Located in inyo county in southeastern California, the Owens Valley stretches for approximately 75 miles (121 kilometers) between the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and the White and Inyo Mountains to the east. Owens Valley is most notable for an intense battle persisting throughout the 20th and early 21st century between the city of Los Angeles and local residents over land rights and the diversion of the valley's surface and groundwater. Owens Valley provides a significant portion of Los Angeles's water despite being located over 200 miles (322 kilometers) to the northeast.

Prior to the diversions, the region was site to Owens Lake, an important stopover for migratory birds and a navigable water body for recreation. The valley was also home to the Owens River, ...