Change of plan
Originally we were going to do the loop SFO to LA, San Diego, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Yosemite, SFO

however we have now arranged accomodation at Santa Barbra for the 5th 6th April as we are meeting up with our LA friends. From there we will go back to LA to stay with them for a few days.

As the SFO, Yosemite, Las Vegas route is the longest we thought we'd do this first as we have more time on the first leg of the trip (we land 27th March return 17th April)

We land in SFO around 2:30pm on the 27th (after travelling from Newcastle-LHR-SFO). In your opinion would it be advisable to land, collect car and drive to Oakhurst (approx 3and a half hour drive) (not sure how long checking out bags and car would take). We thought as it was a reasonable time of arrival that we could get a head start on Yosemite by driving to Best Western Plus in Mariposa (VERY reasonable prices - £41 per night for all of us - amazing), rather than staying in an airport hotel. The idea then maybe to stay 2 nights there and one night at Yosemite Bug before finding somewhere else to stay (poss ranch) on route to las vegas.

advice greatly appreciated