From a geological point of view the whole upper part of the mountain belongs to a complex of schists with ophiolites of a Jurassic-Cretaceous origin.

According to SOIUSA (International Standardized Mountain Subdivision of the Alps) the mountain can be classified in the following way:[7] Mount Riouburent was considered by William Mathews the highest peak of Maritime Alps, but in his view the ridge ended north of Mongioia and not at Colle della Maddalena.

[8] The first known attempt to climb the mountain was of the French militar topographer Loreilhe in 1823, but he didn't reach the summit.

Up to the Bivacco Franco Boerio (a wooden mountain shelter built in 1991,[10] 3,089 m) one must follow marked footpaths.

[11] Another route reaches the Mongioia lake through the Vallon du Loup and the Passo di Salza.