Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 1,577 feet (481 m) above Eureka Lake in 0.4 mile (0.64 km).

An ascent of the summit involves 4.5 miles of hiking with 2,290 feet of elevation gain from Horseshoe Lake.

[4] The name refers to the word "Eureka", an interjection proclaimed by a prospector who made a lucky discovery at the base of the mountain.

[8] Due to its altitude, it receives precipitation all year, as snow in winter and as thunderstorms in summer, with a dry period in late spring.

Climbers can expect afternoon rain, hail, and lightning from the seasonal monsoon in late July and August.