Thanks to all of you for replying. Based upon your comments I may try to come in a day earlier and may stay in the Mammoth Lakes area...at least this way I'll be sleeping at 7700 - 8000 feet and near some nice day hikes. May try to incorporate Mono Lake via Mosquito Flat trailhead into one of the warm up hikes. I want to experience the beauty of the area and do some great hiking but don't want to expend too much energy, particularly the last couple of days before the big one. Looks like the Bristlecone Forest/White Mountain area would also be a good place to spend most of the day to experience nice scenery and altitude...thanks again for your suggestions
