It is a fault-block range made up of Paleozoic limestone and Cretaceous shale and sandstones.

Notable inhabitants include bats, raptors, bighorn sheep, and javelina.

[1] The Big Hatchet Mountains are far from population centers, and have no paved road access or developed recreation sites; they therefore see little recreational activity other than long-distance hikers who are either starting or completing the Continental Divide Trail.

However, the standard route on the peak, along the South Ridge from Thompson Canyon, is straightforward.

The main traverse of the CDT exits from the southwest quarter of the range, to meet the northwest end of the Alamo Hueco Mountains.