[2] Precipitation runoff from this mountain drains into tributaries of the Colorado River.

The nearest town is Moab, 20 mi (32 km) to the northwest, and the nearest higher neighbor is Mount Tukuhnikivatz, 2.64 mi (4.25 km) to the north.

Spring and fall are the most favorable seasons to visit the South Mountain area.

According to the Köppen climate classification system, it is located in a Cold semi-arid climate zone, which is defined by the coldest month having an average mean temperature below 32 °F (0 °C), and at least 50% of the total annual precipitation being received during the spring and summer.

This desert climate receives less than 10 inches (250 millimeters) of annual rainfall, and snowfall is generally light during the winter.