Concept:
The Owens River Water Trail will be California’s first designated water trail on a river, offering a 6.3-mile paddling experience along the restored Lower Owens River near Lone Pine. This gentle, scenic stretch is perfect for kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards, providing novice and intermediate paddlers safe access to a beautiful desert river corridor that was brought back to life in 2006.
The project will establish two ADA-accessible launch sites with parking, restrooms, and interpretive signage, while thoughtfully managing riverside vegetation to ensure a clear, continuous paddling route. By creating durable, low-impact access infrastructure now, Inyo County is opening this unique recreation opportunity to residents and visitors while protecting the river’s restored habitat and supporting the local outdoor economy.