How the Colorado River Meets the Sea
The Colorado River, one of the United States’ iconic waterways, is essential to the southwest. Starting in the Rocky Mountains and winding its way through the desert, the Colorado River finally comes to an end after over 1,400 miles in the Gulf of California.
Beginning
The Colorado River has its origins in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, specifically in the snowmelt of the high mountains. From its beginning, it winds its way through six states, creating a waterway for farmers, cities, towns, and wildlife to rely on for resources.
Through Utah and Arizona
As it moves south, the Colorado River passes through Canyonlands National Park in Utah. It also serves as the state line dividing the two in many places. As it moves into Arizona, the river continues to create a natural line between the states, but eventually funnels into the deep and long-lasting Grand Canyon, as it slides its way through 300 miles of Arizona.
The Colorado Delta
After flowing into Mexico, the Colorado River terminates in a fanshaped delta at the head of the Gulf of California. This delta was once an estuary, a freshwater and saline mix, but over the years the Colorado River’s water has been diverted so that now what remains is a salt-water fan. The delta still supports a now endangered bird life, and some fisheries still exist.
At Last
Today, the Colorado River reaches the sea at last and its waters evaporate into the air. While for some it marks the end of a legendary journey, for others it signals a reminder of how much and how little human beings can control in the grand scheme of things. The Colorado River provides insight into the immeasurability, and the importance of natural cycles and powerful forces of nature.
Meta Description:
Explore how the Colorado River, one of America’s most iconic rivers, winds its way from the Rocky Mountains and through 6 states, ending its journey in the Gulf of California. Discover its incredible journey, the importance of its cycle, and the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon.
Keywords: Colorado River, Rocky Mountains, Canyonlands National Park, Grand Canyon, Gulf of California, Estuary, Delta, Bird Life, Fisheries.
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