On 1st August 1876, just 28 days after the Centennial of the United States, U.S. President Grant signed a proclamation admitting Colorado as the 38th state. As the 'Centennial State' celebrates 140 years of statehood, Colorado continues to offer travellers a culture-rich, picturesque adventure playground from craft beer capital, Denver, to the ranches of the old wild west, with a number of other milestone anniversaries from across the state this year.

10 years of the Colorado Rocky Mountain Bike Tour

Almost as synonymous to Colorado in the summer as skiing is in the winter months, cycling in the state attracts travellers from around the globe, with its mountainous tracks and impressive vistas providing a beautiful setting for enjoying the ride. Renowned bike races include the historic Iron Horse Bike Race, which follows the old Durango to Silverton steam train route across the San Juan Mountains; and the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, considered as one of the most important pro cycle events in the U.S.  The Rocky Mountain Bike Tour, taking place from 31st July – 6th August across 438 Colorado Alpine miles will this year celebrate its 10th anniversary. Cycle enthusiasts can sign up to a route beginning in the small mining town of Idaho Springs before continuing on to Breckenridge, the rolling terrain of Gore Pass, up the Colorado River Valley and across the highest paved road in America, Mount Evans, where the altitude hits at 14,000 feet before passing the breath-taking views of Estes Park, ending in Idaho Springs. www.crmbt.com 

Red Rocks Amphitheatre celebrates 75 years

Forever immortalised as the backdrop of U2's Under A Red Blood Sky recording, what was born from a vision of artists performing on a stage nestled in the stunning Coloradan scenery, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre has welcomed world-acclaimed musicians for 75 years this June. In this milestone anniversary season, more than 130 shows will be played in the 9,525 capacity venue from this month until September. Highlights include The 1975, Disclosure, The Lumineers, Bob Dylan and Duran Duran. In addition to music, on 9th July 2016, the amphitheatre will welcome over 7,000 exercise-keen visitors to its annual Fitness on the Rocks – the biggest single workout in Colorado. With DJ-driven music and a dramatic setting for a day of high altitude activities, those who attend will experience a row challenge, body blast, Pilates and Zumba to name but a few. The extraordinary venue can also be experienced from a different perspective – the downward dog – as Yoga on the Rocks brings together 2,000 'yogis' in an awe-inspiring venue. www.redrocksonline.com 

100th Anniversary of the Pikes Peak Challenge

First completed in 1916, The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the second oldest motor sports race in the U.S. and a long standing tradition in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. The race takes place on a 12.42-mile course with 156 turns, beginning at 9,390 feet and finishing at the 14,115 foot summit of Pikes Peak. Visitors can watch the big event on 26th June 2016 from designated viewing areas as competitors and vehicles struggle to finish in the thin air at the summit, as well as taking part in the fan fest on 24th June. www.ppihc.com 

100 years of the National Park Service

25th August 2016 marks 100 years since the founding of the National Park Service, who have worked to preserve the natural beauty of the USA's national parks and create outdoor experiences and adventures for its 300 million annual visitors from across the world. Colorado's four national parks offer a number of ways to explore the great outdoors. Travellers can relive ancient history by taking a tour of the cliff dwellings, including the 150-room Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park; take advantage of the low light pollution and high altitudes facilitating a perfect destination for stargazing at Black Canyon in Gunnison National Park; spy on bald eagles, painted turtles and bison in the wilds of Rocky Mountain National Park; and explore the natural wonder of Great Sand Dunes National Park by horseback or by sandboard.

Colorado is a year-round destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational activities, an abundant arts scene, Western heritage, distinctive cuisine and 25 renowned ski resort areas. The state's scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, numerous peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 11 national parks and monuments and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet, known as 'Fourteeners'.

Further information can be found at www.colorado.com 

Consumer social media handles www.facebook.com/coloradoukireland & www.twitter.com/coloradoukeire 

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About Black Diamond:

Black Diamond is a full service communications agency offering public relations and travel trade representation, creative solutions, media planning and buying, alongside digital and website development and content production. Black Diamond specialises in the travel and consumer industries. Existing clients include Brand USA, Visit California, Colorado Tourism Office, South African Airways, San Francisco Travel Association and fashion brands OWL Watches, Movado, Sonia H and Mr Quintessential. For information about Black Diamond visit www.blackdiamond.co.uk.

For further press information contact:

Sarah Barnett sarah@blackdiamond.co.uk / 020 7845 6378

Polly Beech polly@blackdiamond.co.uk / 020 7845 6359