Looking for some direction to see the mountains and wildlife (elk) in early September looking to stay in a cabin away from other yet close enough to hike in different areas planning to fly into Denver and rent a jeep for about 5 days never been out there Thanks in advance

You should have lots of company as thats archery elk season. Might look into one of the natioal parks

Yeah that is peak archery season I believe in CO, like most states in the west.

I would recommend Wyoming. Colorado is so crowded that they go to Wyoming themselves. One of the prettiest areas anywhere is Snowy Range, 25 miles west of Laramie.

ttt

Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Forest.

Yup September in Colorado and NM are the start of bow season. I know there are Elk in Estes Park and the southern CO NM border (great fly or lake fishing in that area too). Also around the Great Sand Dunes there is a wide variety of elk and antelope.

Mrs. and I hiked up the Barr Trail to the top of Pike's Peak last summer. Got a ride back down from the summit by Rocky Mountain Rides. They were great people, gave us tips on places to stay and how to prepare. We were/are flat landers with no mountain hiking experience. Glad we did it, but altitude affected both of us differently. The views were unforgettable. Got to watch a herd of bighorns for a while. No elk in the area while we were there. Where ever you go I suspect you will enjoy.

Driving a jeep through Colorado high country in September will make you very unpopular with a lot of bow hunters, and hikers, you'll experience a bunch of single digit salutes. September around the 10th is also when trail closures begin in the national forests. Hiking is fine, you'll just have to eat dust from the Granola crunchers in front of you.