[4] The mountain is situated 3.5 miles (5.6 km) south-southeast of the town of Telluride, on land managed by Uncompahgre National Forest.

[3] It is west of the Continental Divide, and 1.5 miles (2.4 km) east of Telluride Ski Resort, from which it is a prominent landmark.

Topographic relief is significant as the north aspect rises 4,750 feet (1,450 m) above the San Miguel River valley in three miles.

[6] Due to its altitude, it receives precipitation all year, as snow in winter, and as thunderstorms in summer, with a dry period in late spring.

Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the San Miguel River.