road trip from san fran to vegas, via yosemite and death valley

My girlfriend and i are planning a trip from san fran through yosemite and death valley to vegas in the end of march 2010. we have about a week from start to end, and want to try and fit in as much sights as we can. I have read some similar threads on this subject but none really in the winter, we would love some info on good routes to take that shouldnt be effected by the weather (blocked roads). i would also love to hear any recommendations for must see places for this time of year.

Thanks
Dave

Hello and welcome to the RTA froums !

At the end of March you will not be able to cross the Sierra mountain range on CA120 [Tioga pass] due to snow accumulation. You will however be able to visit Yosemite valley and head South towards Bakersfield and around the Southern end of the mountain range to Death valley. Another worthwhile visit would be to Sequoia NP to see the giant Sequoia trees. There is also the Sequoia NM, another scenic mountain drive through Cedar slope to Kernville and Lake Isabella passing the "Trail of 100 giants" grove of Sequoia's.

You will find lots of info by using the search button as it is a highly popular topic.

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

This is far and away the most discussed route on this forum and there are several thousand threads on the topic, discussing travel in all seasons. Since you are really just looking for the basics to start out, I would continue looking a bit more, with these being some of our favorites.

With winter, the biggest issue is that most of the passes across the Sierras will be closed. You'll either have to cross to the south, via the Bakersfield area, or to the north, around Lake Tahoe.