The Colorado River — Passage and Quiz

The Colorado River is a major river in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It stretches 1,450 miles (2,330 kilometers) from its source in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to its endpoint at the Gulf of California in Mexico.

The river flows through seven U.S. states: Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, and California. It is a critical water source for over 40 million people and supports agriculture, hydroelectric power, and recreation.

The Colorado River is known for carving the Grand Canyon, one of the world’s most famous natural wonders. Over millions of years, the river’s powerful flow eroded the rock layers, creating the canyon’s dramatic landscape.

However, the Colorado River faces significant challenges, including overuse, drought, and climate change. These factors have reduced the river’s flow and water levels, threatening ecosystems and water supplies. Efforts to manage the river’s resources include water conservation, dam construction, and international agreements.

Fun fact: The Colorado River no longer reaches the Gulf of California in most years due to water diversions and drought, leaving its delta dry.