Interesting non-tourist routes through California?
 

I'll be traveling from San Francisco down to Mexico next month. I've barely considered this part of the trip though!

I've already done the pacific coast and, ultimately, I want good roads and cheap places to stay! So where would be good?

Sierra foothills, Hwy 49 Motherlode route
 

From SF go east to Copperopolis, Columbia, etc. and down the Sierra Nevada Mountains through the gold country, down to the Sequoia National Park, Minieral King area, by staying in the national forests you could camp at "wilderness" camp areas or stay a low cost motels along the way, pass through the Mojave Desert Preserve, Joshua Tree, Anza Boreggo and on to Mexico.

If you need more detail drop me a note and I will try to give you some routes and ideas.

The road depends on the amount of time you have. Getting over the mountains this time of year is dicey at best but if you hit it right 395 south is interetsting and a little faster than 49 through the gold country. But if you have the time highway 49.