My friend and I are planning on climbing our first 14er in a couple of weeks. We have our eyes set on Conundrum & Castle Peak and would like to do the full 4,850 ft. climb. Since we come from a low elevation, we would like to climb over a few day span to avoid elevation sickness. On Conundrum, are there semi-flat areas along the way where we could set up camp? If not, are there any other peaks you would suggest? We are looking at climbing a Class 2 with more exposure or a Class 3 with low to average exposure (if there is such a thing!). Any help would is appreciated!

It won't take a few days to climb those mountains, if that's what you're suggesting. There are campsites below treeline along the Castle Creek Road (you need 4wd to get very far on it).

Your best bet is to spend a few days hiking some high-elevation trails first but sleeping below 10,000'. Then go for Castle and Conundrum together in a day.

Colorado's mountains are 5 weeks behind in melt-off this year. The northern and central mountains are still under a considerable amount of snow. Plan on winter conditions and utilizing your snow skills. You'll quite possibly need ice axes and crampons to climb and descend safely. Access may also be problematic. You'll need to inquire for information about the rugged 4WD road to access the standard routes on these mountains. In the unlikely event the 4WD road is clear, you'll need to inquire about the condition of this moderately difficult road's driving conditions, which have deteriorated over the years and may be worse with the excessive run-off Colorado is currently experiencing. Experience in driving 4WD terrain with a high clearance vehicle is strongly recommended, otherwise add considerable distance and time to your climbing day.

My friend and I actually want a longer trail to climb, plus I don't own a 4WD (that is why I was inquiring about setting up camp on the mountain). I've seen reports that some of the peaks have hardly any snow on them (Conundrum & Castle being two of the peaks). Are there any peaks with little or no snow on them?

Look to the San Juans. A base camp to Handies/Redcloud/Sunshine or you can backpack in to the meadows that house Wetterhorn and Uncompahgre among other 13ers.