PVC with a minimum #6 THHN wire would be this former sparky''s course of action. Personally, I'd go #4, but wouldn't harp too much if you opted for the #6 to save a few bucks. Don't know where you're located, but in my neck of the woods, PVC expansion couplings on the above ground risers are a must-have component. Don't be afraid to at least ask your sub-panel electrician to quote the whole job. The sub-panel is maybe a 1/2 day job at most. If it were my job, I'd lay a pretty sharp number down for you to fill some more time and not have to bounce to 2 jobsites for a day's work...especially if you were to dig the trench (Sparkies hate shovels!!!!).