The Rio Grande River originates in the Rio Grande National Forest and flows 1,896 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. It forms at the base of Canby Mountain where several different streams join. The river flows through the Rio Grande National Forest and the San Luis Valley where it provides irrigation for crops throughout the valley. On the Forest major tributaries to the Rio Grande River include the South Fork of the Rio Grande, Alamosa River, and Conejos Peak River.

Source: USDA