[2] Topographic relief is significant as it rises nearly 4,900 feet (1,500 meters) above Le Conte Canyon in approximately 2.5 miles.

This mountain's name honors Duncan McDuffie (1877–1951), to commemorate his interest in the national parks and his work as a conservationist.

[1] He was also an accomplished mountaineer in the Sierra Nevada, having made first ascents of Mount Abbot, Bear Creek Spire, and Black Kaweah.

[1] The first ascent of the summit was made July 23, 1951, by Charles Bays Locker, Karl Hufbauer, and Alfred Elkin via the north ridge.

As fronts approach, they are forced upward by the peaks, causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall onto the range (orographic lift).