Earp staked more than 100 copper and gold mining claims near the base of the Whipple Mountains.

The mountain forms a major direction change of the north-south Colorado, as it changes directions to southeast, then southwest around the eastern perimeter of the Whipple Mountains.

The Whipple Mountains are home to many mines including the Independence Mine and Bessie Mine.

Currently, portions of the range within and without the Whipple Mountains Wilderness Area are owned by the State of California or private land owners.

Both ranges are bordered on the east by a southeast-flowing Colorado River which turns back southwest at the Whipple Mountains.

The Colorado River and Whipple Mountains are to the east, and the Iron Mountains to the west.

Vidal Valley is bordered by the Whipple Mountains on the northeast and the Riverside Mountains on the south.

They are west of the Whipple Mountains and Colorado River.

Most of the Whipple Mountains are within the wilderness area.

The town of Earp, California is named in his honor, as he owned a gold mine in the nearby Whipple Mountains.