Stenocereus chacalapensis is an arborescent cactus that usually reaches a height of 10 to 15 meters and has many branches that resemble a chandelier.

It develops a distinctive trunk, with long, erect, gray-green shoots that are held tightly and can reach a diameter of 15 centimeters.

These spines are not easily distinguished into central or radial types, and are between 5 and 28 millimeters long, the shortest emerging from the top of the ovate areole.

The fragrant white funnel-shaped flowers of Stenocereus chacalapensis bloom at night and remain open until the next day.

Plants are found growing along with Amphipterygium adstringens, Morisonia flexuosa, Cordia truncatifolia, Erythrostemon coccineus, Forchhammeria pallida, Guaiacum coulteri, Opuntia decumbens, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, Leuenbergeria lychnidiflora, Pereskiopsis diguetii, Pilosocereus collinsii and Sarcomphalus amole.