Last minute alternate ideas to enter Sierras

[CeloTX]

If you're coming up from LA, you should do something in Sequoia or Kings. Walk-up permits are rarely an issue for any west side trailhead. There's some lollipop loop routes you can do off the High Sierra Trail that are comparable in length and dramatic scenery to the Rae Lakes Loop.

If i hadn't hiked the HST twice in the past few years this would probably be my fallback.