2021 Map of Olancha

About this map

Olancha Peak and the high ridges of the Sierra Nevada dominate the western horizon of this survey, descending sharply into the Owens Valley. The arid floor of the valley is defined by the remnants of Owens Lake and the engineering of the L A Aqueduct, which skirts the eastern edge of the mountains. The settlements of Olancha and Cartago sit at the base of the range, serving as gateways to the steep trails and canyons of the Inyo National Forest. High-altitude features like Gomez Meadow and Higgins Lake are accessible via the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trl, which traverses the divide. The map illustrates the profound contrast between the seasonal water sources of Cartago Cr and Olancha Cr and the massive infrastructure diverting water south toward Los Angeles.