My starting level are the basics that elk need, food water cover or sanctuaries.
Look for the RECENT sign. Tracks, droppings,activity at water source. and rubs. Like Ross says old and new rubs, with many reflects a historic rutting area. If I don't find any of this move on!
It there is sign and pressure look for the hidey hole sanctuary, tough to access, places humans don't want go.
Rut Location strategy, get out in the middle of the night. If your backpacking and you here them from the tent your in a good spot if not move. if you camped low take a walk higher to see if you can hear or get something to answer a call. If you are in a camper or away from your hunting area, get out and listen, makes some calls. If you get responses at night they should not be too far in the EARLY morning, talking first light or before to get in position and relocate.
I was deer hunting this year and tent camped close to where I was hunting,heard elk every night in all directions from my tent. Elk hunters I talked to that where not camped close had the impression that the elk passed through and were only in the area periodical. These elk were pretty tight lipped during the morning and evening and further they stayed in cover so were difficult to glass.
Glass early and late. A good tripod system should not be under valved in this situation.Get a good vantage and glass the moving times late and early. you usually can hear a faint bugle or two as they star moving to and from bed. if you find elk make note of the movements and where they might be bedding, drinking and eating.
During midday I like to either scout new terrain for sign and throw an occasional call. Be ready though. it wont happen the first 20 times but the 25th time when you aren't ready and tired a bull will pop out right in front of you, trust me I know. Sit an active water source or wallow instead of going back to the truck or camp for a nap or lunch. I have not had much success with this but people do every year.
Cold calling sequence, be stationary for 45 -1 hr.
Cover ground and call. rinse repeat. sooner or later you will get a response. usually later and maybe human LOL! Don't give up! The ones that get it done this way don't till they kill.
Last resort is still hunting suspected bedding areas. Wind is important and usually not your friend in this situation.
If a bull winded you early, you must not have had it in your favor. If moving do you best to always have it in your favor. If you are covering 10 miles a day and not seeing recent sign, time to relocate. I have hiked out to what in my mind was elk meccas, perfect place and nothing! Moved on.