By geographic distance, the longest river across the State of Colorado is the Arkansas River. Although the Rio Grande River is longer in total length (1890-miles), the Arkansas River covers a larger surface area within the State of Colorado (324+ miles).
Headwaters of the Arkansas River
From its headwaters near the City of Leadville, the Arkansas River spans over 1,470 miles and is the 6th longest River in the United States.
Within the Sawatch Mountain Range, the Arkansas River wraps around the base of Mount Arkansas (13,795 feet), before making its journey across multiple states including Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The river eventually turns into a tributary of the Mississippi River.
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More Fun Facts About Colorado
Colorado River Headwaters
The Rocky Mountains of Colorado are the headwaters to over seven major rivers, including the Colorado River. The headwaters of the Colorado River are found at La Poudre Pass Lake located on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. From
Official Sport Of Colorado – Pack Burro Racing
Believe it or not, Pack Burro Racing is the official sport of Colorado. The sport originated in Colorado during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush in mid 1800’s. Today spectators can still experience this unique Colorado Sport during the Pack Burrow
Colorado Rock – Yule Marble
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Claret Cup Cactus – State Cactus of Colorado
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What Does Colorado Mean
In simple translation, Colorado is a Spanish word that means colored red. It is derived from the Spanish word rojo, meaning red. The name Colorado was given because of the reddish tint of the Colorado River, caused by sedimentation. After
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Colorado State Bird – Lark Bunting
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Biggest City In Colorado
Denver Colorado By population, the biggest city in Colorado is the City of Denver. The population of Denver is approximately 733,114 residents. The population of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metropolitan Statistical Area, also known as the Denver
Richest Square Mile on Earth – Central City
Central City Colorado Central City, located approximately 38 miles west of Denver, is known as “The Richest Square Mile On Earth”. During the Pikes Peak Gold Rush in 1859, the town earned its nickname when
Tallest Mountains In Colorado
Mount Elbert Colorado is home to many towering peaks, with the highest mountains reaching elevations over 14,000 feet (4,267 meters). The five tallest mountains in Colorado include – Mount Elbert – 14,440 feet (4,401 meters)
Pikes Peak Gold Rush
Idaho Springs and Central City Colorado The Pikes Peak Gold Rush was a major event and milestone in Colorado and American history. It was triggered by the discovery of gold in the Colorado Territory in