WhereWeAre, your suggestion of the Flattop - Andrews Glacier loop is a great one. I was going to mention that on my earlier post, hesitating due to the issue of unknown conditions on the glacier. But that is an RMNP classic and August is normally OK for descending Andrews. Hallet Peak can still be tagged on the way.

I second going the opposite direction on the Odessa hike to avoid the knee pounding. Since Spiro's base is Moraine Park he can just catch the bus from there.

I've never done Andrews Glacier but know that a lot of people just slide down it, I think they take garbage bags to sit on? I've seen them sliding down in July, one after the other following the same path, along the southern edge where I'm assuming it's safe to slide. You would definitely need to check conditions, not sure if the rangers would tell you its safe (ever).