[2] The range borders the tri-state intersection of Nevada, Arizona and California, and the Mohave Valley, with the Fort Mojave Indian Reservation bordering the range foothills on the east and northeast, in the three states.

The Dead Mountains are 12 miles (19 km) northwest of Needles, California.

The California Desert Conservation Area[6] is located within the wilderness and smoke trees are found there.

The wildlife found on the mountains includes coyote, a small herd of bighorn sheep, rattlesnakes, falcons, hawks, eagles.

A portion of the wilderness is critical habitat for the endangered desert tortoise.