The Colorado River is one of the principal rivers and lifeline to the Southwestern United States of America. This incredible 1,450-mile (2,330km) long river winds its way through rugged terrain, carving out canyons and creating desert oases along the way. The Colorado River is the 5th largest river in the Continental US. It runs through seven states from West to South.
Fun Facts
- The 7 U.S. states it runs through are Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, and California.
- The 2 Mexico states it continues into are Baja California and Sonora.
- Sonora is Mexico’s 2nd biggest state. Baja California is the 9th biggest state in Mexico. Mexico has 32 states.
- The Colorado River houses 11 U.S. National Parks.
- It runs through famous cities such as Glenwood Springs, CO; Moab, UT; Page, AZ; Lake Havasu City, AZ; Yuma, AZ; Las Vegas, NV; and Laughlin, NV.
- It is a vital source of water for 40 Million people, or close to 10% of the U.S. population. (as of April, 2024)
- Its large flow and steep gradient are used to generate hydroelectricity.
- Native Americans have inhabited the Colorado River for over 8,000 years.
- Lake Mead was formed by the construction of the Hoover Dam, spanning parts of Nevada and Arizona.
- Lake Mead is named after Elwood Mead, commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation from 1924 to 1936.
- Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the U.S. by volume when it’s at full capacity. It provides water for millions of people.
- In the 1500s, Spanish explorers began mapping and claiming what is now Lake Mead.
- As generations had revolutions and evolutions, expeditions were chartered by many, one of which was led by John Leslie Powell, who was the first explorer to run the rapids at the Grand Canyon.
- In the 1860s, Gold and Silver strikes drew prospectors to the upper Colorado River Basin. It is not only a source of water and recreation but also a symbol of the timeless beauty and resilience of the natural world.
EZ Kayak Tours and Rentals is the ONLY way to go when visiting the Colorado River! Lake Mead also provides recreational opportunities such as kayaking tours with EZ Kayak Tours and Rentals, along with paddling, boating, and fishing. Join us next time when we discuss the wonderful world of wildlife at Willow Beach! Say that 3 times fast!
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