going west to california

Get yourself heading to I-40 in California and then I'd highly recommend taking Hwy 395 north from just west of Barstow. It's a gorgeous drive and you won't have the California traffic that you would find along Hwy 99 or I-5 on the western side of the mountains. There are many public campgrounds. Stop in Lone Pine and do a day trip into Death Valley. Lone Pine is also where some famous old westerns were filmed. Neat history. Try June Lake along 395 for one great area to explore. Stay in Lee Vining and do a day trip to Yosemite and also tour Bodie Ghost Town.

The time of year will have a lot to do with the best route.

California is more crowded than it was in the 70's - if your thinking about going to anyplace popular consider reservations way in advance. California roads are pretty lousy compared to what they once were - they are working on that but sometimes "working" means roads are semi closed by work crews.

How long do you have? When will you leave NC? Sightseeing along the way? Hiking? We just need some more information to make informed suggestions.

Age said, "The roads are in awful condition, 395 last time I was on it a few years ago was an exception."

Absolutely awful, yes, but US395 is in pretty fair shape. I'm on it now.

OK my first thoughts. I assume you've seen the eastern NP. So you aren't going to hit major parks until you get to New Mexico or Colorado on a southern/central route. Now You can take I-40 west all the way into northern NM. If you want to see Carlsbad Caverns, which are well worth the trip, then get on I-30 off I-40 to I-20. There is a good large NP in southwest Texas, Big Bend, but it's best in the cooler months.

There a number of National Parks and Monuments in New Mexico, mostly smaller parks that you could visit. If you go to Carlsbad and take I-25 north to I-40 again then west from there.Santa Fe is a frequent tourist stop as is Taos. You can visit some live Indian Pueblos in the area.

Instead of taking I-40 West you could continue up into southern Colorado and take US 160 west which will run you thru spectacular mountain country. Follow 160 west past Mesa Verde NP. And continue on thru Cortez CO where there are a number of various parks in the area. Monument Valley for one but there are 7 or 8 others.

Following US 160 down into AZ and then south to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Back on I-40 to Kingman and then northwest on US 93 to Vegas. Then the suggestion to Death Valley is good and follow 395 north.

You can then either divert onto 120 to go thru Yosemite NP. Or go passed there and there are a number of roads heading west which will bring you to Alameda. Including way north is I-80.

I think you will find CA much the worse for wear from the last time you saw it. Be prepared for major potholes and outrageous fuel prices. The roads are in awful condition, 395 last time I was on it a few years ago was an exception.

You need to get a map and get on nps.gov and think about where you want to go. That will form your route for you. Ask more questions as they come up.

If you go in early spring, I would take 95 out of Vegas to Beatty then 374 into Death Valley see some sites then head to Lone Pine and 395.

Bizmark has a good suggestion but watch the weather closely. I just "retreated" to the south of Bishop and it's APRIL!

my goal is too do some national parks,camp while I am doing that, and do some sight seeing place like the president heads etc...

What do you like to do? Parks, hiking, visit towns? Makes a difference in the recommendations you will get