Quiet pools in alpine meadows provide optimal habitat. Terrestrial individuals are primarily diurnal, but have much crepuscular and nocturnal activity during warmer periods. During severe Sierra winters they become inactive and reside for several months in protected hibernacula. It is possible that other individuals hibernate in similar sites. Seasonal variation in home range size is considerable.
Males defend small areas around themselves during the breeding period.
The defended space changes as the male toad moves. Some males are silent, and do not appear to defend a territory. Mating system is polygynous. Eggs are laid in clusters. Tadpoles metamorphose during the first summer or fall after the eggs are deposited.