Situated in the central Wasatch Range on the Wasatch-Cache and Uinta National Forests, this wilderness is generally bounded on the north by Little Cottonwood Canyon, on the south by American Fork Canyon, on the west by the Salt Lake and Utah Valleys, and on the east by Twin Peaks.

The geologic structure of the area is varied and complex, consisting of granitoid rock masses and several sedimentary formations.

The carving of the present alpine topography is due to glaciation, with erosion being the current dominant force in the land sculpturing process.

Much of the higher elevation is alpine, characterized by large, open cirque basins and exposed rocky ridges.

In addition, parts of this wilderness lie within the culinary watershed for Salt Lake County, and special restrictions concerning camping, swimming, and domestic animals apply.