Breeding after early summer is probably uncommon. The stimulus for emergence for breeding in the absence of rain is unknown.
Males move to breeding waters first and begin vocalizing.
Each female produces several hundred eggs contained in a sticky gel. After mating, females return to their burrows. Developing rapidly helps Great Basin spadefoots avoid desiccation and consequent death in their arid environment. Tadpole development and metamorphosis is complete within 4 to 8 weeks, depending upon temperature, food quality, and food quantity. Hindlegs of tadpoles in the aquarium developed by 18 days of age, and forelimbs developed by 31 days.