The fur is a pale yellowish-grey across the upper parts of the body and most of the head, and white on the underparts, feet, and tail.

It can be distinguished from the closely related northern pocket gopher by the lack of dark patches on its ears, as well as by its smaller size.

[3] Like other gophers, it has strong front limbs with digging claws, and small ears and eyes.

[4] The fur-lined cheek pouches are relatively large, reaching about 44 mm (1.7 in) back from the snout.

[3] It inhabits relatively flat, well-drained areas, often in association with greasewood (Sarcobatus spp.