Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Easy hikes with good views at altitude?

I'll be at Lone pine sometime around Mid May. A few of my friends want to explore the mountains, and they want to do an easy hike at altitude with good views. To be completely honest, I don't know what their physical fitness is like, so I want to play it somewhat safe, but also offer them some degree of thrill and excitement (they're all from the Midwest). Here's what I'm thinking:

1. Something that would get them to around 12,000 ft with solid views (we don't need to summit anything)
2. Class 2 or less (maybe some scrambling here and there, but nothing with exposure)
3. Something that can be done in 6 hours

I don't know the area that well, so if you guys have any hidden gems recommended that's good for noobs, please let me know!

EDIT: I was looking at my summer plans, and I wanted to do the Gould to Dragon traverse. But the trail up to Kearsarge pass looks awesome and doable. Would that be a good choice? Maybe I can bag Gould on the way...