The trip from vvr is a great way to go. Pioneer Basin seems to be "the" place to go in the region. personally, I like the Fourth Recess, for many reasons: the beautiful lake, the wonderful waterfall, the last place Norman Clyde camped in the Sierra. Lotsa history up Mono Creek.
By the way, if you have Secor, he has the shortcut I described to him for getting from the jct with the PCT up Mono Creek, rather than the trail, which is a mile out of the way and extra climbing. (I was a volunteer ranger in this area)
The owner of VVR is Jim Clement, my old hiking and climbing partner. He's a great guy, and the resort is a kick, if you've never been there. More of a rustic ranch.
