Roundtrip from SF via LA, LV, GC, Tahoe and Tosemite

[Southwest Dave]

but perhaps more interesting to go from LA>grand canyon>las vegas. That way you break up your city visits with some natural sights.

you may consider going SF>Death Valley>GC> Vegas>la.

I think the GC to LA/ LA to GC option would work best in either direction you travel. So rather than go from Death valley to GC and back on yourself to Vegas, simply head from DV into Vegas to GC and on to LA.