[4] Topographic relief is significant as the north aspect rises 1,900 feet (580 meters) above Dragon Lake in less than one mile.

This mountain is habitat for the endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, which restricts climbing from July through December, so most ascents are made in the spring.

[10] Most weather fronts originate in the Pacific Ocean, and travel east toward the Sierra Nevada mountains.

As fronts approach, they are forced upward by the peaks (orographic lift), causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall onto the range.

Precipitation runoff from this mountain drains east to the Owens Valley via Independence Creek, and west into the Kings River watershed.