The mountain is composed chiefly of Burro Mesa Rhyolite (volcanic rock) which formed 29 million years ago during the Oligocene period.

[6] This climate supports plants on the slopes such as creosote bush, ocotillo, lechuguilla and yucca.

[7] Any scant precipitation runoff from the peak's slopes drains to the Rio Grande which is six miles to the southwest.

Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 1,300 feet (396 m) above Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in one-half mile (0.8 km).

The mountain's toponym has been officially adopted by the United States Board on Geographic Names,[3] and has been listed in publications since at least 1914.