You’ve got this weekend (2 full days, one night)left as the last chance to scout some new spots in a new area after some more basic level scouting previously. Do you:

A) Attempt the most physically difficult, off trail high risk high reward spot. Starting at timberline, cresting a ridge, then bailing down an avalanche chute about 1800 feet to get into wilderness land locked by a private ranch at the lower end of the draiange.

B) Do the easier on trail option that is sometimes worked by an outfitter to get to know the area better. Low risk, solid option, but potential for feeling a little crowded if the outfitter is also there with a client or three, plus any other DIYers.

C). Attempt A and if it sucks, pull out as quickly as possible, and relocate to B, running the risk of not getting to your intended campsite before dark and limiting scouting time, plus a much more significant hike on Day 2 to complete the Intended loop


Asking for a friend

Option C for your friend!😁

Sit down and think about A. If you got an elk 1800' down an avalanche chute, could you get it out? Most of those are some kind of nasty, steep, rocks and deadfall or lots of new brush in older ones.
Then do B or C.

Whatever you do stay flexible. Adjust your plans based on the sign you're seeing.

Well the good news is that I’d only be carrying the head out, goats would have the rest. And fair chance it would only be skull plate

A!

But I’m younger than most here and in good shape.

I'm all about plan A, if only to find the good glassing spots as the deer often aren't in the same place come season, especially if it's a general hunt.
I don't see it as "high risk" at all, unless you're talking about getting yourself or the goats hurt climbing up or down that avalanche chute.

Given the goat deal, Plan A.

Plan A. As long as you can avoid a goat rope.......

OK, you didn't mention the goats in your OP. That's like me and my llamas. I'm 72 and there are lots of places I can't go any more but they allow me to hunt way beyond where I could go without them.

Years ago , in my prime, the answer would be A without a doubt. I loved the high country, getting an elk was just icing on the cake!

A for sure. It's a scouting trip. Burn your legs and time up on the potential new hot spot when you're not worried about filling a tag. I'm not going to scout an area that is known; i.e. if there's an outfitter there, it's probably a safe bet elk are in the area or pass through that area during hunting seasons. Worst case during hunting season, I could still-hunt that area as a last ditch effort.

Is there a road leading to the ranch?

Yeah road goes right to the front gate of the ranch. Another road on the mountain above the ranch was what I was considering. High cliffs up the sides make it unlikely you’ll want to hike around it he private down low. Also another downside, I was wrong about it being Wilderness, it’s not. Noticed the trail out the back was a two track and the motor vehicle use map on the forest service shows it’s open to off route game retrieval in that valley. Which could be totally abused. I did find out that the ranch has rifle season landowner vouchers and none for muzzleloader or archery m. I’ll be hunting muzzleloader. Best way in is off the cliffs if I can find the defunct stock trail that is on old maps but not current ones. Next best is the direct avalanche chute.

“My friend” chickened out and went with option B. Is an outfitter tent partially set up so that could be an issue. But the elk were bugling al day long and really put on a show last night. Mostly raghorns but one really nice one came out into the open at dark.

stay as far away from any road, well traveled trail or campground. as possible. Most hunters give up after the first mile, and will shy away from difficult terrain... My rule, shoot the first legal elk you see, it very well may be the only one.

Too much missing information to really make a call. But I personally would go with A on the limited amount of info given.

As to the guy that says he is in great shape. The shape you are in does not dictate where the elk are! Remember 90% of the animals live in 10% of the forest. Second doesn't matter how great of shape you think you are in, if it is hot and a long hike out chances are good you will lose meat.