lrh - I have hunted the Holy Cross, Zirkel, Mt. Evans, Indian Peaks, Commanche Peak, Flat Tops, Neota, Rawah, Eagles Nest and Poudre River wilderness areas. Mt. Evans and Indian Peaks areas are the only ones I remember that are considered "quality areas", but don't quote me, as I don't have the regs with me here at work.
I like the Holy Cross because it is rugged and remote tough hunting, but it takes too many miles on foot to get to the best areas. We have seen the biggest bulls/bucks deep in there, horse's are a must!
I'm liking the western slope areas more and more each year. We see better animals and fewer hunters the farther from the front range that we hunt, although this is not a rule! Some monster bulls are being taken along the front range on public and private property every year. Just last week, I viewed a 7x7 bull elk mount that was taken outside of town during the late season.
All of these areas are good elk/deer producers, so knowing elk/deer behavior will go a long way towards being sucessful. Whenever we hunt these areas it is always on foot with a pack. It has been rewarding but difficult at times. We have had some long tough packouts with a few bulls on our backs.
I have friends who hunt in the San Juan areas and they tell me I should go down there as I would like it. I've seen some of the bulls Mike has taken down there and they are impressive. The only problem with the San Juans, is the distances are much much greater and the mountains are bigger. Tough hunting without horses.
We can only hunt once a year here in Colorado, so getting to all the good places is hard. Don't let anyone tell you that there are no good bulls here in Colorado. If you hunt hard and know elk, you can be sucessful.