Owens Valley

Owens Valley is a long, narrow valley in eastern California, stretching about 100 miles east of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s characterized by dry, arid land and was historically inhabited by Native American tribes. In the early 20th century, it became a key source of water for Los Angeles, which diverted rivers flowing through the valley. This caused significant environmental and water supply issues locally, including the shrinking of Owens Lake. Today, Owens Valley remains an important agricultural and ecological area, with ongoing efforts to balance water use, environmental preservation, and regional development.