Originally Posted by Talondale

iayotehunter I hope you're getting conditioned and remember to hydrate BEFORE you get there. It helps with altitude sickness. I was force drinking water the whole drive there and had no problems other than not being able to breathe. LOL. The other advice I'd give is take your time. These aren't whitetails and it's a game of days not one shot opportunities like with a roaming buck. If you spot a elk worth shooting don't force the situation. Only go for it if the circumstances are just right. If not back out and he'll most likely be in the same area tomorrow. If you blow it he WILL run out of your zone and then you won't get another shot. Most of the hunt is just finding them. Once you find them take your time and make the situation right. Ask me how I know.

Hatchet Jack, when I went I went with my Dad. He was 73 at the time. We had to go slow and couldn't go in deep. But we saw elk and even got close on a nice bull. (see above) Going slow in the mountains with elk is not a bad thing. So I'd say you have plenty of time. But go sooner because you'll likely want to go back again and again.