High Sierra Topix

Headed up with the wife and dog early Friday and need to meet friends in California City ( Mojave area) Saturday night. I plan to do a couple of relatively easy day hikes / snow shoeing on the east side like lone pine or independence area, but was looking for something that I haven't done already. Looked at going up to Olancha peak, Isabella, red rock canyon or maybe tehachapi areas and was looking for suggestions.

Owen's Peak out of Indian Wells is surprisingly difficult for only being a couple miles. Just north of Ridgecrest and not far from Red Rock.

I have heard that the PCT where it crosses the 178 headed north at Walker Pass has great views. Probably different this time of year but I was told to carry your own water because it is scarce.