Arizona Rivers And Lakes

Arizona's rivers have allowed settlement and agriculture in the arid landscape. Major rivers include:

Colorado River

The Colorado River is one of the most important rivers in the Southwest. Facts about the Colorado River in Arizona:

• It forms the western border of Arizona with California and Nevada.
• Major reservoirs along the river include Lake Mead and Lake Havasu.
• The river flows through the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona, carving spectacular canyons.
• Cities that depend on the Colorado's water include Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma.

Gila River

The Gila River flows from New Mexico across central and southern Arizona. Notable facts:

• The Gila supports extensive irrigation for agriculture in the desert climate.
• It flows west from Phoenix and meets the Colorado River near Yuma.
• The river is dammed in several locations, including Coolidge Dam, forming large reservoirs.

Little Colorado River

The Little Colorado River is a tributary of the Colorado River, flowing across eastern Arizona. Details:

• It carves the Grand Falls canyon before meeting the Colorado in the Grand Canyon.
• The river is an important source for the Navajo Nation and Hopi tribes.
• It flows through the Painted Desert and Navajo towns like Cameron.

Major Lakes in Arizona

Prominent lakes in Arizona include:

• Lake Mead: Formed by Hoover Dam along the Colorado River.
• Lake Powell: A huge Colorado River reservoir in northern Arizona.
• Lake Havasu: Created by a dam on the Colorado River and a popular recreation destination.
• Lake Pleasant: A reservoir north of Phoenix, important for water supply.

Arizona's rivers and lakes allow agriculture, commerce, and cities to thrive in an arid climate. They also create beautiful riparian habitats and recreation opportunities.