climby_climber: Like I wrote above, lots of people use regular sedans on that road. Just drive slowly--figure 15-20 mph. If you have to stop at the Patriarch turnoff, the 22-mile round trip is going to take all day... no way you would be done by noon. ...then again, if you start at midnight, maybe it is possible.
Your hike distances and start times are really pushing the envelope. You know your own limits, but beware that your "inexperienced friend" may not be able to keep up, so try to factor that into your plans. I hope you can get up the road all the way to the "Mile 15 - Locked gate".
