List of tributaries of the Gila River facts for kids

The Gila River is a major river that flows across southern Arizona. It eventually joins the mighty Colorado River. This article tells you about the smaller rivers and streams that flow into the Gila River. These are called its tributaries.

The Gila River starts far away in the Gila National Forest in New Mexico. One of its first branches is the San Francisco River. The Gila River flows for about 400 miles from New Mexico, all the way across Arizona, until it meets the Colorado River.

The Salt River is another important tributary. It joins the Gila River near Phoenix. The Verde River flows into the Salt River. Together, the Salt and Verde rivers collect water from a large area of central Arizona. This includes parts of the Mogollon Rim, which is a big cliff that stretches across the state. The Gila River and its tributaries drain more than 60% of Arizona!

The Gila River flows across southern Arizona. It is shown here highlighted on a map of the southwestern United States. The Salt River is a major tributary that joins the Gila near Phoenix.

Major Tributaries of the Gila River

The Gila River has many tributaries that bring water from different parts of Arizona. Some of these rivers only flow after it rains a lot, or when snow melts.

Rivers from North to South

Let's look at some rivers that flow from north to south into the Gila River.

The Hassayampa River usually dries up before it reaches the Gila River. Its water sinks into the ground.

The Agua Fria River also flows into the Gila River near Phoenix. But it often doesn't have much water. Much of its water is stored in Lake Pleasant Regional Park.

The Verde River is the largest of these north-south rivers. It flows through Horseshoe Reservoir and Bartlett Reservoir. Then it joins the Salt River. The Salt River then flows into the Gila River. The Verde River's water even comes from parts of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon!

This map shows the Gila River and its many tributaries in Arizona. The Salt River and Verde River are key northern tributaries.

Key Rivers in the Gila Watershed

The Gila River watershed is the entire area where water drains into the Gila River. Here are some of its important rivers and washes:

• Agua Fria River – flows from the north
• Centennial Wash
• Eagle Creek
• Hassayampa River – flows from the north
• Queen Creek Wash
• Salt River
• San Carlos River, Arizona – flows into San Carlos Lake
• San Francisco River – starts in Arizona and New Mexico
• San Pedro River, Arizona – flows from the south
• San Simon River – flows from the southeast
• Santa Cruz River – flows from the south
• Verde River – flows from the north

You can see the Gila River and its valley on this map of Arizona. The Gila River even forms the border between some counties in eastern Arizona.

See also

• More about the Gila River
• More about Gila River tributaries
• List of tributaries of the Colorado River
• List of Arizona rivers
• List of New Mexico rivers
• List of Utah rivers