WOW! 1st time in the Rockies?You're in for the time of your life. But elk hunting is a lot different than white tails and turkey. People die out here in pusuit of the mighty wapiti.
Don't come out here with too high a hopes. On average, elk hunters harvest an elk once every 5 years! That's even if you live here! Be realistic, expect your first trip to be an educational experience.
Also . . . Be aware of the posibility of altitude sickness (Google it), among other things.
Lets take your ???'s 1 at a time.

1. Know the local regs. Some states don'tallow non-residents to hunt in Nat'l Forest Wilderness areas without a licenced guide. Most states G&F sites have past hunting success reports listed by hunt area(s). Might be a place to start.
Get quadrangle maps for the area(s) you will settle in. If you get lost easily, at least bring a good compass or even better, a GPS with maps.

2. Most hunters over-bugle. In the hands of a novice(as well as seasoned elkers), buggleing can run off more elk than you will ever see.Use a cow call. Get a cow call or two or three and practice, practice, practice. You may like the diaphram type, or reed, or the handy squeeze type. Cow calling at first light can locate bugleing elk just as well as a bugle. Locating can be done many different ways. One of my favorites is to take a late evening and/or early (4am-ish) scouting trip and cow call/bugle or just listen to locate active elk. Like turkeys, they will likely be in the same area the next morning if not pushed.
Your local library is a good sourse for books andvideos or DVD's.

3. Hunt all day if you can. First and lastlight are usually the most active. But glassing from high vantage points is very helpfull, if you can find one. That enables you to maybe ambush them coming down or up depending on the time of day.
The middle of the day I still cow call low and try and find bedding areas, water, wallows, trying to stay in dark timber on north facing slopes. Move slow, then stop and glass the timber. Those bastards can be lying right there and you'd never see them! But good binocs might help spotan antler tip, piece of hide, or an ear twitch. Locate fresh sign. Rubs, hoof prints, fresh scat, etc.

4. Again, check local regs. Not all places allow guns while archery hunting. If you are in Grizz country, you will be told by the G&F when you get your license. They will likely make you carry pepper spray. Black bears will likely not bother you.

5. Always a good idea. If you don't want them destroying your tent to get to your "Swiss Miss" . . . hang 'em high.

6. Much has been written about scent-blocking-clothing-while-you-spray-your-specially-laundered-camo's-in-elk-urine . . .
Bottom line . . . always hunt (or plan your hunt) with the wind in your face.

Keep your head on a 360 swiveel. Elk are notorious for coming in silent. It's unbelievable the way a huge animal can sneak in on you and your senses.
Don't wait for a trophy. Shoot the first legal elk you can. Meat in the freezer and lots of stories to make 'em jeolous back home.