Your going to spend close to 5k or moreon a fully guided Col. hunt, when all said and done. I would say on average most guided Elk hunt are less the 50% succesfulin Colorado. Personally I would go on a guided cow hunt for 1200 plus license or DIY hunt with trespass fee if you can find good land. You should learn alot on that guided cow hunt, use that info on your next hunt DIY or drop camp hunt. I have hunted elk once, happen to bein Colorado DIY cow hunt.
If you want to shoot a Good bull, save upmore money, plan on around 6k-9k and hunt New Mexico black powder in the rut, should have 80% or better shot at a good braggin-size Elk with a top outfitter. The old saying you can go ontwo or more Guided ELK hunts in Col orWy and you might get a shot at 340& up class bull or spend the big $$$ and goto New Mexico and kill one.
I am no elk hunting expert, thats for sure. For what I have researched, the hunters who get skunked and re-book thoseguided hunts the most,are bow hunters. Because they are hunting Elk in the rut and they say nothing compares to it.