If you can afford it, I think going on an outfitted/guided hunt would be a good idea. I have heard that "Over the Hill Outfitters" are a good outfitter.

Elk hunting is complicated. You need to know where the elk will be and when they will be there. For example, in first rifle season elk will be up high, between 10,000 feet and treeline, maybe between 11,000 feet and treeline. Later in year, the elk will be lower. Also, it isn't just about the elk hunting, it is about setting up a camp and getting enough rest overnight to recover from day-to-day. If you go with an outfitter, much of these problems are resolved for you. You should make up your own mind about what your hunting goal is. Any legal bull? A cow? I know people are likely to sneer at using an outfitter and shooting a cow elk, but why is that ridiculous? If you did a DIY hunt, taking a cow wouldn't be ridiculous. If you go with an outfitter, one of the things your are paying for is the comfort of letting them do the work of setting up camp, making food, packing out the game. Also, you are paying them to find the elk.

DIY elk hunting is very rewarding, don't get me wrong. But there are so many things to learn that maybe it is most smart to do your first trip outfitted before trying to do a DIY hunt. After you have learned a bit about elk hunting, then maybe you can try to attach yourself to another group that goes elk hunting and share their camp.