There is a considerable amount of nothing on CA SR 139. Watch for cows on the road...
I try to avoid doing anything in kali. Even the conservative areas which actually (as I’m sure you know) make up most of the eastern side of the state. I’ve often commented to Mrs rktman “Too bad it’s California” because there are lots of awesome places. But, there’s plenty of awesome places right here.
160 in Arizona gets you to the Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods turn off. A definite must see.
I found a great green chile cheeseburger at Captain Jack's Stronghold, a restaurant on Rte. 139 just south of Tule Lake.
Ive been on that road stuck behind a herd of cattle...entertained by a large bull getting romantic.