Owen’s Lake Trails Field Trip

Maturango Museum Field Trip – Owens Lake Trails – October 30, 2026

Organized by Terry Mitchell 

     Come join me on October 30th to take advantage of this unique opportunity to visit the Owens Lake and Lower Owens area with a representative of LADWP.  This portion of the trip will be about 3-4 hours.  It does not include travel time to/from. While traveling up Hwy 395, situated about 5 miles south of Lone Pine is Owens Lake.  For the most part Owens Lake is dry except in really wet years.  Owens Lake is bordered by the Sierra Nevada to the west and the Inyo Mountains to the east.  Even though I’ve lived in Ridgecrest since the mid-80’s, I’m originally from the Owens Valley and I’ve had an interest in this LAWDP Project.  While heading north about a month ago I thought “Wow!  Wouldn’t it be great to reach out to LAWDP and see if I could organize a field trip?” So, I did.  Below is the “teaser” that the LADWP representative gave me:

   “Come learn about the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Owens Lake Dust Mitigation Program.  It is the largest dust mitigation program of its kind in the world.  You will be able to view the various dust control measures and the habitat that has been created on former dusty playa.  Bring binoculars to observe shorebirds and waterfowl as they journey on their fall migration.” 

Our journey will start at the Maturango Museum and ultimately head north on 395 to the Owens Valley trying to stay together as much as possible without annoying others on the road.

   We’ll meet up with our LADWP Representative at the Interagency Center just before Lone Pine where we can use the facilities and look around a bit (about 20 minutes).  The Interagency Center has a lot of information and if you feel that you need more time to peruse, I encourage you to do that after we’ve completed our planned outing. The Interagency Center closes at 4:30pm (gate gets closed at 4:15).

**** IMPORTANT****

1. Please be aware, that from the Interagency Center, carpools will be required (I’m planning on 4 to a vehicle) because we can only have a limited number of vehicles due to parking and safety concerns. This also limits the number of guests we can have so sign up early once you’ve confirmed you can go. There is a hard stop on the number of guests.
2. Guests will also be required to wear an orange safety vest for high visibility when exiting their cars.
3. No Pets Allowed
4. The cost is $35/ea for museum members, $40/ea nonmembers.  Parents are responsible for minor children if they come on the field trip.

OTHER INFO:

• Be sure you have enough gas (without side trips, approximately160 miles round trip), car and tires in good running order.
• After the Interagency Center we’ll be traveling mostly on gravel/dirt roads.
• Restroom facilities will be scarce along the route and if available mostly likely porta-potties.  I doubt there will be running water.
• We will be walking and parking on uneven ground.
• For Public Access and Safety Guidelines please visit the link below.  The link also has information about some of the areas we will be visiting. https://www.ladwp.com/who-we-are/ladwp-eastern-sierra/owens-lake/trails-plaza
• Usual dress code for field trips applies:  hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, water, camera.  It is better to have these items and not need them, than need them and not have them.
• Bring a picnic lunch to eat somewhere along the way, remember, I haven’t done this either but our LADWP Rep has so we’ll follow his lead.  Water, snacks, lunch, etc.  No alcohol.
• Cancellation Policy:  If the Museum cancels your trip, you will be given a full refund or you may transfer the money to a different trip.  No cash refunds will be given if you cancel