Jean

So, over and out, I guess. Oh, well. We tried.

BillJ

As a died in the wool road warrier travel wise, I applaud your driving the country. My most interesting and rewarding moments have been off the beaten path and taking a turn on a whim. But as a life-long Californian who has traveled the width and length, I would tell you this. If you are coming into the state from the north (Oregon), and Yosemite is a must see (as it should be), then stay north of there. Don't do the Pacific Coast 1 south of Monterrey. One week is a very short time for what you want to do. Hit the redwoods along the north coast. Swing over to Tahoe. From Tahoe to Yosemite is not convenient or fast. Hiway 49, while scenic and historic, is slooooow! Alternatively, take hiway 99 to Merced (or Fresno) for access to Yosemite. You could even drop over to Reno from Tahoe and take 395 down to the Lee Vining entrance to Yosemite. Its a long drive over the pass to Yosemite Valley. Anyway you do it, its a long drive from Tahoe to Yosemite. If you figure 2 days redwoods, 2 days Tahoe, 2 days Yosemite, there's your week, and exit 395, through Death Valley, then over to Vegas. That's probably an 8 - 10 day trip.
Seeing the rest of your list would take another 2 - 3 weeks. Good luck!

StuDudley

I'm another lifelong Californian (74 years), and agree with the other Californians that your plan is too ambitious. I was up tin the Gold Country/Tahoe last week. Lots of traffic jams getting to & from. Lots of stoppages due to construction. Many times we were traveling at zero MPH. Janisj is a very knowledgeable contributor. She always offers advice based on facts - like driving times between A & B (without traffic jams & construction stoppages). Listen to her advice!!

Stu Dudley