Where is the best place to start this hike and where is the best place to park?

Sylvan lake and then take either 4 or 9 up and the opposite down

Alternatively, you could start at the lost cabin trailhead, if you want a 15 mile hike. Longer, but more isolated, if you are looking for that

I always park by Sylvan lake and start the hike by the that trailhead.