It is situated in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, along the Yellowstone National Park boundary, on land managed by Gallatin National Forest.

Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Lamar River, which in turn is a tributary of the Yellowstone River.

Topographic relief is significant as the southeast aspect rises 2,800 feet (850 meters) above Pebble Creek in 1.5 mile.

[3] Based on the Köppen climate classification, Cutoff Mountain is located in a subarctic climate zone characterized by long, usually very cold winters, and mild summers.

[4] Winter temperatures can drop below −10 °F with wind chill factors below −30 °F.