[1] The range crosses Interstate 40 at Mountain Springs Summit, 2,770 feet above sea level.

The Mojave National Preserve is to the northwest, and the Bigelow Cholla Garden Wilderness and Sacramento Mountains are to the east.

[2] The Piute Mountains exhibit strong color contrast and texture that vary from very angular, jagged volcanics to rounded, smooth granite hills; and the ridges are cut by numerous canyons and washes.

The large bajadas provide excellent habitat for the threatened desert tortoise.

The entire wilderness area has been identified as critical habitat for the desert tortoise.