The Pădurea Craiului Mountains are in the northwestern part of the Apuseni Mountains of the Carpathian Mountain range, located between the Vad-Borod Depression and Beiuş Depression. The Dealurile Vestice (Western Hills) are located to the west of these mountains and the Vlădeasa Mountains are to their east. The highest peak in Pădurea Craiului is Hodrâncuşa at 1027 metres. The name Pădurea Craiului literally means The Forest of the King.