[1] The valley is bound on the north by Panoche Hills, on the east by Tumey Hills, on the south by the Griswold Hills and Cerro Bonito, and on the in west by Las Aguilas Mountains.

[1] The valley is known by naturalists as a hot spot for rare birds and mammals, and for providing a glimpse of old California.

Panoche is Mexican Spanish for a coarse grade of sugar made in Mexico, also for a diminutive of pan, (bread).

The upper end of the valley has its location northwest of Walker Peak where the creek enters the Diablo Range at 36°36′59″N 120°56′29″W / 36.61639°N 120.94139°W / 36.61639; -120.94139.

After wet winters, the valley sometimes hosts spectacular spring wildflower displays.