Comparing River Lengths: Potomac, Hudson & Colorado
These three iconic American rivers couldn't be more different in geography, length, and watershed. Here's how they stack up:
By Length (Longest to Shortest)
- Colorado River: ~1,450 miles (2,330 km)
- Source: Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
- Mouth: Gulf of California, Mexico (rarely reaches sea now due to diversion)
- Watershed: 246,000 sq mi across 7 US states + 2 Mexican states
- Key feature: Carves Grand Canyon; 15 major dams (Hoover, Glen Canyon)
- Potomac River: ~405 miles (652 km)
- Source: Fairfax Stone, WV (North Branch) / Highland County, VA (South Branch)
- Mouth: Chesapeake Bay
- Watershed: 14,700 sq mi across 4 states + DC
- Key feature: Forms DC/VA/MD borders; Great Falls; historic crossings
- Hudson River: ~315 miles (507 km)
- Source: Lake Tear of the Clouds, Adirondacks, NY
- Mouth: New York Harbor / Atlantic Ocean
- Watershed: 13,000 sq mi
- Key feature: Tidal estuary to Troy, NY; Erie Canal connection; Revolutionary War corridor
Beyond Length: Key Distinctions
| Aspect | Colorado | Potomac | Hudson |
|---|
| Flow regime | Highly regulated, over-allocated | Moderately regulated | Tidal lower half, free-flowing upper |
| Major cities | Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma | Washington DC, Alexandria, Harper's Ferry | New York City, Albany, Poughkeepsie |
| Ecosystem | Desert riparian, endangered fish | Chesapeake Bay estuary | Atlantic estuary, PCB cleanup legacy |
| Recreation | Rafting Grand Canyon, Lake Powell/Mead | Kayaking Great Falls, C&O Canal towpath | Sailing, Hudson River Greenway, hiking |
Verdict: The Colorado River is by far the longest—3.6× the Potomac, 4.6× the Hudson. Its basin covers 8% of the continental US.
Wanderlust World