My DS recently drove from SLT to Tahoe City. He couldn’t get through SLT to go over Echo Summit due to it snowing and traffic was at a stand still. He was attempting to get to 80 but ended up staying with a friend in Incline. I couldn’t believe he drove around Emerald Bay in the winter. Mr. Nerves-of-Steel (20 yo) said it was very scary going around Emerald Bay with snow. For that reason I suggest you take 80 to 89 and head south on 89 to Meeks Bay.

Don't know where in the LA Basin you are starting from, but - unless you are travelling on a weekend - I'd suggest a really early start, like 6am to avoid LA traffic.

The kids can sleep through the first couple of hours, which will get you over the Tehachapis. Then you can stop off at Buttonwillow (Highway 58 exit) and get a nice big breakfast someplace. There are quite a number of fast food restaurants, like McDonald's, there.

With a big breakfast (for the kids, not the driver), that should put them to sleep for at least another hour.

Next stop: Los Banos - about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Again, lots of restaurants to choose from. Nice lunch stop.

From Los Banos, it'll be a 2 1/2 hour drive to Sacramento. You should be in Sacramento by 3pm. Or you could go a bit further to Auburn.

It's not that bad a drive if you break it up and have enough stops for the kids.

This is the way we usually do it. Get all packed up the night before and then, early next morning, load the kids into the car and let them sleep some more. It really helps to get a part of the trip over with while they are still sleeping.

I'm sure you'll have lots of toys and other entertainment to keep them busy when they are awake.

Hope this helps a bit.