The firm, pyramidal warts lack milky juice.

There is one central spine, brown with a dark tip, straight or hooked, measuring between 0.4 and 1.5 cm (0.16 and 0.59 in) long.

The plant has 15 to 22 radial spines that are needle-like, straight, and range in color from brownish to gold or white, each up to 1 cm (0.39 in) long.

[2] Cochemiea estebanensis is found in the Mexican state of Baja California, specifically on Isla San Esteban and the San Lorenzo Archipelago.

[3] In 2021, Peter B. Breslin and Lucas C. Majure reclassified it into the genus Cochemiea.