The highest point is Round Top (10,364 feet[4]), a remnant volcano from which the wilderness area's volcanic soils are derived.
The wilderness protects habitat for a great variety of plants and animals especially on the slopes of Round Top, which is designated a special interest area.
Waterways such as the North Fork of the Mokelumne River have riparian zones of white and mountain alder, creek dogwood, western azalea and bitter cherry.
Wildlife include the black bear and mule deer, as well as martin, bald eagle and the California spotted owl.
Mineralization produced gold-bearing quartz veins, and relics of past gold mining activities are still present in the area.
With landscapes ranging from deep canyons to alpine heights and more than two hundred ice-scoured lakes and tarns, fishing and hiking are popular activities as well as cross country skiing.