Colorado drainage basins
Encyclopedia
Continental Divide
The Continental Divide of the Americas, or merely the Continental Gulf of Division or Great Divide, is the name given to the principal, and largely mountainous, hydrological divide of the Americas that separates the watersheds that drain into the Pacific Ocean from those river systems that drain...
. East of the Continental Divide, surface waters flow via the North Platte River
North Platte River
The North Platte River is a major tributary of the Platte River and is approximately long counting its many curves, It travels about distance. Its course lies in the U.S...
, the South Platte River
South Platte River
The South Platte River is one of the two principal tributaries of the Platte River and itself a major river of the American Midwest and the American Southwest/Mountain West, located in the U.S. states of Colorado and Nebraska...
, the Republican River
Republican River
The Republican River is a river in the central Great Plains of North America, flowing through the U.S. states of Nebraska and Kansas.-Geography:...
, the Arkansas River
Arkansas River
The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The Arkansas generally flows to the east and southeast as it traverses the U.S. states of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The river's initial basin starts in the Western United States in Colorado, specifically the Arkansas...
, the Cimarron River, the Canadian River
Canadian River
The Canadian River is the longest tributary of the Arkansas River. It is about long, starting in Colorado and traveling through New Mexico, the Texas Panhandle, and most of Oklahoma....
, or the Rio Grande
Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is a river that flows from southwestern Colorado in the United States to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way it forms part of the Mexico – United States border. Its length varies as its course changes...
to the Gulf of Mexico
Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico is a partially landlocked ocean basin largely surrounded by the North American continent and the island of Cuba. It is bounded on the northeast, north and northwest by the Gulf Coast of the United States, on the southwest and south by Mexico, and on the southeast by Cuba. In...
. West of the Continental Divide, surface waters flow via the Green River
Green River (Utah)
The Green River, located in the western United States, is the chief tributary of the Colorado River. The watershed of the river, known as the Green River Basin, covers parts of Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. The Green River is long, beginning in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming and flowing...
, the upper Colorado River
Colorado River
The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states...
(formerly the Grand River
Colorado River
The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states...
), or the San Juan River into the Colorado River
Colorado River
The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states...
and on to the Gulf of California
Gulf of California
The Gulf of California is a body of water that separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican mainland...
. Colorado also has three significant endorheic basins: the San Luis Closed Basin in the San Luis Valley
San Luis Valley
The San Luis Valley is an extensive alpine valley in the U.S. states of Colorado and New Mexico covering approximately and sitting at an average elevation of above sea level. The valley sits atop the Rio Grande Rift and is drained to the south by the Rio Grande River, which rises in the San Juan...
, and the Bear Creek Basin and the White Woman Basin spanning the Colorado
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
-Kansas
Kansas
Kansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south...
border south and north of the Arkansas River
Arkansas River
The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The Arkansas generally flows to the east and southeast as it traverses the U.S. states of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The river's initial basin starts in the Western United States in Colorado, specifically the Arkansas...
.
Table of major drainage basins
| Basin | Outlet | Total Area | In-State Area | % In-State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado River Colorado River The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states... |
Gulf of California Gulf of California The Gulf of California is a body of water that separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican mainland... |
703,132 km2 271,481 mi2 |
100,195 km2 38,686 mi2 |
14.2% |
| Arkansas River Arkansas River The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The Arkansas generally flows to the east and southeast as it traverses the U.S. states of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The river's initial basin starts in the Western United States in Colorado, specifically the Arkansas... |
Mississippi River Mississippi River The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains... |
478,501 km2 184,750 mi2 |
70,022 km2 27,036 mi2 |
14.6% |
| Rio Grande Rio Grande The Rio Grande is a river that flows from southwestern Colorado in the United States to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way it forms part of the Mexico – United States border. Its length varies as its course changes... |
Gulf of Mexico Gulf of Mexico The Gulf of Mexico is a partially landlocked ocean basin largely surrounded by the North American continent and the island of Cuba. It is bounded on the northeast, north and northwest by the Gulf Coast of the United States, on the southwest and south by Mexico, and on the southeast by Cuba. In... |
457,275 km2 176,555 mi2 |
12,070 km2 4,660 mi2 |
2.6% |
| Canadian River Canadian River The Canadian River is the longest tributary of the Arkansas River. It is about long, starting in Colorado and traveling through New Mexico, the Texas Panhandle, and most of Oklahoma.... |
Arkansas River Arkansas River The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The Arkansas generally flows to the east and southeast as it traverses the U.S. states of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The river's initial basin starts in the Western United States in Colorado, specifically the Arkansas... |
122,701 km2 47,375 mi2 |
154 km2 59 mi2 |
0.1% |
| Green River Green River (Utah) The Green River, located in the western United States, is the chief tributary of the Colorado River. The watershed of the river, known as the Green River Basin, covers parts of Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. The Green River is long, beginning in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming and flowing... |
Colorado River Colorado River The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states... |
115,903 km2 44,750 mi2 |
27,340 km2 10,556 mi2 |
23.6% |
| North Platte River North Platte River The North Platte River is a major tributary of the Platte River and is approximately long counting its many curves, It travels about distance. Its course lies in the U.S... |
Platte River Platte River The Platte River is a major river in the state of Nebraska and is about long. Measured to its farthest source via its tributary the North Platte River, it flows for over . The Platte River is a tributary of the Missouri River, which in turn is a tributary of the Mississippi River which flows to... |
80,755 km2 31,180 mi2 |
5,129 km2 1,980 mi2 |
6.4% |
| upper Colorado River Colorado River The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states... (Grand River Colorado River The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states... ) |
Colorado River Colorado River The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states... |
67,993 km2 26,252 mi2 |
57,680 km2 22,270 mi2 |
84.8% |
| San Juan River | Colorado River Colorado River The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states... |
64,560 km2 24,927 mi2 |
15,175 km2 5,859 mi2 |
23.5% |
| South Platte River South Platte River The South Platte River is one of the two principal tributaries of the Platte River and itself a major river of the American Midwest and the American Southwest/Mountain West, located in the U.S. states of Colorado and Nebraska... |
Platte River Platte River The Platte River is a major river in the state of Nebraska and is about long. Measured to its farthest source via its tributary the North Platte River, it flows for over . The Platte River is a tributary of the Missouri River, which in turn is a tributary of the Mississippi River which flows to... |
62,738 km2 24,223 mi2 |
48,948 km2 18,899 mi2 |
78.0% |
| Smoky Hill River Smoky Hill River The Smoky Hill River is a river in the central Great Plains of North America, running through the U.S. states of Colorado and Kansas.-Names:The Smoky Hill gets its name from the Smoky Hills region of north-central Kansas through which it flows... |
Kansas River Kansas River The Kansas River is a river in northeastern Kansas in the United States. It is the southwestern-most part of the Missouri River drainage, which is in turn the northwestern-most portion of the extensive Mississippi River drainage. Its name come from the Kanza people who once inhabited the area... |
51,783 km2 19,994 mi2 |
2,493 km2 963 mi2 |
4.8% |
| Cimarron River | Arkansas River Arkansas River The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The Arkansas generally flows to the east and southeast as it traverses the U.S. states of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The river's initial basin starts in the Western United States in Colorado, specifically the Arkansas... |
44,890 km2 17,332 mi2 |
5,481 km2 2,116 mi2 |
12.2% |
| Yampa River Yampa River The Yampa River is a tributary of the Green River, approximately 250 mi long, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It's located in the Southwestern United States... |
Green River Green River (Utah) The Green River, located in the western United States, is the chief tributary of the Colorado River. The watershed of the river, known as the Green River Basin, covers parts of Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. The Green River is long, beginning in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming and flowing... |
21,506 km2 8,304 mi2 |
15,289 km2 5,903 mi2 |
71.1% |
| Gunnison River Gunnison River The Gunnison River is a tributary of the Colorado River, long, in the Southwest state of Colorado. It is the fifth largest tributary of the Colorado River, with a mean flow of 4320 ft³/s .-Description:... |
upper Colorado River Colorado River The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states... (Grand River Colorado River The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states... ) |
20,851 km2 8,051 mi2 |
20,851 km2 8,051 mi2 |
100% |
| North Fork Republican River North Fork Republican River The North Fork Republican River is a tributary of the Republican River. It flows eastward from a source in Yuma County, Colorado to just north of Hagler in Dundy County, Nebraska... |
Republican River Republican River The Republican River is a river in the central Great Plains of North America, flowing through the U.S. states of Nebraska and Kansas.-Geography:... |
13,172 km2 5,086 mi2 |
11,522 km2 4,449 mi2 |
87.5% |
| White River White River (Utah) The White River is a tributary of the Green River, approximately long, in the U.S. states of Colorado and Utah. Flows vary from 450 ft³/s late summers in dry years to well over 12,000 ft³/s in spring.... |
Green River Green River (Utah) The Green River, located in the western United States, is the chief tributary of the Colorado River. The watershed of the river, known as the Green River Basin, covers parts of Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. The Green River is long, beginning in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming and flowing... |
12,989 km2 5,015 mi2 |
9,796 km2 3,782 mi2 |
75.4% |
| Dolores River Dolores River The Dolores River is a tributary of the Colorado River, approximately 250 mi long, in the U.S. states of Colorado and Utah.... |
upper Colorado River Colorado River The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states... (Grand River Colorado River The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states... ) |
11,998 km2 4,633 mi2 |
10,619 km2 4,100 mi2 |
88.5% |
| Laramie River Laramie River The Laramie River is a tributary of the North Platte River, approximately long, in the U.S. states of Colorado and Wyoming.It rises in northern Colorado, in the Roosevelt National Forest in the Front Range, in western Larimer County... |
North Platte River North Platte River The North Platte River is a major tributary of the Platte River and is approximately long counting its many curves, It travels about distance. Its course lies in the U.S... |
11,961 km2 4,618 mi2 |
989 km2 382 mi2 |
8.3% |
| Little Snake River Little Snake River The Little Snake River is a tributary of the Yampa River, approximately 150 mi long, in southwestern Wyoming and northwestern Colorado in the United States.... |
Yampa River Yampa River The Yampa River is a tributary of the Green River, approximately 250 mi long, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It's located in the Southwestern United States... |
10,629 km2 4,104 mi2 |
4,412 km2 1,704 mi2 |
41.5% |
| Purgatoire River Purgatoire River The Purgatoire River is a river in southeastern Colorado, United States. The river is also known locally as the Purgatory River or the Picketwire River... |
Arkansas River Arkansas River The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The Arkansas generally flows to the east and southeast as it traverses the U.S. states of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The river's initial basin starts in the Western United States in Colorado, specifically the Arkansas... |
8,923 km2 3,445 mi2 |
8,601 km2 3,321 mi2 |
96.4% |
| Lodgepole Creek Lodgepole Creek Lodgepole Creek is a tributary of the South Platte River, approximately long, in the U.S. states of Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado. Lodgepole Creek drains a basin in the interior of a low plateau which lies between the South Platte Basin and the North Platte Basin in the southeastern corner of... |
South Platte River South Platte River The South Platte River is one of the two principal tributaries of the Platte River and itself a major river of the American Midwest and the American Southwest/Mountain West, located in the U.S. states of Colorado and Nebraska... |
8,374 km2 3,233 mi2 |
496 km2 191 mi2 |
5.9% |
| Rio Chama | Rio Grande Rio Grande The Rio Grande is a river that flows from southwestern Colorado in the United States to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way it forms part of the Mexico – United States border. Its length varies as its course changes... |
8,204 km2 3,168 mi2 |
238 km2 92 mi2 |
2.9% |
| San Luis Closed Basin | endorheic basin | 7,638 km2 2,949 mi2 |
7,638 km2 2,949 mi2 |
100% |
| Frenchman Creek Frenchman Creek Frenchman Creek is a spring-fed waterway that begins in Phillips County, Colorado, crosses Chase and Hayes counties in Nebraska and ends at its juncture with the Republican River in Hitchcock County, Nebraska. The length of the waterway is approximately .... |
Republican River Republican River The Republican River is a river in the central Great Plains of North America, flowing through the U.S. states of Nebraska and Kansas.-Geography:... |
7,398 km2 2,856 mi2 |
2,539 km2 980 mi2 |
34.3% |
| South Fork Republican River South Fork Republican River The South Fork Republican River is a river that arises in Lincoln County, Colorado, United States, and flows east-northeastward for about through Kit Carson and Yuma Counties, Colorado, and Cheyenne County, Kansas, to a confluence with the Republican River in Dundy County, Nebraska. Bonny... |
Republican River Republican River The Republican River is a river in the central Great Plains of North America, flowing through the U.S. states of Nebraska and Kansas.-Geography:... |
7,195 km2 2,778 mi2 |
5,454 km2 2,106 mi2 |
75.8% |
| San Luis Creek San Luis Creek (Colorado) San Luis Creek is a stream that flows from a source near Poncha Pass in Saguache County, Colorado to San Luis Lake adjacent to Great Sand Dunes National Park. San Luis Lake is the sink of the San Luis Closed Basin, the largest endorheic basin in Colorado.... |
San Luis Closed Basin | 7,000 km2 2,703 mi2 |
7,000 km2 2,703 mi2 |
100% |
| Cache la Poudre River Cache La Poudre River The Cache la Poudre River is in the state of Colorado in the United States.Its headwaters are in the Front Range in Larimer County, in the northern part of Rocky Mountain National Park. The river descends eastward in the mountains through the Roosevelt National Forest in Poudre Canyon... |
South Platte River South Platte River The South Platte River is one of the two principal tributaries of the Platte River and itself a major river of the American Midwest and the American Southwest/Mountain West, located in the U.S. states of Colorado and Nebraska... |
4,959 km2 1,915 mi2 |
4,587 km2 1,771 mi2 |
92.5% |
| Bear Creek Basin | endorheic basin | 4,896 km2 1,890 mi2 |
2,521 km2 973 mi2 |
51.5% |
| Huerfano River Huerfano River Huerfano River is a tributary of the Arkansas River that flows from a source near Blanca Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Colorado. It joins the Arkansas in Pueblo County just south of the town of Boone.... |
Arkansas River Arkansas River The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The Arkansas generally flows to the east and southeast as it traverses the U.S. states of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The river's initial basin starts in the Western United States in Colorado, specifically the Arkansas... |
4,840 km2 1,869 mi2 |
4,840 km2 1,869 mi2 |
100% |
| Big Sandy Creek Big Sandy Creek (Colorado) Big Sandy Creek is a tributary of the Arkansas River noted for being the location of the Sand Creek Massacre. Big Sandy Creek starts near Peyton in El Paso County, Colorado and flows through Elbert, Lincoln, Cheyenne and Kiowa counties before it joins with the Arkansas River in Prowers county... |
Arkansas River Arkansas River The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The Arkansas generally flows to the east and southeast as it traverses the U.S. states of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The river's initial basin starts in the Western United States in Colorado, specifically the Arkansas... |
4,825 km2 1,863 mi2 |
4,825 km2 1,863 mi2 |
100% |
| Bear Creek | Bear Creek Basin | 4,500 km2 1,737 mi2 |
2,500 km2 965 mi2 |
55.6% |
| North Fork Cimarron River North Fork Cimarron River North Fork Cimarron River is a tributary of the Cimarron River that flows from a source in Comanche National Grassland in Baca County, Colorado. It joins the Cimarron River west of Satanta in Haskell County, Kansas.... |
Cimarron River | 4,462 km2 1,723 mi2 |
2,225 km2 859 mi2 |
49.9% |
| Arikaree River Arikaree River The Arikaree River is a tributary of the Republican River that starts near Limon in Lincoln County, Colorado. The river flows east into Kansas, crossing the extreme northwestern corner of that state before entering Nebraska... |
North Fork Republican River North Fork Republican River The North Fork Republican River is a tributary of the Republican River. It flows eastward from a source in Yuma County, Colorado to just north of Hagler in Dundy County, Nebraska... |
4,429 km2 1,710 mi2 |
4,265 km2 1,647 mi2 |
96.3% |
| San Miguel River San Miguel River (Colorado) The San Miguel River is a tributary of the Dolores River, approximately 90 mi long in southwestern Colorado in the United States... |
Dolores River Dolores River The Dolores River is a tributary of the Colorado River, approximately 250 mi long, in the U.S. states of Colorado and Utah.... |
4,060 km2 1,567 mi2 |
4,060 km2 1,567 mi2 |
100% |
| Stinking Water Creek | Frenchman Creek Frenchman Creek Frenchman Creek is a spring-fed waterway that begins in Phillips County, Colorado, crosses Chase and Hayes counties in Nebraska and ends at its juncture with the Republican River in Hitchcock County, Nebraska. The length of the waterway is approximately .... |
3,862 km2 1,491 mi2 |
966 km2 373 mi2 |
25.0% |
| Roaring Fork River Roaring Fork River Roaring Fork River is a tributary of the Colorado River, approximately long, in west central Colorado in the United States. The river drains a populated and economically vital area of the Colorado Western Slope called the Roaring Fork Valley or Roaring Fork Watershed, which includes the resort... |
upper Colorado River Colorado River The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states... (Grand River Colorado River The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states... ) |
3,766 km2 1,454 mi2 |
3,766 km2 1,454 mi2 |
100% |
| Crow Creek Crow Creek (Wyoming) Crow Creek is a waterway of southeastern Wyoming and northern Colorado. Crow Creek is formed by the merger of the South Fork of Crow Creek with the Middle fork of Crow Creek, with the quick addition of the North Fork of Crow Creek about downstream. All of the major tributaries of Crow Creek begin... |
South Platte River South Platte River The South Platte River is one of the two principal tributaries of the Platte River and itself a major river of the American Midwest and the American Southwest/Mountain West, located in the U.S. states of Colorado and Nebraska... |
3,717 km2 1,435 mi2 |
2,201 km2 850 mi2 |
59.2% |
| Horse Creek Horse Creek (Colorado) Horse Creek is a tributary of the Arkansas River that flows from a source south of Calhan in the Holcolm Hills of El Paso County, Colorado. It flows east and south to a confluence with the Arkansas in Otero County west of Las Animas... |
Arkansas River Arkansas River The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The Arkansas generally flows to the east and southeast as it traverses the U.S. states of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The river's initial basin starts in the Western United States in Colorado, specifically the Arkansas... |
3,680 km2 1,421 mi2 |
3,680 km2 1,421 mi2 |
100% |
| Ladder Creek Ladder Creek Ladder Creek is a stream that flows from a source in Cheyenne County, Colorado to a confluence with the Smoky Hill River in Logan County, Kansas.... |
Smoky Hill River Smoky Hill River The Smoky Hill River is a river in the central Great Plains of North America, running through the U.S. states of Colorado and Kansas.-Names:The Smoky Hill gets its name from the Smoky Hills region of north-central Kansas through which it flows... |
3,645 km2 1,407 mi2 |
663 km2 256 mi2 |
18.2% |
| Bijou Creek Bijou Creek Bijou Creek is a tributary of the South Platte River in Colorado. The creek flows from a source in Adams County to a confluence with the South Platte near Fort Morgan.... |
South Platte River South Platte River The South Platte River is one of the two principal tributaries of the Platte River and itself a major river of the American Midwest and the American Southwest/Mountain West, located in the U.S. states of Colorado and Nebraska... |
3,612 km2 1,395 mi2 |
3,612 km2 1,395 mi2 |
100% |
| White Woman Basin | endorheic basin | 3,577 km2 1,381 mi2 |
908 km2 351 mi2 |
25.4% |
| Rush Creek Rush Creek (Colorado) Rush Creek is a tributary of Big Sandy Creek in Colorado. It starts at the confluence of South Rush Creek and North Rush Creek in Lincoln County. The creek flows through Cheyenne County before joining Big Sandy Creek in Kiowa County.... |
Arkansas River Arkansas River The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The Arkansas generally flows to the east and southeast as it traverses the U.S. states of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The river's initial basin starts in the Western United States in Colorado, specifically the Arkansas... |
3,570 km2 1,378 mi2 |
3,570 km2 1,378 mi2 |
100% |
| Animas River Animas River Animas River is a river in the western United States, a tributary of the San Juan River, part of the Colorado River System. The Spanish named the river "Rio de las Animas Perdidas", "River of the Lost Souls". It is also the last free-flowing river in Colorado. The river's free-flowing status... |
San Juan River | 3,562 km2 1,375 mi2 |
2,971 km2 1,147 mi2 |
83.4% |
| Saguache Creek Saguache Creek Saguache Creek is a stream in Saguache County, Colorado. The creek flows from the confluence of its North and Middle forks before joining San Luis Creek. Saguache Creek is in the San Luis Closed Basin, the largest endorheic basin in Colorado.... |
San Luis Creek San Luis Creek (Colorado) San Luis Creek is a stream that flows from a source near Poncha Pass in Saguache County, Colorado to San Luis Lake adjacent to Great Sand Dunes National Park. San Luis Lake is the sink of the San Luis Closed Basin, the largest endorheic basin in Colorado.... |
3,482 km2 1,345 mi2 |
3,482 km2 1,345 mi2 |
100% |
| Montezuma Creek | San Juan River | 3,044 km2 1,175 mi2 |
983 km2 380 mi2 |
32.3% |
| White Woman Creek | White Woman Basin | 3,000 km2 1,158 mi2 |
800 km2 309 mi2 |
26.7% |
| Beaver Creek Beaver Creek (Colorado) Beaver Creek is a tributary of the South Platte River in Colorado. The creek flows from a source in Elbert County to a confluence with the South Platte in Morgan County near Hillrose.... |
South Platte River South Platte River The South Platte River is one of the two principal tributaries of the Platte River and itself a major river of the American Midwest and the American Southwest/Mountain West, located in the U.S. states of Colorado and Nebraska... |
2,939 km2 1,135 mi2 |
2,939 km2 1,135 mi2 |
100% |
| Uncompahgre River Uncompahgre River The Uncompahgre River is a tributary of the Gunnison River, approximately 75 mi long, in southwestern Colorado in the United States. Lake Como at 12,215 ft in northern San Juan County, in the Uncompahgre National Forest in the northwestern San Juan Mountains is the headwaters of the... |
Gunnison River Gunnison River The Gunnison River is a tributary of the Colorado River, long, in the Southwest state of Colorado. It is the fifth largest tributary of the Colorado River, with a mean flow of 4320 ft³/s .-Description:... |
2,921 km2 1,128 mi2 |
2,921 km2 1,128 mi2 |
100% |
| Tomichi Creek Tomichi Creek Tomichi Creek is a tributary of the Gunnison River in Gunnison County, Colorado.... |
Gunnison River Gunnison River The Gunnison River is a tributary of the Colorado River, long, in the Southwest state of Colorado. It is the fifth largest tributary of the Colorado River, with a mean flow of 4320 ft³/s .-Description:... |
2,874 km2 1,109 mi2 |
2,874 km2 1,109 mi2 |
100% |
| Apishapa Creek | Arkansas River Arkansas River The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The Arkansas generally flows to the east and southeast as it traverses the U.S. states of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The river's initial basin starts in the Western United States in Colorado, specifically the Arkansas... |
2,798 km2 1,080 mi2 |
2,798 km2 1,080 mi2 |
100% |
| Saint Vrain Creek | South Platte River South Platte River The South Platte River is one of the two principal tributaries of the Platte River and itself a major river of the American Midwest and the American Southwest/Mountain West, located in the U.S. states of Colorado and Nebraska... |
2,572 km2 993 mi2 |
2,572 km2 993 mi2 |
100% |
| Eagle River Eagle River (Colorado) The Eagle River is a tributary of the Colorado River, approximately long, in west central Colorado in the United States.It rises in southeastern Eagle County, at the continental divide, and flows northwest past Gilman, Minturn, Avon... |
upper Colorado River Colorado River The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states... (Grand River Colorado River The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states... ) |
2,515 km2 971 mi2 |
2,515 km2 971 mi2 |
100% |
| Vermillion Creek Vermillion Creek Vermillion Creek is a tributary of the Green River. It flows south from Sweetwater County, Wyoming to a confluence with the Green River just north of the Gates of Lodore in Moffat County, Colorado.... |
Green River Green River (Utah) The Green River, located in the western United States, is the chief tributary of the Colorado River. The watershed of the river, known as the Green River Basin, covers parts of Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. The Green River is long, beginning in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming and flowing... |
2,500 km2 965 mi2 |
1,155 km2 446 mi2 |
46.2% |
| North Fork Gunnison River North Fork Gunnison River The North Fork Gunnison River is a tributary of the Gunnison River, long, in southwestern Colorado in the United States. It drains part of the southwestern flank of the Elk Mountains northeast of Delta.... |
Gunnison River Gunnison River The Gunnison River is a tributary of the Colorado River, long, in the Southwest state of Colorado. It is the fifth largest tributary of the Colorado River, with a mean flow of 4320 ft³/s .-Description:... |
2,492 km2 962 mi2 |
2,492 km2 962 mi2 |
100% |
| Fountain Creek Fountain Creek Fountain Creek is a stream in El Paso and Pueblo counties, in Colorado in the United States.-Geography:From its source near the city of Woodland Park north of Pikes Peak, the creek flows southeast through the communities of Green Mountain Falls and Chipita Park to the town of Cascade. It... |
Arkansas River Arkansas River The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The Arkansas generally flows to the east and southeast as it traverses the U.S. states of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The river's initial basin starts in the Western United States in Colorado, specifically the Arkansas... |
2,418 km2 933 mi2 |
2,418 km2 933 mi2 |
100% |
| Big Thompson River Big Thompson River The Big Thompson River is a tributary of the South Platte River, approximately 78 miles long, in the U.S. state of Colorado.- Course of the river :... |
South Platte River South Platte River The South Platte River is one of the two principal tributaries of the Platte River and itself a major river of the American Midwest and the American Southwest/Mountain West, located in the U.S. states of Colorado and Nebraska... |
2,149 km2 830 mi2 |
2,149 km2 830 mi2 |
100% |
| Two Butte Creek Two Butte Creek Two Butte Creek is a tributary of the Arkansas River that flows from a source near Kim, Colorado. It joins the Arkansas just south of the town of Holly.... |
Arkansas River Arkansas River The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The Arkansas generally flows to the east and southeast as it traverses the U.S. states of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The river's initial basin starts in the Western United States in Colorado, specifically the Arkansas... |
2,107 km2 814 mi2 |
2,107 km2 814 mi2 |
100% |
| Mancos River Mancos River Mancos River is an tributary of the San Juan River. It flows from the confluence of West Mancos River and East Mancos River near Mancos, Colorado and joins the San Juan near Four Corners Monument in New Mexico.-See also:*List of rivers of Colorado... |
San Juan River | 2,099 km2 810 mi2 |
1,973 km2 762 mi2 |
94.0% |
| Conejos River Conejos River The Conejos River is a tributary of the Rio Grande, approximately long, in south-central Colorado in the United States. It drains a scenic area of the eastern San Juan Mountains west of the San Luis Valley.-Description:... |
Rio Grande Rio Grande The Rio Grande is a river that flows from southwestern Colorado in the United States to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way it forms part of the Mexico – United States border. Its length varies as its course changes... |
2,078 km2 802 mi2 |
1,471 km2 568 mi2 |
70.8% |
| North Fork Smoky Hill River North Fork Smoky Hill River North Fork Smoky Hill River is a stream that flows from a source in Cheyenne County, Colorado to a confluence with the Smoky Hill River in Logan County, Kansas.... |
Smoky Hill River Smoky Hill River The Smoky Hill River is a river in the central Great Plains of North America, running through the U.S. states of Colorado and Kansas.-Names:The Smoky Hill gets its name from the Smoky Hills region of north-central Kansas through which it flows... |
1,965 km2 759 mi2 |
947 km2 366 mi2 |
48.2% |
| Sidney Draw | South Platte River South Platte River The South Platte River is one of the two principal tributaries of the Platte River and itself a major river of the American Midwest and the American Southwest/Mountain West, located in the U.S. states of Colorado and Nebraska... |
1,949 km2 753 mi2 |
368 km2 142 mi2 |
18.9% |
| South Fork Beaver Creek | Beaver Creek Beaver Creek (Colorado) Beaver Creek is a tributary of the South Platte River in Colorado. The creek flows from a source in Elbert County to a confluence with the South Platte in Morgan County near Hillrose.... |
1,939 km2 749 mi2 |
522 km2 201 mi2 |
26.9% |
| Sand Arroyo Creek | North Fork Cimarron River North Fork Cimarron River North Fork Cimarron River is a tributary of the Cimarron River that flows from a source in Comanche National Grassland in Baca County, Colorado. It joins the Cimarron River west of Satanta in Haskell County, Kansas.... |
1,938 km2 748 mi2 |
1,314 km2 507 mi2 |
67.8% |
| Chico Creek Chico Creek Chico Creek is a tributary of the Arkansas River that flows from a source in El Paso County, Colorado. It joins the Arkansas in Pueblo County just west of the town of Avondale.... |
Arkansas River Arkansas River The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The Arkansas generally flows to the east and southeast as it traverses the U.S. states of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The river's initial basin starts in the Western United States in Colorado, specifically the Arkansas... |
1,934 km2 747 mi2 |
1,934 km2 747 mi2 |
100% |
| Kiowa Creek Kiowa Creek (Colorado) Kiowa Creek is a tributary that flows into the South Platte River in Morgan County, Colorado near Orchard. The creek's source is in the Black Forest of El Paso County, northeast of Colorado Springs, Colorado.... |
South Platte River South Platte River The South Platte River is one of the two principal tributaries of the Platte River and itself a major river of the American Midwest and the American Southwest/Mountain West, located in the U.S. states of Colorado and Nebraska... |
1,888 km2 729 mi2 |
1,888 km2 729 mi2 |
100% |
| Pawnee Creek Pawnee Creek Pawnee Creek is a tributary that joins the South Platte River in Logan County, Colorado south of Sterling. The creek's source is in Weld County at the confluence of North Pawnee Creek and South Pawnee Creek in Pawnee National Grassland.... |
South Platte River South Platte River The South Platte River is one of the two principal tributaries of the Platte River and itself a major river of the American Midwest and the American Southwest/Mountain West, located in the U.S. states of Colorado and Nebraska... |
1,875 km2 724 mi2 |
1,875 km2 724 mi2 |
100% |
| McElmo Creek McElmo Creek McElmo Creek is a tributary that joins the San Juan River in San Juan County, Utah. The creek's source is just east of Cortez in Montezuma County, Colorado.-See also:*List of rivers of Colorado*List of rivers of Utah... |
San Juan River | 1,842 km2 711 mi2 |
1,654 km2 639 mi2 |
89.8% |
| Blue River Blue River (Colorado) The Blue River is a tributary of the Colorado River, approximately long, in the U.S. state of Colorado.It rises in southern Summit County, on the western side of the continental divide in the Ten Mile Range, near Quandary Peak. It flows north past Blue River and Breckenridge, then through the... |
upper Colorado River Colorado River The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states... (Grand River Colorado River The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states... ) |
1,770 km2 683 mi2 |
1,770 km2 683 mi2 |
100% |
| Piedra River | San Juan River | 1,770 km2 683 mi2 |
1,770 km2 683 mi2 |
100% |
| Piceance Creek Piceance Creek Piceance Creek is a tributary of the White River in Garfield County, Colorado.... |
White River White River (Utah) The White River is a tributary of the Green River, approximately long, in the U.S. states of Colorado and Utah. Flows vary from 450 ft³/s late summers in dry years to well over 12,000 ft³/s in spring.... |
1,630 km2 629 mi2 |
1,630 km2 629 mi2 |
100% |
| Little Beaver Creek | Beaver Creek Beaver Creek (Colorado) Beaver Creek is a tributary of the South Platte River in Colorado. The creek flows from a source in Elbert County to a confluence with the South Platte in Morgan County near Hillrose.... |
1,602 km2 619 mi2 |
210 km2 81 mi2 |
13.1% |
| Clear Creek Clear Creek (Colorado) Clear Creek is a tributary of the South Platte River, approximately long, in north central Colorado in the United States. The creek flows through Clear Creek Canyon in the Rocky Mountains directly west of Denver, descending through a long gorge to emerge on the Colorado Eastern Plains where it... |
South Platte River South Platte River The South Platte River is one of the two principal tributaries of the Platte River and itself a major river of the American Midwest and the American Southwest/Mountain West, located in the U.S. states of Colorado and Nebraska... |
1,497 km2 578 mi2 |
1,497 km2 578 mi2 |
100% |
| Taylor River Taylor River (Colorado) The Taylor River rises close to Castle Peak in Colorado’s Elk Mountains in the northeast part of Gunnison County, near the Continental Divide.... |
Gunnison River Gunnison River The Gunnison River is a tributary of the Colorado River, long, in the Southwest state of Colorado. It is the fifth largest tributary of the Colorado River, with a mean flow of 4320 ft³/s .-Description:... |
1,258 km2 486 mi2 |
1,258 km2 486 mi2 |
100% |
| Boulder Creek Boulder Creek (Colorado) Boulder Creek is a creek draining the Rocky Mountains to the west of Boulder, Colorado, as well as the city itself and surrounding plains.- Route :... |
Saint Vrain Creek | 1,160 km2 448 mi2 |
1,160 km2 448 mi2 |
100% |
| Cherry Creek Cherry Creek (Colorado) Cherry Creek is a tributary of the South Platte River, long, in Colorado in the United States.-Location:Cherry Creek rises in the high plateau, east of the Front Range, in northwestern El Paso County... |
South Platte River South Platte River The South Platte River is one of the two principal tributaries of the Platte River and itself a major river of the American Midwest and the American Southwest/Mountain West, located in the U.S. states of Colorado and Nebraska... |
1,050 km2 405 mi2 |
1,050 km2 405 mi2 |
100% |
See also
- hydrologyHydrologyHydrology is the study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water on Earth and other planets, including the hydrologic cycle, water resources and environmental watershed sustainability...
- surface-water hydrologySurface-water hydrologySurface-water hydrology is a field that encompasses all surface waters of the globe...
- drainage basinDrainage basinA drainage basin is an extent or an area of land where surface water from rain and melting snow or ice converges to a single point, usually the exit of the basin, where the waters join another waterbody, such as a river, lake, reservoir, estuary, wetland, sea, or ocean...
- drainage basin
- surface-water hydrology
- State of Colorado
- Geography of ColoradoGeography of ColoradoThe geography of the state of Colorado is diverse, encompassing both rugged mountainous terrain, vast plains, desert lands, desert canyons, and mesas. The state of Colorado is defined as the geospherical rectangle that stretches from 37°N to 41°N latitude and from 102°03'W to 109°03'W longitude . ...
- List of rivers in Colorado
- Geography of Colorado