Place to hunt/scout scenerio

[navet]

I have been spending alot of time on Google earth and the Colorado Parks Atlas. I have decided on several places to hunt. I have also spoken with the wildlife biologist in the area. The area I am looking at has 2 river/creek bottoms the converge at the end of a walking trail. The river creek bottom( maybe yall call it a drainage) on the right goes into a basin and up to a mountain top around 10000 feet. The river bottom on the left also enters a basin that is very long and wide with a tall ridge line on the east side of this basin. the ridge line is about 10300 feet in elevation. The trees look like dark timber and some aspen with small parks. My question is should I climb the tall ridge (10300 feet) and glass both basins or should I walk the basin floors looking for sign. I will have about a day to scout before 2nd rifle starts(which is the season I am hunting). Any ideas or suggestions? this is my first time to hunt elk.
Thanks
Nathan