I am planning trip to central Colorado this summer, to include quick (3 day/2 night) backpack trip--looking at Flat tops and Holy Cross options. Will be with a couple friends that have hiked alot, but little real scrambling experience. We would like to backpack into lake campsite day 1, climb something day 2 (back to same campsite), then pack pout day 3. Looking for options--Lake Charles/Mystic Lake with day 2 hike to summit of Fool's Peak looks nice, but I am worried about the exposure/scrambling on North Ridge. Topos look like there might be a way to access the south (more gradual) ascent from Lake Charles through a pass DUE WEST of summit with one short/steep section. Is anyone familiar with this aproach?
Any advice on this climb generally? Any similar options in Flat Tops? Fishing, as always, a plus.

You should post this in the Colorado forum if really want an answer.

The scrambling is no big deal on Fools Peak and the fishing is amazing, we caught several trout in a stream next to our campsite.