Yes, South Lake is very pretty and accessible. Something for everyone. I have an old crappy camera, and don't have the patience to bother with the settings like all the photographers here. Beautiful pictures posted. Thought I'd contribute something for South Lake nonetheless.
3Deserts wrote:I might have missed it above, but another thought is South Lake TH to Bishop Pass. Easy, relaxed hike, beautiful scenery virtually from the start, and depending on the time of year and seasonal precip, the floral show can be exceptional there. Continue in to Dusy Basin if you like; Bishop Pass is quick and easy. The late afternoon sun on the south side of the Palisades can be really breathtaking. The views in the other direction down towards LeConte Canyon are beautiful as well. A gorgeous place to camp if you want to hike in is just below Thunderbolt Pass, on the east side. And if you want a mellow summit with killer views, Agassiz is a secure, 2nd class hike right there above Bishop Pass.
VikingMan, your photos of the Ritter/Minarets area are sublime. Beautiful, beautiful light and shadow.