Carbonera Creek joins Branciforte Creek near the 500 block of Market Street in Santa Cruz. Branciforte Creek discharges to the San Lorenzo River, which empties into the Pacific Ocean at Monterey Bay at Santa Cruz.
In Santa Cruz, Carbonera Creek connects with Branciforte Creek on Market Street around block 500. The latter then flows into the San Lorenzo River, which ultimately empties into the Pacific Ocean at Monterey Bay in Santa Cruz.