Arizona River Map showing major rivers in Arizona, River start and end point, county boundaries.
River Map of Arizona State
PDF Map - Free Download Arizona River Map, United States
Rivers and Waterways in Arizona
Arizona’s river systems reflect its arid climate and varied desert landscapes, with many waterways flowing through canyons and dry basins. Most major rivers drain toward the Colorado River, which ultimately reaches the Gulf of California, while smaller systems in the southeast connect to the Gila River network. Northern Arizona features seasonal streams and canyon rivers, while central and southern regions rely heavily on reservoirs. Lakes and man-made reservoirs play a critical role in water storage, irrigation, and urban supply across the state.
Major Rivers in Arizona
| River | Length (Approx.) | Region | Flows Into |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado River | 1,450 mi | West | Gulf of California |
| Gila River | 649 mi | Central | Colorado River |
| Salt River | 200 mi | Central | Gila River |
| Verde River | 195 mi | Central | Salt River |
| Little Colorado River | 315 mi | North | Colorado River |
| San Pedro River | 140 mi | Southeast | Gila River |
| Santa Cruz River | 184 mi | South | Gila River |
| Agua Fria River | 120 mi | Central | Gila River |
| Hassayampa River | 113 mi | Central | Gila River |
| Bill Williams River | 160 mi | West | Colorado River |
| Virgin River | 162 mi | Northwest | Colorado River |
| Paria River | 95 mi | North | Colorado River |
| Kanab Creek | 125 mi | North | Colorado River |
| Puerco River | 167 mi | East | Little Colorado River |
| San Francisco River | 159 mi | East | Gila River |
| Cienega Creek | 50 mi | Southeast | Santa Cruz River |
| Babocomari River | 70 mi | Southeast | San Pedro River |
| Big Sandy River | 55 mi | West | Bill Williams River |
Major Lakes in Arizona
| Lake | Type | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Mead | Reservoir | Northwest |
| Lake Powell | Reservoir | North |
| Lake Havasu | Reservoir | West |
| Roosevelt Lake | Reservoir | Central |
| Apache Lake | Reservoir | Central |
| Canyon Lake | Reservoir | Central |
| Saguaro Lake | Reservoir | Central |
| Lake Pleasant | Reservoir | Central |
| Watson Lake | Reservoir | Central |
| Lynx Lake | Reservoir | Central |
Major River Basins in Arizona
Arizona’s river basins are largely shaped by the Colorado River system, which dominates water flow across the state. Smaller basins feed into the Gila River and its tributaries, supporting both natural ecosystems and water supply systems in a region where water resources are limited and carefully managed.
- Colorado River Basin
- Gila River Basin
- Salt River Basin
- Verde River Basin
- Little Colorado River Basin
- San Pedro River Basin
- Santa Cruz River Basin
- Bill Williams River Basin
- Agua Fria River Basin
Arizona Rivers Facts
| State | Arizona |
| Total Rivers & Streams | 1,200+ rivers and streams |
| Major Rivers | Colorado, Gila, Salt, Verde |
| Total Waterway Length | 80,000+ miles |
| Main Drainage | Colorado River System |
| Longest River | Colorado River |
| Shortest River | Cienega Creek |
| Major River Basins | 9 Primary Basins |
| Primary Outlet | Gulf of California |
| Key Uses | Irrigation, water supply, recreation, hydroelectric power |
| Longest River Within State | Gila River |
| Number of River Basins | 7–10 Major Basins |
| Major Reservoirs | Lake Mead, Lake Powell, Roosevelt Lake |
| Primary Water Source | Reservoirs and river systems |
River Maps of the 50 U.S. States – Click on a State to View Its River Map
- Alabama River Map
- Alaska River Map
- Arizona River Map
- Arkansas River Map
- California River Map
- Colorado River Map
- Connecticut River Map
- Delaware River Map
- Florida River Map
- Georgia River Map
- Hawaii River Map
- Idaho River Map
- Illinois River Map
- Indiana River Map
- Iowa River Map
- Kansas River Map
- Kentucky River Map
- Louisiana River Map
- Maine River Map
- Maryland River Map
- Massachusetts River Map
- Michigan River Map
- Minnesota River Map
- Mississippi River Map
- Missouri River Map
- Montana River Map
- Nebraska River Map
- Nevada River Map
- New Hampshire River Map
- New Jersey River Map
- New Mexico River Map
- New York River Map
- North Carolina River Map
- North Dakota River Map
- Ohio River Map
- Oklahoma River Map
- Oregon River Map
- Pennsylvania River Map
- Rhode Island River Map
- South Carolina River Map
- South Dakota River Map
- Tennessee River Map
- Texas River Map
- Utah River Map
- Vermont River Map
- Virginia River Map
- Washington River Map
- West Virginia River Map
- Wisconsin River Map
- Wyoming River Map