Owens Peak is the highest point in the southern Sierra Nevada, at more than 8,400 feet (2,600 m) above sea level.

The Sierra Nevada meets the Great Basin and the Mojave Desert here, creating an unusual ecosystem.

Owens Peak is located in Kern County, about 12 miles (19 km) west-northwest of Inyokern and 159 miles (256 km) north of Los Angeles.

Owens Peak is named after Richard Owens (1812–1902), an Ohio-born explorer (aka "Owings"), who accompanied John C. Frémont on his third expedition to California (1845–1846).

Frémontalso named a valley, river and lake for Owens, whom he considered "cool, brave and of good judgment".