Arizona isn’t particularly well-known for the amount of water flowing through it. Large spans of the state are arid, desert land and plenty of experts agree that—due to some not-so-smart policies regarding how our precious sources of groundwater are used and contamination of those sources—we are on the brink of a looming water crisis.
Water is an incredible life source and commodity in the desert; it allows us and the wildlife we share this land with to live and thrive in an otherwise hostile environment. That’s why we should both recognize and respect our sources of water. Here’s a look at some of the beautiful Arizona rivers flowing through our state. Admire them for their beauty and remember that you’re not the only one who needs that water.
- The Agua Fria River is a total of 120 miles and runs from the Prescott area right into Lake Pleasant.
Kevin Schraer/Flickr During the rainy seasons, the Agua Fria will empty into the Gila River.
- The Black River runs through the White Mountains and into the White River.
Alan English CPA/Flickr The river is a popular fishing area but be careful! Bears like to find their dinner in the river as well.
- Of course, the most well-known river in our state is the Colorado River.
Johnida Dockens/Flickr It’s the source of much tourism, irrigation, water use, and power generation. Because of heavy water consumption, the river has rarely reached the Gulf of California since the 1960s.
- The Gila River doesn’t see too much waterflow these days but, prior to the building of dams and diversions in the twentieth century, it was known to have a heavy seasonal flow.
Alan Stark/Flickr
- Miles away, the Hassayampa River occasionally flows above the surface parallel to the Agua Fria and is known for its influence on the similarly named wilderness area and preserve.
Michael Wilson/Flickr
- Depending on the amount of recent rainfall and where along the river you are, chances are you probably haven’t seen much water in the Little Colorado River. It mainly acts as a wash and drains seasonal precipitation into the Colorado River from the northeastern side of the state.
Michael Wilson/Flickr
- The Paria River flows through the Vermillion Cliffs and sustains a small amount of greenery and riparian life along its banks.
Deborah Lee Soltesz/Flickr
- The Salt River runs 200 miles long and is another river that’s often seen dry due to the dams and canals built in the last century. However, after major storms, you can see the river flow.
Tyler Sichelski/Flickr Fun fact: beavers have historically thrived along the Salt River!
- For numerous reasons, the Santa Cruz River usually runs dry throughout the year and there has been effort over the last few years to restore the watershed.
Aengus Anderson/Flickr
- The Verde River is best known for its riparian area in the Verde Valley that supports a large variety of trees, as well as fish and other animals.
Michael Wilson/Flickr
Have you visited any of these Arizona rivers? Let us know which is your favorite and why in the comments section below!
Kevin Schraer/Flickr
During the rainy seasons, the Agua Fria will empty into the Gila River.
Alan English CPA/Flickr
The river is a popular fishing area but be careful! Bears like to find their dinner in the river as well.
Johnida Dockens/Flickr
It’s the source of much tourism, irrigation, water use, and power generation. Because of heavy water consumption, the river has rarely reached the Gulf of California since the 1960s.
Alan Stark/Flickr
Michael Wilson/Flickr
Deborah Lee Soltesz/Flickr
Tyler Sichelski/Flickr
Fun fact: beavers have historically thrived along the Salt River!
Aengus Anderson/Flickr
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
