RE: Need Some Advice for First Colorado Elk Hunt
You're on the right track. The archery seasons aren't nearly as crowded, in most places, as rifle seasons can be. I would recommend coming the week before the muzzle loader season begins. It's usually a bit cooler then and seems like rutting is really slow the first week or two anyways.
Narrow your choices down to two or three and then call and talk to the local CDOW officer for those areas and have him/her help you make your descission, they may be able to point you in the right direction for less hunting pressure and more elk anyways!
Good Luck!