Tyrus, not sure if you are up for a long day of driving, but you might like the trip up to the White Mountains and the Bristlecone Pines. That would give you a unique and different view from the Sierra.
You can drive to 12,000' elevation -- higher than anywhere else in California. The views of the Sierra from across the Owens Valley are great to see. If you got an early start, you could even hike part or all the way to the top of White Mountain. The trail is a 7-mile 4wd road to the top. As early as your trip is, though, you might need to watch to see when the road opens up to the gate below the Barcroft Research Lab.
