I grew up in Alamosa and hunting the San Juans and all that country. It is good to be up high for sure early. If it were me I would find a nice ridge line that I can spot the sides of the mountain as well as down in the canyons. If there is snow on the ground I would not worry about getting super high. Since it is a cow tag they are going to start bunching up and moving down the mountain a little for the winter. If you had a bull tag I would suggest getting up as high as you can. I had a cow tag once for the second season in unit 76 and thought I woul work my but off. Took all morning to get way up high. Realized there were about 20 cows in the bottom just up the draw from where we parked. I would really get where you can spot the side of the mountain, and just spot and stalk. Hope that helps.