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. To arrive at the James Reserve 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. From the southwest, you travel through Hemet on State Highway 74 up into the mountains until you come to Mountain Center and the junction with Highway 243. Proceed through the town of Idyllwild until you reach Lake Fulmor. From the Southeast, access is again via Highway 74. Once you reach Lake Fulmor, the entrance to the Reserve is through a locked U.S. Forest Service gate in the handicapped parking lot (combination to the lock is provided to registered visitors). Follow the dirt Forest Service road to the locked gate at the Reserve. Drive to the end of this road, bearing left to the parking area. The building nearest the parking lot is the Trailfinders Lodge. Visitors must sign in and submit a signed waiver at the Trailfinders Lodge. At both gates there are several locks on the chain, please view the brief written tutorial on how to identify which lock is the right one for you to use.
Please do not stop at Lolomi Lodge as this is a private residence.
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.