Owens River Headwaters Wilderness

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Parks

California

Nearby: Mammoth Creek Community Park Devils Postpile National Monument

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

The Owens River Headwaters Wilderness is a protected area located in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains of California.

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Summary

This wilderness area is known for its beautiful alpine lakes, scenic streams, and diverse wildlife. Visitors to the area can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

One of the main attractions in the Owens River Headwaters Wilderness is the Mammoth Lakes Basin, which includes several stunning lakes and waterfalls. Visitors can hike the trails around the lakes or take a scenic drive through the area. Other popular attractions include the Convict Lake Trail and the McGee Creek Trail.

The Owens River Headwaters Wilderness is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, and golden eagles. Birdwatchers can spot several species of birds, including the mountain bluebird and the western tanager.

The best time of year to visit the Owens River Headwaters Wilderness is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the trails are open. However, visitors should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and should bring appropriate gear for hiking in alpine environments.

Overall, the Owens River Headwaters Wilderness is a beautiful and unique area that offers visitors a chance to experience the natural wonders of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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