MtnHub wrote:moderate scenic loop hike as a warm-up...nothing terribly difficult...class 3 to easy 4...mainly interested in day hikes...don't want to bring all the extra gear along...
With that in mind you can't go wrong with the Arapaho traverse. Great route worth repeating. Also consider scrambling up the east ledges to the top of Apache (easy c3), traversing to Navajo via the west chimney, and then descending Airplane Gully. It keeps you off the snowfields so you can leave the crampons at home. Both trailheads are super crowded during the day but an early start guarantees front row parking.
If you're looking for a laid-back loop with easier scrambling and moderate route finding, consider the east ledges of Shoshoni starting down at the shore of Lake Isabelle. Progress is relaxed and easy up and across the ledges. From the top of Shoshoni, cross over talus to Pawnee Peak and then, as an option, continue on to Mount Toll. From the saddle between Pawnee and Toll, descend on talus to the upper Blue Lake basin. Pick your way through slabs, grass, and wildflowers to Blue Lake and the trail back to the TH.
I'll send you a note soon.