Lake Fork Gunnison River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Fork Gunnison River |
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The river in Lake City.
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Sloan Lake 12,910 ft (3,930 m) 37°54′16″N 107°30′49″W / 37.90444°N 107.51361°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with Gunnison River 7,523 ft (2,293 m) 38°27′38″N 107°19′19″W / 38.46056°N 107.32194°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Gunnison—Colorado |
The Lake Fork Gunnison River, often called just Lake Fork, is a beautiful river in Colorado. It's about 64.7 miles (104.1 kilometers) long and flows into the much larger Gunnison River. Think of it as a smaller stream joining a bigger one!
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Journey of the Lake Fork Gunnison River
This river starts its amazing journey high up in the mountains. It flows through some really cool places before meeting another big river.
Where Does It Begin?
The Lake Fork Gunnison River begins at a place called Sloan Lake. This lake is located near Handies Peak in the San Juan Mountains. These mountains are part of Hinsdale County, a beautiful area in Colorado. The water here is very cold and clear, coming from high elevations.
Flowing Through Beautiful Places
As the river travels, it passes through some interesting spots. One of the first major places it reaches is Lake San Cristobal. This is a natural lake that the river helps to fill. After leaving the lake, the river continues its path, flowing right through the charming town of Lake City. This town is a popular spot for visitors who enjoy the outdoors.
Joining a Bigger River
Finally, after its long journey, the Lake Fork Gunnison River meets up with the Gunnison River. This meeting point, where two rivers join, is called a confluence. Their waters mix together in the Blue Mesa Reservoir. From there, the water continues its journey as part of the Gunnison River, eventually reaching the mighty Colorado River.
