The Rio Grande

The Rio Grande is one of the longest rivers in North America. It flows from the Rocky Mountains in Colorado all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Part of the river forms the border between the United States and Mexico. In Mexico, it is called the Rio Bravo.

The River's Journey

The Rio Grande starts high in the mountains of Colorado. It flows south through New Mexico and then turns southeast to form the border between Texas and Mexico. The river travels about 1,900 miles before it reaches the Gulf of Mexico.

People and the River

Many cities sit along the Rio Grande, including Albuquerque and El Paso. Farmers use the river's water to grow crops in the dry desert. The river passes through deep canyons in Big Bend National Park. Much of the river's water is used up before it reaches the sea.

Fun Facts

• The Rio Grande is about 1,900 miles long.
• The name Rio Grande means big river in Spanish.
• Big Bend National Park in Texas has beautiful canyons carved by the Rio Grande.

Did You Know?

So much water is taken from the Rio Grande for farming and cities that the river sometimes dries up before reaching the Gulf of Mexico!