Lophocereus gatesii is a species of plant in the family Cactaceae.

The shoots, which initially curve outwards and upwards and later become upright, are light olive green and have a diameter of 5 to 8 cm (2.0 to 3.1 in).

The eleven to 15 spines arising from the lower areoles are enlarged at their base and are 5 to 15 mm (0.20 to 0.59 in) long.

From the upper areoles or pseudocephalium appear 15 to 20 thin, twisted, bristle-like spines up to 6 cm (2.4 in) long.

[2] Lophocereus gatesii is widespread in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur between Todos Santos and Isla Santa Margarita at altitudes of 0 to 100 m. The first description by Marcus Eugene Jones was published in 1934.