Owens River Gorge is a common destination for rock climbing in California, America. It is a canyon of 10 mi (16 km) located at the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada mountains of Mono County in the south and on the upper Owens River Gorge River in eastern California. It enters the north end of Owens River Gorge Valley. It can entered through the Owens River Gorge Valley. The gorge sees many people from different parts of America as well as from outside the country throughout the year. Owens River Gorge has been a popular rock or canyon among many adventure lovers all around the world.
There are some interesting facts about Owens River Gorge that you may be interested in knowing. Make sure to read this article till the end!
What you need to know about Owens River Gorge?
Owens River Gorge is the most intensive sport-climbing area in California. If you are a sports junkie, then you just cannot miss out on the fun and adventure you are going to have when you’re here. The Owens River Gorge requires 80m ropes to lower down from different routes of the canyon while the ropes are re-equipped at 40m. The canyon was formed as a result of the eruption of the Long Valley Caldera. The Owens River Gorge River cut through the Bishop Tuff to form this gorge. The erosion caused the tuff layers to become open. The tuff layer also includes rare columnar rhyolite formations.
Owens River Gorge Climbing
There are different routes for you to climb the Owens River Gorge. The volcanic tuff is not an easily climbable rock. It is a result of hard compressed rock. The rock is set in different types of formation. One has to have a decent amount of skills and knowledge about rock climbing as well as the Owens River Gorge in order to climb it. The climbing range of this canyon is in the sub-5.10 range. The climbing range can be considered a good climbing range for even the most experienced climbers.
It is likely for climbers to come through the edges, cracks, and pockets of the rock. However, the lack of smoothness in the texture of the Owens River Gorge makes it all the easier to climb and lower from. While there are vertical lines, there are also steep lines which are at the Eldorado Roof and the Dilithium Crystal. Every crack, edge, and corner of the gorge is built for adventurers looking to find the perfect spot for rock climbing.
You are likely not to find any peaceful spot until you hike a little more from the initially reachable spot of Owens River Gorge. The gorge is almost always crowded, especially during the weekends, as people from different places near California come here either for recreational purposes or for rock climbing. Some of the popular spots here are the Warm Up Wall, the Pub, the Social Platform, the China Wall, and the Dilithium Crystal.
The hiking area is 1.5 miles from the parking area to the climbing area, which is 5,397 feet (1,605 meters). You can purchase a guidebook for any additional help regarding climbing at Owens River Gorge. Some of the most useful books are Owens River Gorge Climbs by M. Lewis and Bishop Area Rock Climbs by P. Croft & M. Lewis.
How to get to Owens River Gorge?
The road trail to Owens River Gorge is not fairly smooth. Some might even consider the trial technical. You can expect dirt roads when on your way to the gorge. From Hwy, you can head about 30 miles south of Mammoth and one mile south of Tom’s Place (Gorge Road), and then take the 395 northeast exit. For an easier context, you have to head southeast of Yosemite National Park to get to the Owens River Gorge.
Owens River Gorge Water Restoration
A hydropower project was introduced in 1941 with the establishment of the Long Valley Dam at the head of the Owens River Gorge by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. The lower 16km deep gorge was completely dewatered from 1953 to 1991. There have been several attempts to rewater the reach in order to bring back marine life there. A small flow of water has been flown to the reach since 1991. It is quite possible to establish a brown trout fishery there while also maintaining the course of the hydropower project. Much effort has been made in doing so since the 1950s.
Is camping allowed in Owens River Gorge?
You can opt to camp around the Owens River Gorge area or go to PV Pit or Horton Creek as well. It is, however, important to know that camping anywhere in Los Angeles is strictly prohibited. Rock climbing and sports activities, nevertheless, are accessible and allowed when you are in Owens River Gorge. Many campers come to the Owens River Gorge and camp nearby. You may or may not have to pay for camping, depending on the location you choose.
Owens River Gorge Weather
The air is almost always warm in the Owens River Gorge area. The climate is either semiarid or arid throughout the year. It can get windy during just about any season. It is not preferable for the climbers to go for a climb to the Owens River Gorge during the rainy season as the rocks become slippery and it is not with surety that one can tell whether it will rain or not. The humidity, on the other hand, is moderate to low.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the history of the Owens River Gorge?
The Owens River Gorge was formed as a result of the Owens River cutting through the Bishop Tuff.
What type of rock is Owens River Gorge?
The rock of Owens River Gorge is a volcanic tuff.
How deep is Owens River Gorge?
The Owens River Gorge is 300-700 feet deep.
Where is Owens River located?
The Owens River is located in Eastern California.
What is the elevation of Owens River Gorge?
The elevation of Owens River Gorge is 5,308 ft.
Also, read;
