How to get into Alpine/Mountaineering this summer? Partners?

Hey folks, I took an intro mountaineering course through CMS and loved it...I'd really like to get on some easy alpine routes this summer (June, July if conditions are still good), maybe in RMNP, but I also don't want to pay $1500 for a CMS course. I was wondering what the best way to break into alpine climbing would be...can me and my trad buddies just hop on a super easy alpine climb and learn it as we go? Or would it be better to hook up with someone more experienced and partner with them? I was considering posting in the Partners forum, but considering I have no alpine gear (yet) and minimal experience, I figured I'd just get laughed at...

Be fast on approaches, solid, and a good second and hook up with more experienced guys. Not everyone takes the same approach but I think being a solid partner and going with more knowledgeable guys is the way to go.

My friends and I figured that if we were competent climbers and good with gear that we could get up an easy route without too much trouble. We did the Upper Exum (on the Grand) as our first route without any complications and several other routes and we've got a couple more trips planned for this summer. I don't know that I'd recommend that style to everyone but it works for us.