Colorado River

Navigate America's Most Endangered River

America’s Most Endangered River

  • Photo by Paxson Woelber

    6 million years in the making

    For over 6 million years, the Colorado River has carved out its place on Earth. It spans over 1,450 miles, beginning in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and ending the Gulf of California in Mexico. The Colorado River serves as a lifeline in the arid Western United States. It graces 7 states, 2 countries, and 9 national parks, nourishing the lives of 36 million people and endangered wildlife. Millions depend on the river for irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectric power. However, excessive water consumption and outdated management have endangered the Colorado River.

  • Photo by Peter McBride

    A river endangered

    The Colorado River is one of the most dammed, diverted, and plumbed rivers in the world -- by the time the Colorado River reaches the Gulf of California in Mexico, it’s so tapped out that the river runs dry. For these reasons, American Rivers named it America’s Most Endangered River in 2013. While climate change and population growth are factors in the river’s decline, the biggest threat is outdated water management. The river’s water is over-allocated. At this rate, there isn’t enough water to support everyone and everything that depends on it. The Colorado River is in real danger and a recreation economy, water supply, and wildlife habitat hang in the balance. To learn more, visit American Rivers.

  • Help the river run

    Google Maps teamed up with American Rivers to put the Colorado River in Street View. Dive into the 360 imagery to float down the river from Lake Powell to Lake Mead and see the entire length of Grand Canyon National Park from the river. Paddle through 279 miles of cold water, or hike up one of 5 trails into the rich, red walls of the side canyons. Our partnership will preserve the Colorado River in Street View, but visit American Rivers to learn about how to protect and restore this endangered river for the longterm.

Explore the Colorado River

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Explore in Street View