[3] It is situated six miles northwest of the community of Telluride, in the Mount Sneffels Wilderness, on land managed by Uncompahgre National Forest.

Topographic relief is significant as the south aspect rises 4,900 feet (1,500 meters) above the San Miguel River in approximately 5.5 miles.

[3][5] Prior to 1970, the USGS placed Mears Peak at a location one mile to the east.

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Mears Peak is located in an alpine subarctic climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and cool to warm summers.

[7] 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.