The peak is situated in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, 15 mi (24 km) east-northeast of McCarthy, 13 mi (21 km) east of Bonanza Peak, and 12 mi (19 km) north of Williams Peak, where it is wedged between the confluence of the Nizina River and Chitistone River.

The mountain takes its name from the Chitistone River as reported in 1959 by the United States Geological Survey.

[2] In turn, the Chitistone River which is part of the Copper River drainage basin, was derived from "chiti," an Indian word for copper, added to the English word "stone.

[4] Weather systems coming off the Gulf of Alaska are forced upwards by the Wrangell Mountains (orographic lift), causing heavy precipitation in the form of rainfall and snowfall.

The months May through June offer the most favorable weather for viewing and climbing.