Huerfano River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Huerfano River |
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The river just before it goes under U.S. Highway 50 in Pueblo County.
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 37°35′50″N 105°29′40″W / 37.59722°N 105.49444°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with Arkansas 4,442 ft (1,354 m) 38°13′43″N 104°14′45″W / 38.22861°N 104.24583°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Arkansas—Mississippi |
The Huerfano River is a river in Colorado, USA. It is about 113 miles (182 kilometers) long. This river is a tributary, which means it flows into a larger river. The Huerfano River joins the Arkansas River in Pueblo County.
Where Does the Huerfano River Flow?
The Huerfano River starts high up in the mountains. Its source is on Blanca Peak, which is part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Colorado.
As it flows, the river travels through different areas. It eventually meets the Arkansas River. This meeting point is near the town of Boone in Pueblo County.
Major Tributaries
The Huerfano River also has its own smaller rivers that flow into it. One important river that joins the Huerfano is the Cucharas River.
What's in a Name?
The Huerfano River got its name from a nearby landmark called the Huerfano Butte.
The word "Huerfano" comes from the Spanish language. It means "orphan." The butte was given this name because it stands alone, far from other mountains or hills. This makes it seem like an "orphan" in the landscape.
