Madera County is a county located in the San Joaquin Valley region of California, with its southern border adjacent to Fresno County. It is part of the Central Valley and is located approximately 160 miles southeast of San Francisco. As of the 2020 census, the population was 156,255. The county seat is Madera.

Globe Rock is one of the most photographed spots along the byway. Rumor has it that, Theodore Roosevelt had his picture taken at the geological oddity during a hunting trip. Area around Globe Rock was also an area of significance to the local Native American tribes for generations. Many grinding holes can be found nearby.