Rancho de Aptos was a sheep ranch of Mission Santa Cruz shown on documents dating to July 5, 1807.

[4] Rancho Aptos was a 6,686-acre (27.06 km2) Mexican land grant in present-day Santa Cruz County, California, given in 1833 by Governor José Figueroa to Rafael Castro.

[7] The watershed is found inside the Coast Range Ecoregion that runs almost completely from the border of Oregon to the southernmost boundary of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

[8] Aptos Creek emerges into northern Monterey Bay at Seacliff State Beach which is located about 10 kilometers east of Santa Cruz.

The lower part of the Aptos Creek basin is characterized by its location in an area of low-density residential developments.

The fish found in these sort of environments have been observed to have subtle cranial depressions as well as vertebral column and lower jaw anomalies which may have been prompted by both natural and human causes such as fires, droughts, floods, and impoundments.

The midstream floating diving platform and canoe rentals attracted visitors to the pool that was complete with steps and handrails.