Tue Feb 03, 2009 3:58 am
You'll need to be aware that many of the Sierra passes are closed in winter. To get to the east side of the Sierra, places like Bodie (roads to Bodie off main highways may not be drivable due to snow), Mono Lake, which should be accessible from 395 and highways to the north and south although local snow conditions or storms may change that), you will need to drive to the north, then east from the Sacramento area via US 50 to South Lake Tahoe and/or US 80 over Donner Pass, then to 395 and south, or south, maybe over Walker Pass or more likely 58 over Tehachapi Pass via Bakersfield. It's been a while since checking but either of those routes would add several hundred miles (both ways) to the itinerary. You can get to the west side of the Sierra and Yosemite Valley, a few other portions of Yosemite, parts of Sequoia/Kings Canyon, etc. High country sections will be closed.
However, depending on conditions, lower elevation areas in much of the state may well be in full spring green up and spring flower displays may be intense.