Morgan Pass should be doable. Bear in mind that you'll be starting from the East Fork campground road closure, which adds a couple of more miles to the hike. From North Lake, snow-shoeing is a little more difficult through the forest, but not too bad.
The Aspendale trailhead is essentially the road closure on 168; plenty of parking on the right side of the road near the gate. You will be snow-shoeing or walking on the road until Lake Sabrina or North Lake. Snow-shoeing above Lake Sabrina, on the Blue Lake trail, is do-able, but stay off the ice-covered lakes, since the ice isn't very thick yet. The trail to Blue Lake from Lake Sabrina started just down hill from the lake.
To get to Cardinal Village Resort you go down through the village and follow the signs. No easy access to any trails from Cardinal Village.
At Mammoth, parking near the ski resort shouldn't be a problem at 5 AM! From the lodge to Minaret Vista you will be on a snow covered road. Because of the snow coverage you will not be able to see the 4WD road; just follow the top of the ridge as best you can. The 4WD road doesn't follow the ridge line anyway. Caution: the steep chutes on the east side of the ridge tend to load up with deep snow and create avalanche danger; best to avoid that. The views from Minaret Vista along S.J. ridge are stunning.
Plenty of class 2 - 3 peaks in all areas, but follow avalanche precautions, of course. Check the Secor book.
Of the three mentioned, I prefer Rock Creek. Fewer crowds and beautiful vistas.
Last edited by Bob West; 11/12/15 03:19 PM.
