Ortigalita Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ortigalita Creek |
|
|---|---|
| Native name | Arroyo de Las Ortigalito |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Region | Merced County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | source near a peak on the Ortigalita Ridge of the Diablo Range., Merced County 3,520 ft (1,070 m) 36°48′34″N 120°59′04″W / 36.80944°N 120.98444°W |
| River mouth | mouth terminates just as it emerges from the foothills before it reaches the California Aqueduct., Merced County 276 ft (84 m) 36°57′22″N 120°52′40″W / 36.95611°N 120.87778°W |
Ortigalita Creek is a small stream in Merced County, California. It flows into the San Joaquin River. Its old name was Arroyo de Las Ortigalito, which means "Little Nettle Creek" in Spanish.
The stream starts high up on the Ortigalita Ridge. This ridge is part of the Diablo Range. The source is about 3,520 ft (1,070 m) above sea level.
Ortigalita Creek ends near Los Banos, California. It flows out of the foothills and stops before reaching the California Aqueduct. This point is about 7.2 mi (11.6 km) southwest of Los Banos. In very rainy winters, it might have reached the Mud Slough of the San Joaquin River.
History of Ortigalita Creek
Ortigalita Creek has an interesting history. It was once known as Arroyo de Las Ortigalito. This name was used a long time ago.
A Stop on El Camino Viejo
The creek was an important watering place. It was a stop along El Camino Viejo. This was an old road or trail in the San Joaquin Valley. Travelers would stop there to get water. It was located between two other places: Arroyo de los Baños and Arroyita de Panoche.
Ranch Boundaries
Ortigalita Creek also marked a boundary. It was the southern edge of a large land area. This area was called Rancho Panoche de San Juan y Los Carrisolitos. Ranchos were big land grants in California.
