I wouldn't be so pessimistic. I think if you work hard - you could definitely get an elk every other year (or even every year)
and I have friends in their mid 60s still doing crazy stuff - like free climbing half dome.
Don't put limits on yourself.
If the limits come, they come, but don't...
Look at it like this - especially as a new hunter, you need as many stalks and opportunities as possible, because you'll inevitably screw some up.
So what's more likely to yield you multiple chances?
Hiking 7 miles in to a remote drainage, or covering 100 miles in your truck and glassing...
Hey there - I'm trying to figure out how to start a private message and it's not working out so well.
I saw your post about unit 70 in colorado, and would love to pick your brain if you're willing!
do your best to find the elk before comitting to a big hike in.
Blowing all that energy and time can be a tough pit to crawl out of - and spending more time closer to the truck/atv/etc. will get you more rolls of the dice to actually find a herd.
I came up hunting low point mule deer units in Nevada - which is about as brutal as it gets.
But we'd go into a 10% success rate unit and pull out bucks for everyone there.
A high pressure unit, or OTC hunt is largely what you make it.
If the unit has a 10-20% harvest rate - there are some...
I'm self taught, started late in life, and have had a very high success rate.
Finding any boots on the ground info you can (from other forum members, people that live in the state, or scouting earlier in the year yourself) is going to be a major driver in success.
Then, glass, glass, glass...
If weight is a consideration and I have to do lots of hiking - I won't.
I'd prefer to always have one - but when I'm counting ounces 2lbs of pistol I'm realistically not going to use will often take the cut.
For rifle season it won't matter. If you want it - awesome- but don't feel compelled to spend the money. Elk are still biologically wired to manage threat at predator distance - and scent and noise will be much bigger giveaways than visuals.