RE: First time Elk Hunt
Anything to increase your wind and tone leg muscles. Stairstep machine, treadmill, long bike rides, etc. A rare condition strikes some people new to the altitude called altitude sickness. Dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and headachescan signal altitude sickness. It doesn't effect everybody (mostly heavy people or those with existing lung conditions), but there's not much you can do.
I wouls recommend bringing clothes you can wera in "layers". It could easily have frost on the windshield in the am, and t-shirts by early pm.
Maybe most overlooked, comfortable shoes! Wear tennies if you have to.
I prefer a waterproof, low top, lightweight hiking boot.
Shoot straight, and good luck.