Owlshead Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Owlshead Mountains |
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Death Valley landmarks
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 712 m (2,336 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| District | San Bernardino County |
| Range coordinates | 35°43′45″N 116°44′14″W / 35.72917°N 116.73722°W |
| Topo map | USGS Owl Lake |
The Owlshead Mountains are a mountain range in California, USA. They are found at the southern edge of Death Valley National Park. This area is close to the Fort Irwin National Training Center, a military base. The mountains are located in San Bernardino County, California.
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Exploring the Owlshead Mountains' Location
The Owlshead Mountains are part of the Mojave Desert. This desert is a large, dry region in the southwestern United States. The range sits north of the Granite Mountains and the Avawatz Mountains. To the south, they form the bottom edge of Death Valley.
Neighboring Mountain Ranges
Other mountain ranges surround the Owlshead Mountains. The Black Mountains are to the north. The Greenwater Range is located to the northeast. To the west, you'll find the Slate Range. The Kingston Range is situated to the east.
Climate and Water in the Owlsheads
The Owlshead Mountains receive very little rain. On average, they get five inches or less of rain each year. The mountains are shaped like a half-circle. The Amargosa River flows to the north of this range.
Discovering Canyons and Lakes
The Owlshead Mountains are famous for their beautiful canyons. These canyons are carved into rock made of Decomposed granite. This type of granite has broken down into smaller pieces. Many visitors enjoy exploring these unique natural features.
Famous Canyons to Explore
Some of the most popular canyons include Wingate Slot Canyon and Slickenside Canyon. Others are Talc Canyon, Owlshead Canyon, and Contact Canyon. You can also find Granite Canyon, Through Canyon, and Smoke Tree Canyon. Passage Canyon, Sand Canyon, and Sagenite Canyon are also well-known.
Visiting the Remote Canyons
It can be a bit tricky to visit these canyons. The Owlshead Mountains are in a very remote area. This means they are far from cities and towns. Reaching the canyons often requires long hikes. This limits how many people visit them.
Dry Lake Beds in the Mountains
Within the mountain range, there are three lake beds. These are usually dry and are called "playa lakes." Their names are Owl Lake, Lost Lake, and Wingate Lake. They only hold water after heavy rains.
