The specific name, copeii, is in honor of American herpetologist and paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope.

[3] Gambelia copeii is between 8 and 14 cm (3.1 and 5.5 in) in snout-to-vent length (SVL), and has a smoky gray color and darker gray or black dorsal spots, edged in a lighter shade.

The large head is distinct from the neck, and the lining of the mouth and throat is purplish-black.

Juvenile lizards are similar to adults, but have more distinct banding across the dorsum.

Females develop red-orange blotches on the ventral side during breeding season.