I wouldn't waste a trip just to scout for an over the counter tag. Maybe arrive a day or two early to scout the area. If you spent years applying and finally drew a tag for a dream hunt that would be a different story.
I think most guys who put in the homework could narrow it down to some smaller areas. Most people know other people who go elk hunting. I've found most are willing to tell you states and units/ areas they go to. Some people obviously won't give up their specific spots, but you'd be surprised that some guys do. They might never be going back there so they don't care. Call the biologists and some states have hunt planners to help guide you too. Most states post historical harvest data and population estimates.
It's totally different hunting out there than in WI. Here its all about the spot on the spot, finding the right tree as an example. Out there it is finding good valleys that could be thousands of acres a piece and then stalking or calling them within range.
Pick the state, then pick a unit and start breaking it down on ONX mapping. Find some primary areas to start with and then find backup areas to check out if needed.
It's very intimidating trying to plan an out of state hunt. Lots of states to choose from, even more units, different seasons, new regulations, etc. We are lucky to have the internet to help make it a little easier.