From motor sports to hot mineral springs, Colorado welcomes summer as playground for all adventurers

Watching the highest Hill Climb in Motorsports

On 26th June 2016, Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs – the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains – will be the arena for speeding thrills as the second oldest motors ports race in the U.S., the 100th Pikes Peak Hill Climb, takes place. Motoring fans can watch the big event as competitors struggle to finish in the thin air at the summit of 14,110 ft and join the fun at the 'fan fest' on 24th June, where competitors can be seen as they prepare to take on the mountain.

White Water Rafting the wildest rivers

From adrenaline-charged Class IV white-water experiences to family-friendly canoe, kayak and float trips, the rivers and rapids of Colorado offer endless water-based adventures. In May and June, melting mountain snow makes the rivers run faster for a more exhilarating ride, while August to September provide a much milder ride. Rafting hubs are located near dozens of Colorado towns, including Buena Vista, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Salida, Steamboat Springs, Vail and Winter Park, so visitors should never be far from a good place to get on the water. By Fort Collins, Colorado's only nationally designated wild and scenic river, the Cache la Poudre River carves down Poudre Canyon through narrow sections flanked by alpine mountainsides and natural rock cliffs, offering experienced rafters five bridges and stretches of continuous class III and IV rapids, such as Devil's Staircase and Pine View Falls. A visit to Buena Vista can provide adventure seekers with access to the wilds of the Arkansas River with rapids Seidel's Suck-hole and vertical Silver Bullet which has a seven-foot drop, passing five mountain peaks at 14,000 feet (known as Fourteeners) and a chance to spot bighorn sheep along the way. 

Riding the highest Dunes

Great Sand Dunes National Park offers diverse adventures for all ages on the tallest dunes in North America. With sandboard and sled rentals available at San Luis Valley, both adults and children alike can take to the dunes and ride the sand with a variety of slope sizes to suit. Visitors staying at nearby Zapata Ranch can channel their inner cowboy and discover the dunes on horseback, with rooms available on the working ranch from $1,380 (approx. £950) for three-night stays. To challenge the sand by alternative saddle, the Medano Pass Primitive Road is open to fat bikes with extended sections of sand, creek crossings and rocks to negotiate across. www.nps.gov/grsa

Hiking and Biking in the world's longest trail

Whilst the 58 mountains reaching 14,000 feet may be demanding for all but experienced climbers, Colorado's mountainous vistas provide adventurers with endless trails – be it on bike or on foot. One of the highest profile Colorado hiking trails is the Colorado Trail. Popular with backpackers and experienced hikers, the 500-mile trail climbs, crosses and descends the Rocky Mountains between Denver and Durango passing beneath the highest peaks and beside rushing rivers and wildflower meadows, taking 21-days to hike its entirety. Challenging single-track mountain biking trails can be found at virtually all of the state's ski resorts, with Snowmass debuting a new 25 mile loop trail this June across a range of high desert, mountain shrub lands and shaded forest. Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley has the longest mountain bike trail system in the world and some of the best desert trails in Colorado with more than 750 miles of mountain bike trails in the valley, including the famed 401 with beautiful, knee-deep foliage, steep grades and outstanding high-alpine views; and Doctor Park, a local's favourite with a steep ascent up Spring Creek and fun, speedy descent featuring rocky and technical components juxtaposed with long sections of smooth riding. 

Relaxing in natural Hot Mineral Springs

Colorado's mountains also provide adventurers with the perfect place to kick back and relax, with a plethora of natural hot springs to soothe sore muscles after a day of thrills. To soak in the mountain-view, Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort boasts hot spring pools located in the midst of the cool rushing waters of Chalk Creek. Situated between Buena Vista and Salida, each pool offers different temperature ranges and is fed by its own natural geothermal hot spring bubbling up unto the creek bed, creating natural circles of stones at one foot in depth and a comfortable sandy base. For the ultimate adventurer, Strawberry Park Hot Springs provides a rustic hot spring experience set amid a swath of trees, accessible by hiking four steep miles from the town of Steamboat Springs. Waterfalls trickle sonorously into the water, and a small private pool is dedicated for Watsu, a type of gentle, warm-water massage that will make the strain of the hike a pleasant memory.

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

Jim Odoire jim@blackdiamond.co.uk / 020 7845 6372