Since you appear determined to do this by yourself (and good for you!) I'll offer up some more advice.
On the late hunts the cows will almost all be herded up, so if you find elk you might have many options to shoot. Instead of picking out the biggest one, shoot a medium or smaller cow. A yearling cow will eat great, will not be as big a chore to pack out, and will still probably be bigger than any deer you've shot. You will sometimes hear advice; "Don't shoot the lead cow", because these can be very old and tough animals, although I have never experienced that. Be careful and don't shoot more than one animal (it happens a lot). Elk are tough, unless you spine one or hit high shoulder they are probably not going to drop on your first shot. So be careful if you make a follow-up shot, don't shoot a different cow.
For butchering an elk:
1) A sharp knife you know how to re-sharpen (I carry a small steel), or a replacement blade type knife (Havalon, etc.)
2) Google "gutless method" and memorize it.
http://www.elk101.com/videos/gutless-video/
There are lots of variations of this, all work. Getting the tenderloins out is a bit tricky without another set of hands to put pressure on the gut sack and clear up some space. Some people will leave the leg bones in the quarters (makes them easier to handle), but I almost always remove them, the weight is significant. I usually leave the shoulder blade in as it doesn't weight much.
3) If you go gutless method make sure to use high quality game bags, it is harder to keep the meat clean.
For packing out an elk:
1) Meat-hauler type frame pack.
2) good walking poles.
3) time, and water/gatorade.
4) know your limits; may be better to take 3 trips with 50 lbs than 2 trips with 75 lbs.
Getting 1 or 2 miles away from the crowd is often as far from the road you need to go, and I've packed out many elk by myself at those type distances. But there is a big difference in 2 miles and 5 miles, especially if you are by yourself. And terrain/elevation can make a huge difference, obviously.
Good luck!
JR