As a general rule, whenever you see people standing alongside the road, or a band of cars parked along the shoulder, you can figure elk are near. If hanging out with other viewers isn't your idea of fun, keep driving until you find conditions more to your liking. Keep in mind, though, crowds are commonplace on the elk range in September and October. If you'd like to avoid them, consider visiting the elk range in January or February. The crowds are gone.
Elk can be easier to locate because of snow cover and fallen vegetation.
But if you go later, remember it's colder, road conditions may not be user-friendly and you'll have missed the colorful autumn foliage backdrop that heightens elk watching in fall. Some of these animals may not run when approached and are somewhat habituated to being around people. Many visitors only see elk near roadways. Backcountry elk will flee if humans approach too closely. These elk are about as wild as they get.