In southern California, isolated populations exist in the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and San Jacinto Mts. In the Sierra, this species is associated with streams, lakes and ponds in montane riparian, lodgepole pine, subalpine conifer, and wet meadow habitat types. In southern California, populations are restricted to streams in ponderosa pine, montane hardwood-conifer, and montane riparian types. Feeds primarily on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates and favors terrestrial insects. Tadpoles graze on algae and diatoms along rocky bottoms in shallow water of streams, lakes, and ponds.
Frogs usually crouch on rocks or clumps of grass within a few jumps of water.
When disturbed, they dive into water, take refuge under rocks, or rest exposed on the bottom. Less commonly, frogs bury themselves in bottom sediments. During dry conditions they many enter rodent burrows near water. Eggs are usually laid in shallow water attached to gravel or rocks. Reproduction does not take place until lakes and streams are free of ice.