Colorado is home to numerous rivers that play a crucial role in its ecosystem, water supply, and recreation. Major rivers like the Colorado River, which stretches approximately 1,450 miles from Colorado to the Gulf of California, and the Arkansas River, spanning 1,469 miles and flowing southeast into Arkansas, are vital water sources. The South Platte River, another key river, flows 439 miles across the state before joining the Platte River in Nebraska. These rivers support agriculture, supply drinking water to cities, and offer recreational activities like rafting and fishing. Colorado's rivers are essential to the region's biodiversity and serve as lifelines for both the environment and the economy.
Explore the map of Colorado with rivers, lakes, and geographical / physical features which is clearly marked on the map.
List of Rivers in Colorado
River Name
Length (miles)
Drainage Basin Area (sq mi)
Major Tributaries
States Traversed
Colorado River
1,450
246,000
Green River, Gunnison River, San Juan River
CO, UT, AZ, NV, CA, MX
Arkansas River
1,469
170,000
Canadian River, Cimarron River
CO, KS, OK, AR
Rio Grande
1,896
182,200
Pecos River, Conchos River
CO, NM, TX, MX
South Platte River
439
24,300
Cache la Poudre River, Clear Creek
CO, NE
North Platte River
716
29,000
Laramie River, Medicine Bow River
CO, WY, NE
Yampa River
250
7,660
Elk River, Little Snake River
CO
Gunnison River
180
8,000
Uncompahgre River, North Fork Gunnison River
CO
San Juan River
383
24,600
Animas River, La Plata River
CO, NM, UT
Dolores River
241
4,500
San Miguel River, West Dolores River
CO, UT
Cache la Poudre River
126
1,900
South Fork Cache la Poudre River
CO
Roaring Fork River
70
1,450
Fryingpan River, Crystal River
CO
Uncompahgre River
75
1,100
Dallas Creek, Cow Creek
CO
White River
195
5,000
North Fork White River, South Fork White River
CO, UT
Blue River
65
680
Snake River, Tenmile Creek
CO
Big Thompson River
78
900
North Fork Big Thompson River
CO
Fraser River
32
Unknown
Williams Fork River
CO
Rivers of Colorado
Colorado's rivers are essential natural resources that shape the state’s landscape, support diverse ecosystems, and provide water for agriculture, cities, and recreational activities. The rivers vary greatly in length, basin size, and environmental impact, with some serving as major water sources for neighboring states as well.
Colorado River
The Colorado River is one of the most significant rivers in the American West, stretching approximately 1,450 miles from its headwaters in the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of California. Within Colorado, the river flows for over 200 miles, providing critical water resources for the state and neighboring regions. The river supports various ecosystems and is crucial for agricultural irrigation. Major tributaries like the Gunnison and Yampa rivers contribute to its flow, while the river’s drainage basin covers around 246,000 square miles.
Importance of the Colorado River
This river serves as a lifeline for over 40 million people across seven U.S. states and parts of Mexico. It supplies water to cities, agriculture, and industries. Colorado’s portion of the river plays a pivotal role in water storage through reservoirs like Lake Granby and supports water rights agreements essential for resource sharing across states.
Arkansas River
The Arkansas River originates in the Sawatch Range near Leadville and flows 1,469 miles southeast through Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Within Colorado, it spans approximately 300 miles, passing through cities like Pueblo. Known for its white-water rafting spots, the river also supports agricultural areas along its path.
Economic and Environmental Significance
The Arkansas River is vital for Colorado's agriculture, particularly in the eastern plains where irrigation supports crop production. Recreational activities along the river, including rafting and fishing, contribute to local economies, particularly in regions like the Royal Gorge, where the river’s rapids attract thousands of visitors annually.
Rio Grande
The Rio Grande flows for 1,896 miles from the San Juan Mountains in Colorado through New Mexico and Texas, forming a natural border between the United States and Mexico. The river’s Colorado segment primarily supports agriculture in the San Luis Valley, one of the state’s major farming areas.
Ecological Importance
The Rio Grande provides water for endangered species habitats and supports a unique desert ecosystem along its route. Its basin, covering 182,200 square miles, faces challenges from drought and water scarcity, which impact both agriculture and wildlife.
South Platte River
The South Platte River runs approximately 439 miles from its headwaters in Colorado’s mountains through Denver and into Nebraska, where it merges with the North Platte River. The river supplies much of Denver’s municipal water and plays a critical role in Colorado’s urban and agricultural water supply.
Water Supply and Urban Use
The South Platte River supports a significant portion of Colorado’s population, providing drinking water, supporting agricultural irrigation, and contributing to the recreational appeal of urban parks. Major reservoirs like Chatfield and Cherry Creek are located along its course, offering both water storage and recreational spaces.
Yampa River
The Yampa River, flowing 250 miles through northwestern Colorado, is one of the last largely free-flowing rivers in the state. Originating in the Flat Tops Wilderness, it flows through Steamboat Springs before joining the Green River.
Environmental and Recreational Importance
The Yampa River supports a unique ecosystem, providing habitats for endangered fish species such as the humpback chub. It is popular for recreational activities like kayaking and fishing, and its largely unaltered flow is a valuable asset for Colorado’s conservation efforts.
Gunnison River
A significant tributary of the Colorado River, the Gunnison River flows 180 miles through western Colorado. Known for the dramatic Black Canyon it carves, the Gunnison is a popular destination for outdoor activities and an essential water source for the region.
Contribution to Agriculture and Recreation
The Gunnison River supports agriculture in the fertile Uncompahgre Valley. Recreationally, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers hiking, fishing, and sightseeing opportunities, with the river’s rapids attracting white-water enthusiasts.
San Juan River
The San Juan River flows 383 miles through Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, joining the Colorado River at Lake Powell. The river passes through areas rich in Native American history, with archaeological sites and petroglyphs along its banks.
Archaeological and Hydrological Importance
The San Juan River is vital for both agricultural irrigation and historical preservation. Its flow contributes to the water levels of Lake Powell, and it provides resources for communities and ecosystems in a semi-arid region.
Dolores River
The Dolores River spans 241 miles through southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah. Known for scenic red-rock landscapes, it eventually joins the Colorado River.
Environmental Challenges
The Dolores River faces water scarcity due to agricultural diversion and drought, impacting native fish populations and river ecosystems. Conservation efforts focus on restoring the natural flow to sustain the local environment.
Other Notable Rivers in Colorado
Cache la Poudre River
The Cache la Poudre River flows 126 miles along Colorado’s northern Front Range. Known for its historical significance as a route for trappers, it provides water for agriculture and is a designated National Wild and Scenic River.
Roaring Fork River
The Roaring Fork River, a tributary of the Colorado River, flows for 70 miles through Aspen and Glenwood Springs. Its fast-moving waters are popular for rafting and fishing, and the river contributes to Colorado’s water supply.
Uncompahgre River
The Uncompahgre River, flowing 75 miles through western Colorado, provides water to agricultural lands in the Uncompahgre Valley. Its name, derived from the Ute word for “hot water,” reflects the geothermal springs near its source.
White River
The White River flows 195 miles from northwestern Colorado into Utah. Its basin supports agricultural lands and provides habitats for wildlife, making it an important river for both the ecosystem and local communities.
