The Colorado River flows from Colorado southwest through the Rocky Mountains and into Mexico. There it drains into the Gulf of California, an arm of the Pacific Ocean. The river's most famous landmark is the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The mighty flow of the Colorado River carved out this huge canyon millions of years ago.

Physical Features

The Colorado River begins as a series of small streams in northern Colorado. For much of its length of 1,450 miles (2,330 kilometers), it is only a narrow passage through deserts. By the time it gets to the ocean, nearly all of its water has been used up.

People use much of this water. The river has several dams. It is connected to many canals. Along its course, a number of power plants use the water to create electricity. But the Colorado also loses more water through evaporation than it receives from rivers that flow into it.

Plant and Animal Life

Elk, bear, and moose are some of the many animals living along the Colorado River. Many different kinds of fish swim in its waters. The plants that grow near the river include cottonwood trees, columbine flowers, and prickly pear cacti.

People

Long before Europeans arrived, Native American groups farmed along the Colorado River. Their farms were some of the earliest in North America. Spanish explorers discovered the lower Colorado River in the 1500s. Later settlers dammed the river for farming, household uses, electricity, and recreation.

Environmental Issues

Many people argue over how the Colorado River should be used. Several Western states and Mexico need its waters. This competition has led to legal battles. The ways in which people use the water have also created problems. One such problem is that the power plants and other human projects have polluted the water.