Thanks for all the great information. Our plans have slightly changed. We will be heading for the Shaver Lake area staying at Dinkey Campground. I have read that their are a couple easy trails in the area that a stock Xterra can handle.

Were going to skip driving to Las Vegas, and fly instead. Got a great deal on Travelocity. $550 for two people, 4 nights at the Hilton and RT Air from SJ. Not too bad.