- Rio Grande – The longest river in the state, flowing from Colorado through New Mexico and forming part of the U.S.–Mexico border.
- Pecos River – A major tributary of the Rio Grande, originating in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and passing through eastern New Mexico.
- Canadian River – The largest tributary of the Arkansas River, flowing from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains across northeastern New Mexico.
- San Juan River – Flows from Colorado into northwestern New Mexico before joining the Colorado River.
Major tributaries of the Rio Grande basin
- Rio Puerco
- Rio Hondo (Rio Grande)
- Pecos River (see above)
- Galisteo River
- Jemez River
- Rio Santa Fe
- Rio Guilá (also known as Rio Gila in New Mexico)
- Rio Del Norte (tributary of the Rio Grande)
Major tributaries of the Pecos River basin
- Río Grande de Luna (Luna River)
- Río Cuchillo (Cuchillo Creek)
- Arroyo Hondo
- Rio Bonito
- Lampazos Creek
Major tributaries of the Canadian River basin
- Washita River (extends into Oklahoma; headwaters in New Mexico)
- Vermejo River
- Cimarron River (originates in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains)
Other notable rivers and streams
- Gila River (small segment in southwestern New Mexico)
- San Miguel River (southwestern New Mexico)
- Mimbres River (southwestern New Mexico)
- Zuni River (flows into the San Juan River)
- Rio Grande de Los Lagos (also known as Los Lagos River)
- Rio Cibola (tributary of the Rio Grande)
- Rio Chama (major tributary of the Rio Grande)
Note: The list includes the principal rivers and their major tributaries within the state. New Mexico contains many additional smaller streams, creeks, and seasonal washes that are not enumerated here.
