The species is native to Baja California including the offshore Cedros Island, Mexico.

[1][2] The fronds of Baja brandegeei arise in clumps from a scaly, compact horizontal rhizome 2 to 3 millimeters (0.08 to 0.1 in) in diameter.

The scales are 3 to 4 millimeters (0.1 to 0.2 in) long, linear-lanceolate in shape, lacking teeth, and of a uniform orange-tan color.

The stipes are rounded, without a groove on the supper surface, lack hairs, and are a shiny chestnut-brown color.

[3] On fertile fronds, the leaf margins are curved to cover the sori and deeply lobed.