the best way to get into Carpenter Canyon is take hwy 15 down to HWY 160 west(Blue Diamond exit) towards Pahrump, just as you enter Pahrump take Carpenter Canyon rd all the way to nr the top, theres a stream w/ small cutthroat trout etc.
To get up Wheeler Pass take the same rout just go further on 160 to Wheeler Pass Rd, turn right, theres a left turn you take to get all the way up past wheeler well and the charcoal kilns and over to Cold creek. or if you got a godd 4x4 you could take 95 down and turn right at the big Prison in Indian Springs, this will take you up the pass or to the Bonanza tail, this whole area is your best bet for Lion. The Griffith peak area is ok too, pm me Let me know if I can help. Kyle Canyon is pretty developed w/ camp grounds and houses and lots of hikers etc... although f you hike in somewhere im sure theres stuff up there too, the key here is water - springs, streams, creeks and ponds......