We drove to Tulare 2 yrs ago.  Great trip.  Went US54 to I-40 then up thru Bakersfield going out, then I-80 all the way back.  Loved it......all but the one nite thru blowing snow across Wyoming coming home.  Were very glad to see Laramie, where we had a room reserved.  Roads were clear and dry the next morning.   We were gone about 10 days total.