The one thing that stood out to me from our first trip out west (Im from Indiana) was how truly vast and expansive the mountains are, especially if you've never hunted in them. 3 miles may seem like a hop, skip, and a jump while scouring onX or Google Earth, but out there its a completely different. Go in expecting that.
Also, if you've been in the mountains before you'll know what to expect for the altitude. An acclimation period will help, but it takes some getting used to. Even if you're in excellent shape. We simply cant train for that at sub 1,000' elevation at home. Go in understanding that your physical limitations at home, whatever they are, will be reduced by terrain that is hard to replicate while training and significantly less oxygen than what's available at home.
Ive spent hours and hours and hours scouring maps (both topo and aerial), and it definitely helps getting accustomed to an area. Get on Google Earth and test your glassing knobs by finding the spot and then going to that elevation and using Street View. While it might not give you a perfect perspective, it really helps you understand what terrain will be in your line of sight from that spot.
Lastly, try and string plans B, C, and D together, if possible, without having to go back to the truck. You're wasting miles. Also, don't waste daylight (especially morning and evening) getting to where you think the elk are. Use your headlamps.
Best of luck to you, I'm jealous as I cant make it out west this year!