I use a Rem M7 in .308, handloaded Barnes XBT 165s primarily & that for mostly dark timber (that
is where the elk live most of the time). Back-up rifle's a Rem 700 .30-06 & Fed's Premium 180 (Sierra SBT GameKing).
We did have great success for years in 681 & 1-for-1 in 82 (west side of the Sangres, if I recall correctly & just across the valley from 681). Mostly cows, but there's bulls about.
I'd suggest finding the darkest, north-facing slope you can find, git back in there & hang out quietly. Saddles & other ingress/egress routes, etc, that show recent sign are a big plus.
Although an area shows good sign doesn't mean that it still has elk. They are way migrant & move miles a day at times.
Last we hunted 82 (IIRC), word had it that some of the local ranchers were rounding 'em up on horseback & charging for "quality hunts."
Dunno if true.
Just checked & 82's the area we hunted. 82 goes to 14K', 681 goes to 13K'+ (The Divide) ... in any event, the weather can be as described & you'd best be prepared for it. A heavy snow can be your best friend in 681 as it brings the critters down from the higher country & into the more open parks - can become quite the turkey shoot. It'll take a day or two for the critters to make the move. If you are camping & get "snowed in," stay put & make the best of it and get ready for some good hunting.
At times, the weather gets so nasty that the Guard, etc. will attempt heliocpter evacuations. They will allow you to take ONLY your rifle & the clothes on your back. All your gear (yes, trucks too) will stay there until you can get back to it - sometimes next spring.
I do know 681 & if you want some specifics on where we did "tear 'em" up, I'll glady answer whatever & pin-point some stuff on the topo maps if you'd like.