Hungry Valley is closed due to the fires? Had not heard that.
For your friends from the north, Ballinger Canyon is about the same drive time as Hungry Valley, but it would be a little further for you (about 1 hour longer than to Hungry Valley).
From the north, exit I-5 at Taft Highway. Drive toward Taft. Then take Hwy 33 South toward Maricopa. At Maricopa, drive on Hwy 166 West / Hwy 33 South (they overlap for about 20 miles). When they split, turn left (south) on Hwy 33. Ballinger Canyon Road is on the left, about 2.5 miles. Follow the Ballinger Canyon Road into the staging area. There are permanent restrooms and a loading ramp, but that is about all.
From the south, take I-5 north over the Grape Vine, then turn west on Hwy 166. Proceed into Maricopa, where you intersect with Hwy 33. Continue on 166 west/ 33 south until they split; then take 33 south about 2.5 miles to Ballinger Canyon Road.
Not sure if it is the Ballinger area is also threatened by the fire.