Owens Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Owens Peak |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 8,452 ft (2,576 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 2,173 ft (662 m) |
| Listing | Sierra Peaks Section Hundred Peaks Section |
| Geography | |
 Owens Peak
Location in California
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| Parent range | Sierra Nevada |
| Topo map | USGS Owens Peak |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hike, class 2 |
Owens Peak is a tall mountain in the southern Sierra Nevada range. It stands over 8,400 feet high, making it the tallest point in this part of the mountains.
This peak is found in the middle of the Owens Peak Wilderness. This special protected area was created by the United States Congress in 1994. It covers a huge area of about 74,060 acres (or 300 square kilometers).
The eastern side of Owens Peak has three main canyons. These are Grapevine Canyon, Short Canyon, and Indian Wells Canyon. They are listed from north to south. This area is unique because the Sierra Nevada mountains meet the Great Basin and the Mojave Desert here. This mix creates a very special natural environment, or ecosystem, with unique plants and animals.
Owens Peak is located in Kern County. It is about 12 miles west-northwest of a town called Inyokern. It's also about 159 miles away from the big city of Los Angeles.
The Story Behind Owens Peak's Name
Owens Peak is named after a man named Richard Owens. He was born in Ohio in 1812 and lived until 1902. Richard Owens was an explorer. He traveled with John C. Frémont on an important trip to California between 1845 and 1846.
John C. Fremont thought very highly of Owens. He described him as "cool, brave and of good judgment." Because of this, Fremont also named a valley, a river, and a lake after Richard Owens.
Richard Owens played a role in California's early history. He was a Captain in Fremont's California Battalion during the Mexican–American War. He also served as California's Secretary of State. This was during the short time when John C. Fremont was the Governor of California in 1847.
