Rio Salado (New Mexico)

Rio Salado
Location of the mouth of the Rio Salado in New Mexico
EtymologySpanish, "salty river"
Location
CountryUnited States
StateNew Mexico
CountySocorro, Catron
Physical characteristics
SourceNortheast Catron County
  coordinates34°29′44″N 107°53′30″W / 34.49556°N 107.89167°W / 34.49556; -107.89167
  elevation7,990 ft (2,440 m)
MouthRio Grande
  location
North of Socorro
  coordinates
34°16′23″N 106°51′31″W / 34.27306°N 106.85861°W / 34.27306; -106.85861
  elevation
4,678 ft (1,426 m)
Length86 mi (138 km)

The Rio Salado is a tributary of the Rio Grande in the U.S. state of New Mexico. From its source in northeast Catron County it flows about 86 miles (138 km) generally east to join the Rio Grande just north of Polvadera and about 15 miles (24 km) north of Socorro. The name Río Salado is Spanish for "salty river".