Los Pinos River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Los Pinos River |
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The river near the intersection of County roads 501 and 245
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| Other name(s) | Pine River |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Hinsdale County, Colorado 37°40′39″N 107°19′09″W / 37.67750°N 107.31917°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with San Juan River 6,089 ft (1,856 m) 36°49′15″N 107°36′06″W / 36.82083°N 107.60167°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | San Juan—Colorado |
The Los Pinos River, also known as the Pine River, is a cool waterway that flows through parts of Colorado and New Mexico in the United States. It's an important branch of the larger San Juan River. This river starts high up in the mountains and travels south, ending its journey in a big lake.
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Journey of the Los Pinos River
The Los Pinos River begins its long trip in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. This area is known for its tall peaks and beautiful scenery. The river's source is found near a place called Weminuche Pass in Hinsdale County, Colorado. From there, it flows through different landscapes, collecting water from smaller streams along the way.
Where the River Flows
As the Los Pinos River moves south, it passes through La Plata County, Colorado. It eventually crosses the border into New Mexico. In New Mexico, it flows through San Juan County, New Mexico. The river's journey ends when it joins the San Juan River at Navajo Lake. This lake is a large reservoir that holds a lot of water.
Important Features of the River
The Los Pinos River is important for a few reasons. One major feature along its path is a large structure built across it.
The Vallecito Dam
The river's flow is controlled by the Vallecito Dam. This dam creates Vallecito Reservoir, a large body of water that stores water for different uses. Dams like Vallecito help manage water resources, which can be important for farming, drinking water, and even creating electricity.
What's in a Name?
The name "Los Pinos" comes from the Spanish language. It means "the pines." This name makes a lot of sense because the river flows through areas with many pine trees. Because of this, many local people simply call it the "Pine River."
