FF, I was in your same shoes 4 yrs ago. I really wanted to hunt Elk but had never been and no idea how. So let me tell you this. If you have NO Elk experience, No Mountain hunting experience, No back packing in high elevation experience, and noone you know thats going thats done all this before. Do yourself a favor, and go guided the first time. There's nothing wrong with DIY or drop camp hunts. But if your unexperienced your in for a totally new world of hunting. You'd have a ton more planning to do, and all the gear you'd need to purchase for a DIY hunt, you spend close to what a guided hunt costs. Ok the guided hunts can be expensive. But your also talking afirst in a lifetime experience, and in my book how can you put a price on that!!
So I went guided, archery, Colorado. No I wasn't successful, but I had one heck of a time. I have no regrets. In fact I went back this Sept again, and enjoyed myself just as much. I'm so glad I went guided, and learned a ton. If I go again I'll do a drop camp or a DIY.
But I feel if you've never experienced it before, make it easier on yourself the first time. trust me you'll have enough to worry about just getting ready for a guided hunt.
Feel free to PM me with any questions.