[3] It is a landmark in the Toklat River valley visible to tourists as the park road traverses the southern slope of the mountain.

Although modest in elevation, relief is significant since the peak rises nearly 3,000 ft (910 m) above the surrounding valley floor in less than two miles.

[4] About sixty million years ago, the mountain was part of a low plain composed of deep beds of gravel covered by ancient plants and varied animal life.

As mountain-building forces continued to push the land skyward, rushing streams stripped the slopes of most of the original sands and gravels.

The multi-hued lavas, intrusive rocks, and cemented gravels give the mountain its brilliant colors.