San Francisco, CA -> Las Vegas, NV (USA)

I am in a hockey tournament in Las Vegas in March and I am thinking about riding my bike down. Not many Warmshowers hosts along the way, but ... Has anyone gone through the Mojave National Preserve or National Trails Highway? Also considering going minimalist with a credit card and one change of clothes in a fanny pack. It will still be late winter so northern routes won't work yet. Looking for suggestions if anyone has any.