There are additional benefits to getting an early start other than to beat the afternoon thunderstorms. A better chance to see wildlife comes to mind. I had seen a few elk here and there above me as I made my way up the south ridge. I came over Point 13,004 and there was the full herd - about a hundred strong with lots of calves down to the left below me. They were in a fairly tight formation until they noticed me at which point they ran off to the right in a narrow formation which is when I took this picture.