacking
Obstacles (in hand trail) and Jackpacking focus on the skills of the burro and handler. Burros compete in-hand on a trail course, with Jackpacking requiring a pack saddle (Obstacles the animal only has a halter + lead rope). After the Burro Derby there will be the Obstacles and Jackpacking courses/competitions.
Schedule of Events
Vet in: 8:00 AM
Race Starting Bell: 10:00 AM
Awards: 12:00 PM
Obstacles & Jackpacking: 12:30 PM
