The coordinates for the James Reserve are: 33 deg 48’30″N, 116 deg 46’40″W. On the following topographic maps, Lake Fulmor 7.5′, San Jacinto Peak7.5′, Banning 15″, Palm Springs 15″, it is found in the east half of sec. 21, T4S, R2E (SBB&M). The James Reserve is about a two-hour drive from both San Diego and from Los Angeles.
The regional map on this page indicates where the James and Los Osos Reserves are relative to major roads and cities in the area. The best way to get to the James Reserve is from the north. At Banning on Interstate highway 10, take State Highway 243 to the south (exit 100) and proceed up the mountain until you reach Lake Fulmor (about 15 miles). You can also come from the southwest through Hemet, but it is not recommended. Once you reach Lake Fulmor, the entrance to the Reserve is through a locked U.S. Forest Service gate in the handicapped parking lot on the east side of the highway (The combination to the lock will be provided to registered visitors). Follow the dirt Forest Service road to the locked gate at the Reserve. You will continue straight along this road to reach the James Reserve Parking Area.
Once inside the Reserve, proceed past Lolomi Lodge (Director’s Residence) straight until you pass the small bridge, take a left at the fork, and park in the parking area. If you have heavy gear to unload, you can go right at the y uphill to the Trailfinder Lodge, unload your vehicle, and drive back to the main park lot where all vehicles must be parked all the time.
Directions to Oasis de Los Osos
The access to Los Osos is again off of Interstate 10. Coming from either direction, east (Palm Springs) or west (Cabazon), exit the interstate at the Highway 111 exit (exit 111, 1.5 km from highway), proceed for 5km along the private road of Snow Creek Village, Snow Creek Canyon Drive. You will drive past the small community of Snow Creek to a small parking area off the road. Park there at the head of an un-maintained dirt road that leads to the Oasis de los Osos Reserve gate. Visitors must sign in and submit a signed waiver before entering Oasis de los Osos Reserve.