have either of you ever packed out an elk? If not, your plan of "several miles" probably isn't a smart one.
The weather can be any thing from hot to snowing. Be prepaired for everything as has been stated.
The number of hunters depends on a lot. You said you're hunting a limited area, but that doesn't tell us much. Some areas take 15 pp's so that is a very limited area where as other areas only take 0 - 1 pp so it would be expected to have higher hunters numbers.
Don't be fooled that elk aren't near roads. Over the years, I've killed and seen many other elk killed not far from roads. Yes, normally the elk stay away from human activity, but with hunting pressure, they can be found anywhere.
You should expect the first couple of mornings to hear some bugling, so be out before sunrise and listen and be prepaired to move to the elk. That'll be your best bet for success.