Telescope Peak is an outstanding alternative to the Sierra. It may be 100+ on the valley floor, but the trail will be very comfortable. Any vehicle can make it as far as the charcoal kilns. It's not a big deal to start hiking from there. The road continuing to Mahogany Flat can be 4-wd depending on conditions. The views are world class with Mt Whitney to the west and Badwater to the east. The elevation difference (Telescope at 11,043' and Badwater at -282') for two places that close together is one of the largest on earth. If you have never hiked Telescope, you owe it to yourself to go.
