Why SW Colo? If I had more money than brains . . . and was strictly a head hunter . . . I would not hesitate to go with an outfitter. I used to guide for an outfitter and all our clients went that route because they sought a trophy animal.
If you are comfortable with your camping/motel/ or whatever, and feel confident in your outdoor skills, then do the OTC elk tag DIY hunt. You really should not come by yourself. Bring a kid, wife, brother-in-law, friend, anything. You screw up in these mountains, and you can quickly become a statistic. If you do get an elk, imagine carrying out a dead horse down off that mountain! People die every year in the Rockies on their quest to DIY for elk.
A lot of outfitters offer less expensive cow elk hunts if that interests you. This would be an excellent way to get your feet wet and safely too! Check the Colo Division of wildlife site for a list of outfitters. They provide all kinds of info like testimonials, "Plan your hunt" link, Elk Hunting University, as well as regs, maps, etc.
I would suggest the north central, north west corner of the state.