Neotamias panamintinus occurs in isolated mountain populations of southeastern California and southwestern Nevada. Its summer coat is tawny, while the winter fur is longer and paler.
In summer the fur is bright tawny with a grey head; the back has dark stripes. In winter the coat is longer and silky, with a yellowish tone and faded markings.
It is commonly associated with piñon pine forest and rocky outcrops. The account says it is inactive above ground on cold winter days; hibernation is presented as an assumption.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.