2018 Map of Olancha

About this map

Olancha and Cartago sit at the edge of the high desert where the eastern Sierra Nevada meets the southern shore of Owens Lake. The landscape is defined by the steep descent of the mountains into the valley, with drainage from Olancha Cr and Cartago Cr carving through the terrain. The presence of the L A Aqueduct and the Los Angeles Aqueduct highlights the region's critical role in California water history, following the contours of the basin. High-elevation landmarks such as Olancha Peak and Higgins Lake are set against the wilderness of the Inyo National Forest. Local infrastructure like School Rd and the Old State Hwy provides detail on the early 21st-century footprint of these small settlements, while the expansive bed of Owens Lake dominates the northeastern corner.