Although incapable of walking, this species can take off from a flat surface. The roost must provide shelter from heat and aridity. Preferred roosts have high ceilings and sufficient space for flight. Night roosts may be in buildings, mines, bridges, rock shelters, or other sites with overhead protection. Females form maternity colonies in summer, preferring tunnels and caves.
Males form smaller groups, which occupy typical day and night roosts.
California leaf-nosed bats have been kept 6 wk in captivity without drinking. Roosts in rocky, rugged terrain with mines and caves. Forages over nearby flats and washes. This species emerges late, usually 1-2 hr after sunset in summer, and at sunset in winter. A second peak of activity occurs at about 10 pm.