Lots of Elk but also lots of hunters in 4,14,214. 2nd and 3rd Seasons are tough. There's a lot of private ground that doesn't get any pressure in that area and when those elk get pressured in the 1st season, they leave most of the public ground and go to the private.
I would look at Quaker Mountain, north of Hayden and hunt the edges of the private land. Use a good map and a GPS because if you get on the private, you will be in trouble and those ranchers will hold your feet to the fire. In Colorado private land does not need to be posted, it is up to us hunters to know where we are at. If you're caught trespassing, you can have your hunting license revolked for 3 years in Colorado and in 11 other states(Wildlife Violater Pact). If you are uncomfortable with reading maps and GPS's I would go into Slater Creek area, East of Bears Ears or Black Mountain, west of Bears Ears.
McKinney aka Hiker
Proverbs 3:5-6