I also live in 481. It's pretty rugged to hunt in the early seasons. I hunt the muzzleloader season, so i'm up at treeline in the timber. Weather is usually warm to hot, but not bad at that altitude. Especially, in the timber.

The rifle seasons will be way more crowded, and the elk will be down lower usually. I'm lucky to see one hunter, but I scout 250 days a year to find out of the way areas.

What season are you planning on hunting? How many points do you have? Bull or cow?