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Which U.S. states does the Rio Grande flow through?

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The Rio Grande flows through three U.S. states:

  • Colorado: The river originates in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, where it flows for approximately 175 miles.1
  • New Mexico: The river continues southerly for about 470 miles across New Mexico.1
  • Texas: The river flows southeasterly for about 1,240 miles, forming the international border between Texas and Mexico before reaching the Gulf of Mexico.12