List of rivers of the Rocky Mountains facts for kids
The Rocky Mountains are a huge mountain range in North America. They stretch from Canada all the way down to the United States. These mountains are like a giant "water tower" because many big rivers start high up in the Rockies. These rivers then flow across the continent, bringing water to millions of people, farms, and wildlife.
This list shows some of the important rivers that begin in the Rocky Mountains. The rivers are grouped by where their water eventually ends up, like the Gulf of Mexico or the Pacific Ocean.
Contents
Rivers Flowing to the Gulf of Mexico
These rivers start in the Rockies and travel a long way to reach the Gulf of Mexico, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean.
Rio Grande Basin
The Rio Grande is one of the longest rivers in North America. It forms part of the border between the United States and Mexico.
Missouri River Basin
The Missouri River is the longest river in North America. It joins the Mississippi River, and together they form a massive river system that flows into the Gulf of Mexico.
- Missouri River
Arkansas River Basin
The Arkansas River is a major river that flows through several states before joining the Mississippi River.
Rivers Flowing to the Arctic Ocean
These rivers flow north from the Rocky Mountains into the Arctic Ocean. This means their water eventually reaches the very cold northern parts of the world.
- Athabasca River
- Peace River
- Finlay River
- Liard River
- Muskwa River
- Kechika River
- Gataga River
- Toad River
Rivers Flowing to the Northwest Pacific Ocean
These rivers flow west from the Rockies and empty into the Pacific Ocean along the northwest coast of North America.
Columbia River Basin
The Columbia River is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest. It's very important for generating electricity and for salmon.
Fraser River Basin
The Fraser River is the longest river within British Columbia, Canada. It's known for its amazing salmon runs.
Rivers Flowing to the Gulf of California
These rivers flow south from the Rockies and eventually reach the Gulf of California, which is an arm of the Pacific Ocean.
Colorado River Basin
The Colorado River is a vital water source for many states in the southwestern United States. It carved the Grand Canyon!
Rivers Flowing to Hudson Bay
These rivers flow east from the Canadian Rockies towards Hudson Bay, a large inland sea in northeastern Canada.
Rivers Flowing to the Great Basin
The Great Basin is a unique area where rivers don't flow to an ocean. Instead, they flow into lakes or dry up in the desert.
- Bear River
- Malad River
- Little Bear River
- Logan River
- Cub River
- Bear Lake
- Jordan River
- American Fork
- Big Cottonwood Creek
- Hobble Creek
- Provo River
- Spanish Fork
- Weber River
- San Pitch River
See also
- Rocky Mountains
- List of rivers of the Canadian Rockies
- List of rivers of the Pacific Ranges
- List of rivers of the Kitimat Ranges
- List of rivers of the Boundary Ranges
- List of rivers of the Omineca Mountains
