It is situated in the Ansel Adams Wilderness on land managed by Sierra National Forest.

Madera Peak is the southernmost summit of an ancient ridge from which the Clark Range formed.

The first ascent of the peak is unknown, however a cairn without a record was found on the summit in August 1931 by Hermina Daulton, Mr. and Mrs. Garthwaite and their seven-year-old son, Ted.

[8] 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.