THE BASIN

The Colorado River is the hardest working river in the Southwest and an economic engine for the entire country. The river supplies drinking water to 40 million people every year, supports 16 million American jobs, generates $1.4 trillion in economic benefits, and irrigates nearly 6 million acres of farmland. 

The Colorado River is one of America’s most beloved natural resources and has carved some of the West’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. From its headwaters in the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies through the Grand Canyon and the deserts of the Southwest to its Delta at the Gulf of California, the Colorado River extends for 1,450 miles. Its basin includes seven states, two countries, 30 federally recognized Tribes, and 11 national parks. It provides vital habitat for wildlife and is home to 30 native fish species, two-thirds of which are threatened or endangered, and more than 400 bird species.