Late season advice CO 3rd Rifle, water?

[xnader]

Going to be rifle hunting elk for my first time (Colorado 3rd season). I have a small cluster of units picked, and a couple spots I THINK look like they could be productive in each just depending on snowfall and how far along migration is, that is for glassing at least and at various elevations/terrains. My first question is, how important are the "secluded" water holes going to be in that time frame in a dry desert unit? Should I just count on them being frozen and elk getting water from snow or locating streams? Really green to this as I've only ever hunted in September, and live in Wisconsin so I can't just check in the weeks prior. Also wondering if anyone has any general advice for attacking this by myself, as far as things to key in on and finding my "starting areas". Thanks!