There are 4 things to look for when scouting elk.

4-Food. Elk are grazers and eat grasses, forbes(wildflowers and weeds) and sedges(grasslike plants that grow in wet areas). In the fall look for elk forage on east-facing ridges where the feed is still green.

3-Water. There must be water to find elk however keep in mind a bedding area can be a mile from the drinking site.

2-Cover. Elk need a secure place to bed for the day. They will often bed down in Aspen stands until they get pressured then they will seek the security of the deep timber.

1-Seclusion. This in my opinion is the most overlooked aspect in scouting elk. You may find absolute perfect elk habitat but there are no elk. Part of the problem may be humans. They will stay far from humans generally. When scouting an area its very important to figure out where hunting pressure is going to come from and where the elk may go. You might find a big bull while scouting but come opening morning you may find a canvas tent and campfire in the middle of the meadow where you saw the bull. Scout a mile from the nearest or road or 2 ridges from it.

Good luck