Swan River (Colorado) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Swan River |
|
|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of South Fork and Middle Fork 39°29′48″N 105°56′43″W / 39.49667°N 105.94528°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with Blue 9,153 ft (2,790 m) 39°32′47″N 106°02′18″W / 39.54639°N 106.03833°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Blue—Colorado |
The Swan River is a small river in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado, United States. It's about 10 miles (16 km) long. The Swan River is a tributary of the Blue River. This means it's a smaller stream that flows into a larger river.
The river helps drain a mountain area in southern Summit County. This area is part of the larger Blue River system.
Contents
Where the Swan River Starts
The Swan River begins high up in the mountains. It starts from three smaller streams, called "forks." These forks are located along the continental divide. The continental divide is like a big ridge that separates which way water flows across a continent. Water on one side flows to one ocean, and water on the other side flows to a different ocean.
Its Journey Downstream
The river's starting point is in the Arapaho National Forest. This is a large protected area east of Breckenridge. The Swan River then flows west through a narrow valley.
It eventually joins the Blue River from the east. This meeting point is about 5 miles (8 km) north of Breckenridge. You can find it along State Highway 9, between Breckenridge and Frisco.
History Along the River
The valley where the Swan River flows has a rich history. In the late 1800s, it was a busy place for mining. Many people came here hoping to find valuable minerals.
Remains of Mining Camps
Today, you can still see signs of these old mining days. There are remains of early mining camps. You might also spot "mine tailings" along the canyon walls. These are piles of leftover rock and dirt from the mining process. They show where miners dug for gold and other resources long ago.
