List of rivers of Arizona facts for kids
Arizona is a state in the southwestern United States. It's known for its deserts, canyons, and mountains. But did you know it also has many important rivers? These rivers are like the lifeblood of the state, bringing water to cities, farms, and wildlife. This article will help you explore the amazing rivers that flow through Arizona.
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How Rivers Flow: Drainage Basins
Rivers often flow into larger rivers, creating a network called a "drainage basin." Think of it like branches on a tree, where smaller streams join bigger ones. In Arizona, most rivers are part of two main drainage basins: the Colorado River basin and the Yaqui River basin.
The Mighty Colorado River Basin
The Colorado River is one of the most important rivers in the western United States. Many rivers in Arizona flow into it. Here are some of the main rivers that join the Colorado, listed from downstream (closer to where they meet the Colorado) to upstream (further away):
- Colorado River
- Gila River (This is a very long river in Arizona!)
* Rock Springs Wash * Skunk Creek ** Scatter Wash
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- Salt River (Another major river in Arizona)
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* Fossil Creek * Oak Creek * Granite Creek
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- Pinto Creek
- Tonto Creek
- White River
- Black River
- Santa Cruz River
- Santa Rosa Wash
- Cañada del Oro
- Madera Creek
- Brawley Wash
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* Altar Wash * Alambre Wash * Arivaca Creek
* Tanque Verde Creek ** Sabino Creek ** Agua Caliente Wash *** Molino Creek * Pantano Wash ** Rincon Creek ** Ciénega Creek *** Agua Verde Creek *** Davidson Canyon *** Mescal Arroyo
- Bonita Creek
The Yaqui River Basin
A small part of southeastern Arizona is drained by rivers that flow south into Mexico, eventually reaching the Yaqui River.
- San Bernardino River; also known as Black Draw: This river flows into Mexico as the Rio San Bernardino. It then feeds into the Bavispe River, which finally joins the Yaqui River.
- Guadalupe Canyon Creek: This creek joins the San Bernardino River.
- Whitewater Draw: This was originally thought to be the start of the Rio de Agua Prieta. It flows into Mexico and eventually joins the Rio de San Bernardino.
Rivers by Name (Alphabetical List)
Here is a list of many rivers and washes found in Arizona, arranged in alphabetical order to make them easy to find:
- Agua Fria River
- Agua Sal Creek
- Aravaipa Creek
- Babocomari River
- Bar X Wash
- Big Sandy River
- Bill Williams River
- Bis Ii Ah Wash
- Black River
- Blue River, Arizona
- Bonita Creek
- Bright Angel Creek
- Cañada del Oro
- Centennial Wash (Maricopa County)
- Cienega Creek
- Colorado River
- Deer Creek
- Eagle Creek
- Fossil Creek
- Gila River
- Hassayampa River
- Kanab Creek
- Little Colorado River
- Madera Creek
- Molino Creek
- New River
- Oak Creek
- Paria River
- Pinto Creek
- Puerco River
- Rillito River
- Rio de Flag
- Sabino Creek
- Salt River
- San Carlos River
- San Cristobal Wash
- San Francisco River
- San Pedro River
- San Simon River
- Santa Cruz River
- Santa Maria River
- Silver Creek
- Sonoita Creek
- Tapeats Creek
- Tenmile Wash
- Thunder River
- Tonto Creek
- Verde River
- Virgin River
- White River
- Zuni River
See also
