A small, exceptionally flat and wide lizard with four widely separated, short, spike-like scales projecting from the back of the head. There are a few sporadic, pointed, projecting scales on the back. The tail is thin (for a horned lizard) and round in cross-section. This lizard's lack of a distinct fringe of enlarged, pointed scales on the lower edge of the body distinguishes it from all other Arizona horned lizards. Base coloration can be gray, pinkish-gray, tan, blue-gray, or yellow brown and can change to more closely match the soil and to aid thermoregulation. There are dark bands on the tail and dark, soft-edged, shadow-like blotches on the neck and lower sides of the body. The underside is plain white or yellow.