This species is found in rocky canyons near streams and washes with permanent pools. It requires some shade as individuals retreat to shaded rock crevices during the day. It inhabits a variety of habitats, ranging from desert and coastal stream-courses to the pine belt in the mountains (Stebbins 1985). Typical habitat requirements include clean rocky surfaces, crevices, and shade, as well as quiet, clean water during the breeding season (Green et al. 2014). This species breeds in the quiet water of rocky streams. Eggs are attached to twigs or are loose on the bottom (Stebbins 1972). In Mexico, it is found in permanent and temporal ponds associated with shrublands (A. García-Aguayo, pers. comm. Red List Assessment 2014). It is unclear as to whether or not it is tolerant of habitat disturbance.

This species occurs from the southern Sierra Lucia Range in coastal southern California, United States of America, south into northern Baja California, Mexico (Green et al. 2014). It occurs from elevations near sea level to approximately 2,290 m asl (Stebbins 1985).

Conservation Actions
This species is known from numerous protected areas in the USA, and in Mexico it occurs within San Pedro Martir National Park and the Valle de los Cirios Protected Area.

Conservation Needed
This species would likely benefit from improved habitat protection and management at sites where it is known to occur.

Research Needed
Further research on this species' distribution, population size and trends is recommended. Studies are also needed to obtain information on its susceptibility to threatening processes, including chytrid fungus.