It ranks forty-third among the most topographically prominent peaks in the state.

It is located about 38 miles (61 km) west of Austin and 55 miles (89 km) east of Fallon, along the boundary between Churchill County and Lander County.

[5] The 51,402 acres (20,802 ha) surrounding Desatoya Peak are part of the Desatoya Mountains Wilderness Study Area which is administered by the Bureau of Land Management.

Wildlife that make their home here are mountain lion, mule deer, gray fox, sage grouse, red-tailed hawk, golden eagle and pika.

Additionally, brook trout and Humboldt cutthroat trout live in some of the permanent streams on the flanks of Desatoya Peak.