description Green River Overview
The Green River is the chief tributary of the Colorado River, flowing 1,175 kilometers through Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah. Originating in the Wind River Mountains, it cuts through rugged canyon landscapes such as the Gates of Lodore and Desolation Canyon. The river was famously explored by John Wesley Powell in 1869 and remains a major water source for agriculture and recreation in the American West.
help Green River FAQ
Where does the Green River begin and how long is it?
The Green River originates in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming and flows roughly 1,175 kilometers through Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah. It is the chief tributary of the Colorado River, joining it in Utah's Canyonlands.
How is the Green River connected to John Wesley Powell's 1869 expedition?
Powell's famous 1869 river expedition launched from the town of Green River in Wyoming and followed the water through canyons such as Flaming Gorge and the Gates of Lodore. It was the first documented descent of the Green and Colorado river system.
What are the Gates of Lodore and Desolation Canyon?
Both are dramatic canyons on the Green River. The Gates of Lodore, at the entrance to Lodore Canyon in Dinosaur National Monument, was reportedly named by members of Powell's 1869 expedition after Robert Southey's poem 'The Cataract of Lodore', while Desolation Canyon is one of the most remote stretches in Utah.
Is there a major dam on the Green River?
Yes, Flaming Gorge Dam, completed in the early 1960s, impounds the Flaming Gorge Reservoir on the Wyoming-Utah border. The reservoir is a major recreation destination for fishing and boating.
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