You rarely see a treestand used for elk hunting. A good ground blind is worth the trouble for hunting a wallow - or for ambush hunting along some natural funnel. Elk are prone to run uphill through a saddle when pushed. And a seriously wounded elk will break off downhill - while the rest of the group escapes on an uphill route. Otherwise, travel light and be prepared for "running and gunning" - heading toward the sound of bugling bulls and trying to lure them into bow range once you are close enough.

I assume you have a good GPS. Particularly, be prepared for very rapidly changing weather conditions. It is amazing at 11,000 feet, how one little cloud can come by and block the sun for a few minutes - drop the temperature significantly. Thin air just doesn't hold heat. Nighttime lows in September will generally be aroundthe upper 30's in the mountains- although they can be a lot colder. And daytime highs can range from shirt sleeves to the gore tex parka over the polar fleece. This is a great time of year to be in the Colorado high country - just be prepared for the worst.