Panoche, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Panoche, California
|
|
|---|---|
 Panoche, California
Location in California
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | San Benito |
| Elevation | 1,220 ft (372 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (Pacific) |
| ZIP Code |
95043
|
| Area code(s) | 831 |
| GNIS feature ID | 252760 |
Panoche is a small, rural community located in the southern part of San Benito County, California, United States. It's an unincorporated community, meaning it doesn't have its own local government like a city. Panoche is found along Panoche Road, about 2.7 miles east of County Route J1. The county seat, Hollister, is about 35 miles away.
Contents
Exploring Panoche and Its Surroundings
One of the main spots in Panoche is the Panoche Inn. This historic place used to be run by Frank and Juana Mendez. Frank Mendez was important for bringing irrigation to the area and creating Panoche Road. Today, the Panoche Inn is a popular stop for motorcycle riders, especially on sunny weekends.
Fun Activities Near Panoche
Many visitors enjoy camping at Mercey Hot Springs nearby. Others like to ride off-road vehicles in a special area managed by the Bureau of Land Management in the Panoche Hills. If you're into flying, local glider pilots sometimes use a private grass airstrip next to the Inn during spring and autumn. You might also spot the Little Panoche Reservoir when driving from Interstate 5.
Amazing Wildlife of Panoche Valley
The Panoche Valley is a very important home for many different animals, especially birds. Bird watchers can often see amazing species like the Golden Eagle, Mountain Plover, and Burrowing Owl. These birds rely on the valley's grasslands, especially in winter, to find food and shelter.
Endangered Animals in the Valley
Panoche Valley is also home to some rare and protected animals. Three types of mammals that are federally endangered live here:
- The San Joaquin Kit Fox
- The Giant Kangaroo Rat
- Nelson's Antelope Squirrel
You might also see the American Badger, which is native to the valley. Among reptiles, the Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard is another endangered species found here. Protecting these animals and their homes is very important!
What Does "Panoche" Mean?
The name "Panoche" is thought to come from a local Native American word. This word described a type of cane plant that used to grow in the valley. Native Americans would extract a kind of sugar from this cane. This is believed to be the origin of the name panocha, which is a popular type of sugar in Mexican and Filipino cultures. It's also a pudding eaten during Lent in New Mexico and southern Colorado.
Important Information
The ZIP Code for Panoche is 95043. The community is located within area code 831.
Nearby Places
See also
In Spanish: Panoche (California) para niños
