Getting an elk here in God's Country isn't as easy as the magazines make you think. Most locals, like myself, have to hunt for years before we "get our elk." It's really a humbling experience, especially if you've been successful with whitetails. Elk are much smarter, they can smell you better, hear you better, and out smart you in the woods. The magazine writers and pro hunters have pre-planned trips, with known elk and known elk paths. My group goes up a couple of times a year to scout, but that's still not enough.
My advice, be humble, get in good shape (you'll be walking between 9000 and 12,500 feet or so, depending on temp), figure out a dry sock solution (I like to weak sock liners), and hope for the best. Don't be dissapointed if you come back with empty hands.