The community was originally called "Monument Peak," but was changed to the current name after 1900 for reasons no longer known, although probably related to the name of (or renaming to) Brian Head (mountain), in nearby Dixie National Forest.

[4] According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.1 square miles (8.0 km2), all land.

Brian Head is approximately three miles north of Cedar Breaks National Monument.

With a mean annual snowfall of 355.9 inches (9.04 m), Brian Head is one of the snowiest inhabited places in the United States, receiving over 5 feet (1.5 m) more snow than Valdez, Alaska.

Summer weather in Brian Head is influenced by the tail end of the North American Monsoon, which provides frequent thunderstorms in July and August, though convection is inhibited by the cool temperatures at Brian Head's extreme altitude.

After the monsoon retreats, temperatures rapidly fall during September and October, when snow cover is permanently re-established.