Flattlander wrote: I'm considering Mt Elbert as the 'walkup' type of thing.
Elbert is a great one that I (although in the summer) didn't think was difficult at all as my first 14er. Because of the popularity there may very well be a packed trail all the way to the top, so you mmight not need to use snowshoes (but bring them just in case). I'd suggest the north trail from Halfmoon creek
http://www.summitpost.org/north-mount-elbert-trail-ne-ridge/681916