Lancaster/Palmdale used to be a good route years ago, but it's just one traffic light after another now. I've done the Bakersfield and 395 way many times in the past visiting relatives in California, and it's a great way to bypass a portion of LA.
Since you're heading up 89 in Utah, if you have time a detour on hwy 12 is highly recommended. Was just up that way last month and the scenery and road is worth it. There's also an all you can eat pancake breakfast for $2.99 in Tropic, Utah...which is just a few miles past Bryce Canyon. Hwy 12 near Bryce is where I took this pic.
