Hi SB! I was reading thru Steve's x-country from HST to Pants pass (still I have trouble locating the exact pass in the NG map I have) and then to Colby pass trail on the east side of the Colby pass. Its definitely a short cut if you like x-country hiking.
Re. getting permit at Lodge pole for return trip: When we did the hwy 180 to Avalanche, Colby pass, MW, WP we did ask for the return trip via Onion V, Kearsarge, Vidette, Bubbs ck to Hwy 180 back and we did get it at Cedar grove/ Road end's RS as this whole trip is in SEKI. Since in those days all my hikes were limited to around a week due to blisters, we quit at WP, rented a car in Ridge crest and got back to Hwy 180. Hope this helps.
