These directions were written by Phil Scoles, and may be helpful for anyone attempting to get to Camp Oljato from the San Francisco Bay Area. Click here for a map of the area. Neither Phil nor the webmaster vouch that these directions will work for you (though they work for us!).

1. Go to your AAA office and get the Bay & Mountain regional map of California (NOT the SF Bay Region map). If you want, also get Madera & Fresno-Kings County maps, too.
2. From San Jose Airport: Put on bulletproof vest and don't look at anyone cutting you off. As a seasoned Washingtonian, the San Jose freeways are death traps (just kidding, they're only shooting galleries!). Take U.S. Highway 101 SOUTH (towards Los Angeles). At Gilroy, exit for Highway 152 EAST. I think there is an exit earlier for 152 West, but don't quote me. Nevertheless, you want to proceed EAST towards Los Banos. You'll remember the route because it is a curvy road and Casa de Fruita is along the way.
3. At Los Banos (in the great San Joaquin valley), continue EAST on Highway 152. This highway terminates at U.S. Highway 99 -- Go right (SOUTH). Proceed SOUTH on Highway 99 for 11 miles, then exit at the main Madera offramp (I think it is after the Gateway and Cleveland road exits, but don't quote me). Okay to get gas here, one or two more gas stations ahead, though. Proceed EAST on Highway 145 towards Millerton Lake (if you go west, then you'll be headed back toward the valley -- bad idea).
4. Stay on Highway 145 EAST -- cross over Highway 41 intersection -- after that, the topography starts to get increasing hilly (not yet mountainous). Highway 145 ends at County Road 206 --> turn RIGHT (or southeast, but your bearings may be getting confused). Proceed towards Millerton Lake and Friant. County Road 206 ends 2 miles later at Friant Rd./Millerton Rd. Go LEFT (mostly east) and start climbing a small grade with Friant Dam/Millerton Lake visible on your left.
5. Stay on Millerton Road for 5.5 miles, which terminates at Auberry Road. Turn LEFT (northeast) and watch some those corners for the next 9.5 miles! At the intersection with grocery, Foster's Freeze, gas station and other strip mall stores, go straight through the intersection (after the stop sign; however, the cross traffic DOESN'T stop). BTW, this is a good, reliable gas stop. After 1 mile (where Auberry Road turns left), stay RIGHT and keep on Highway 168, which makes a 90 degree LEFT turn about 2 miles later -- follow the signs to Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake, etc. This is the 4-lane part of Highway 168 that is the real ball-breaker for buses and RVs -- several miles of very steep elevation gain. Your rental car should do okay if it has been running fine so far. Turn off the air conditioning just to be safe and prevent overheating.
6. Just beyond the top of grade, you'll smell the familar odor of Jeffrey Pine around this time. Continue on Highway 168 past Shaver Lake (watch the speed limit, last chance for gas). You actually pass by Shaver Lake twice -- once before the town and once after the infamous hairpin turn below the dam. Stay on Highway 168 to Huntington Lake (a secondary, sinous route takes you through Big Creek and along the north side of the Lake). Proceed up and over the crest of ridges that separate Huntington from everything else (about 17 miles). On your downward coast into the basin, you'll be flooded by memories and feelings of deja vu -- watch those curves, again!
7. Rancheria campground is way past the highway pull out for Camp and Golden Arrow, about a mile or so past Sierra Summit (formerly China Peak), but on the LEFT just before the big bridge over Rancheria Creek. If you see signs for Florence or Edison Lakes, or you pass Benny's service station, then you've gone too far. The reunion headquarters will be posted on the entrance bulletin board (we don't know our campsite assignments -- we just have 16 site paid for). Find us, either by sight or sound or Sheriff's flashing lights. Lots of cars, undoubtedly and tents, too. It's now Miller time (although a cold microbrew is now the preferred attitude-adjustment beverage).
8. Drive safe and enjoy the trip.

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