Panoche Pass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Panoche Pass |
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 Location in California
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| Elevation | 2,250 feet (690 m) |
| Traversed by |  CR J1 |
| Location | San Benito County, California, United States |
| Range | Diablo Range |
| Coordinates | 36°37′41″N 121°00′51″W / 36.62806°N 121.01417°W |
| Topo map | USGS Panoche Pass |
Panoche Pass is a mountain pass located in San Benito County, California. It sits within the Diablo Range mountains. A mountain pass is like a low spot or a gap between mountains. It makes it easier to travel from one side to another.
Panoche Pass connects different valleys. To the west, it links to the southern part of the Santa Clara Valley. To the east, it connects to the Panoche Valley and the larger San Joaquin Valley. This pass is an important route for local travel.
The name Panoche Pass is also used for a special map. This map is created by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). It shows all the details of the local area. County Route J1, also called the Panoche Road, goes right through this pass.
You might see a sign at Panoche Pass that says the elevation is 2,250 feet (690 m) high. But, official maps from the USGS show a slightly different height. The actual elevation on the map is about 130 feet (40 m) lower than the sign says. This difference is a bit of a mystery!
Nature at Panoche Pass
Panoche Pass is a special place for nature. It is where Panoche Creek begins. The very start of a river or stream is called its headwaters. So, Panoche Creek starts its journey right here at the pass.
Plants and Animals of the Pass
This area is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. You can find a wide variety of species living here. The pass is known for its beautiful wildflowers.
One famous wildflower found here is the yellow mariposa lily. Its scientific name is Calochortus luteus. This lily has bright yellow petals. It adds a splash of color to the landscape, especially in spring.
