The Layer Properties Manager (the layer dialog box that comes up with the layer command) allows you to create layer filters. A filter can include layer name filtering with wildcards, as well as specific on/off, freeze/thaw, lock/unlock combinations. You can also filter by color, lineweight and other properties. When using the filter dialog box be sure to create a name and pick the "Add" button to save your filter. If you select the "Apply to Object Properties toolbar" option then the filter will also limit your layer pull down list.