| Owens River Headwaters Wilderness | |
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 Sign at Wilderness boundary | |
  Location within California Show map of California Location within United States Show map of the United States | |
| Location | Mono County, CaliforniaUSA |
| Nearest city | Mammoth Lakes, CA |
| Coordinates | 37°43′18″N119°03′26″W / 37.7216206511°N 119.057263762°W /37.7216206511; -119.057263762 |
| Area | 14,721 acres (59.57 km2) |
| Established | March 30, 2009 |
| Governing body | U.S. Forest Service |
| Type | Wild, Recreational |
| Designated | March 30, 2009 |
TheOwens River Headwaters Wilderness is awilderness area inside theInyo National Forest in easternCalifornia designated to protect the headwaters of theOwens River. The wilderness area was created on March 30, 2009, when theOmnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 was signed into law.[2] This area is home to the largest old growthred fir forest in the region.[3]
The Owens River Headwaters Wilderness is bounded on the west by theSan Joaquin Ridge and the north by theJune Mountain Ski Area. This area receives more moisture than average for the east side of theSierra Nevada due to the relatively low elevation of the mountain ridge to the west. These conditions have allowed for the growth of heavily forested ridges and wetalpine meadows that are more typically seen on the west side of the Sierra Nevada.[3]
Notable features within the wilderness area include over 100 natural springs and seeps, and Glass Creek Meadow, the largestsubalpine meadows in the central eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains.[4]
The Owens River Headwaters are an important point on the migration route of many animals, includingmule deer,pine marten andSierra Nevada bighorn sheep. Glass Creek Meadow is home to a population of the endangeredYosemite toad and a large diversity of butterflies.[4] The Owens River is home to several species oftrout.
Glass Creek, a tributary of the Owens River, was a source ofobsidian for Native American tribes.[5] Evidence of Native American habitation in this area dates back approximately 10,000 years.[4]
The Owens River Headwaters Wilderness is a popular destination forbirdwatching and hiking. The area was popular for off-road vehicle use, but after the area's designation as a protected wilderness, such activities have been severally curtailed.[4]
The Upper Owens River area is a popular location forfly fishing and hosts a large population ofbrown trout andrainbow trout.[6]
The Owens River Headwaters Wilderness is also a popular destination for nudists, who use the location for volleyball and cookouts.[citation needed]
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