The western spadefoot ranges throughout the Central Valley and adjacent foothills, and is usually quite common where it occurs. In the Coast Ranges it is found from Point Conception, Santa Barbara Co., south to the Mexican border. This species occurs primarily in grassland situations, but occasional populations also occur in valley-foothill hardwood woodlands. Some populations persist for a few years in orchard-vineyard habitats. Scaphiopus are rarely found on the surface.
Some individuals also use mammal burrows.
Recently metamorphosed juveniles seek refuge in the immediate vicinities of breeding ponds for up to several days after transformation. Breeding and egg laying occur almost exlusively in shallow, temporary pools formed by heavy winter rains. Rainfall is important in the formation and maintenance of breeding ponds. Most surface movements by adults are associated with rains or high humidities at night. Dispersal of postmetamorphic juveniles from breeding ponds often occurs without rainfall.