Bugs, I live in CO and hunt in the Steamboat area. I have hunted elk in that area for the last 8 years. I will tell you that the area is big. If you do not have an idea where the elk are, you could spend your whole trip just trying to locate them. That being said if you have the cash and dont mind spending $1,500 on a drop camp plus your tags, I would suggest doing the drop camp. Stay away from Black Elk Outfitters. I used them once and We were miserable. Make sure anyone you use is taking you to private ground. A lot of the outfitters will just take you up high on public ground where you will run into other hunters. Your chance of success will increase tremendously if you are on private ground. Look into Three Forks Ranch. These guys are first class and may be out of your price range but worth it. A buddy of mine got a bull on his first visit to Slater Creek. I dont know how much they charge. Last piece of advice. The season that you are looking at going depending on the weather is when the elk will be migrating towardsMaybell. If there is heavy snow, the elk will be lower. Ifit is possible, I would try to go the first elkrifle season. You will get the benefit of hunting the elk in thetail end of the rut. They will be talking and much easier tolocate. Learn how to cow call.Hope this helps.Good luck.