The shining crystals are strewn everywhere and glitter like broken glass in the sunshine. The granite formations rise on either side of Blue Mass Creek, which has carved a canyon into the rock formations. The creek supports a dense streamside plant community. Along the creek bottom is a thicket of willows, snowberry and some unusually large choke cherry trees that may be of record size. On the cool north-facing slopes of the canyon grows a forest of white fir and some spruce.
Aspens are common along the creek.
Pinyon pine, and mountain mahogany are found on the drier, more exposed slopes, along with big sagebrush, rabbitbrush and crested wheatgrass. The lush streamside environment is an oasis that attracts wildlife such as mule deer and gray fox. People who live in the area report that Blue Mass Canyon is a favorite haunt of mountain lions. Drive 36 miles north of Ely on US Hwy. All mileages and distances in the following road log are measured from this point.