Ed -
If you want to make it a 2-day trip, here would be my suggestion -
From Sacramento down CA 49 (the Gold Rush Highway) to Sonora, and over Sonora Pass on CA-108 to US-395, turn south and spend a night in Lee Vining, Mammoth Lakes, or Bishop. Then, south to Big Pine, CA, and over Westgard Pass & Gilbert Pass on CA-168, and over Lida Pass on NV-266 to US-95 and then south through Beatty to Las Vegas. Lots of good scenery and twisty roads. Check it out on the Google link below, and zoom in to catch all the curves.
https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=...ffWkgre-gDGjebPV5tXMOg&mra=ls&via=1,3&t=m&z=8
Assumes no snowfall in the Sierras prior to travel date, which would block the passes.
Or, take it on your way home....
Trust Ralphie for incredible road knowledge of the Eastern Sierra to Vegas. He's my ski pal also!