 The mountain's exposed, rocky slopes are a dominant feature from almost any part of the city of Flagstaff, rising steeply nearly to an elevation of .Much of the vegetation on the southern and southeastern slopes of the mountain was destroyed by the human-caused Radio Fire in 1977 which burned .Despite its rugged appearance, steep relief, and nearly of surface area, Mount Elden is easily accessible via an extensive, well-developed road and non-motorized trail system that is part of the Coconino National Forest.