Some friends and I just got an unexpected 3 day weekend and we'd like to do some mountaineering (Aug 5-7). Most of the permits for the most favorable areas are taken and our timing doesn't put us in a good position for a walk-in permit. We are looking for a trailhead where we are pretty sure to get a back country permit, with reasonable drive time (starting in Bay Area), and some pleasant mountaineering (< class 4).
Any suggestions?