The pinyon mouse has coat colors ranging from yellow-brown to dark gray above. It ranges from central Oregon to southern Mexico and is active at night, when it can climb well.
Its long, silky back fur ranges from yellow-brown to dark gray, fading to white underneath and on the feet. Long hairs tip the tail, which has a dark dorsal stripe.
It is nocturnal and an excellent climber, using its long tail for balance. Dens include sites under rock ledges and in living or dead trees.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.