High Sierra Topix

Was in Las Vegas for a wedding and had a rental to drive back to the bay area. I choose to go north on 95, and come across tioga pass. It added some time but it was way more relaxing and scenic drive than taking the 5.
I recommend that route if you have the time, and I found a few very cool spots I need to make time to stay and explore.

Another idea is take 95 north to NV 266 west / CA 168 which takes you over Westgard Pass and dumps you into Big Pine on 395 and you can stop at the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest which is pretty rad. The road up to the Pine Forest is closed in Winter but when the road is open it is worth the stop, killer views and the Bristlecone Pine is the oldest living thing on the planet.