[3] Bear Mountain is situated 3.5 miles west-southwest of the community of Silverton, on land managed by San Juan National Forest.

Topographic relief is significant as the north aspect rises 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) above South Fork Mineral Creek in approximately 1.5 mile, and the east aspect rises 2,300 feet (700 meters) above Bear Creek in one-half-mile.

The mountain's toponym has been officially adopted by the United States Board on Geographic Names,[3] and has been in publications since at least 1906, if not earlier.

[4] Of the approximately 100 landforms in the United States named "Bear Mountain", this one ranks as the highest elevation.

[6] Due to its altitude, it receives precipitation all year, as snow in winter, and as thunderstorms in summer, with a dry period in late spring.