Because lizards are ectotherms, their life-history traits are greatly influenced by variations in thermal regimes. The Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia sila) is an endangered lizard that dominates the lizard community in the San Joaquin Desert. Because of the protected status of the species, census protocols are in place to ensure that censuses are conducted during optimal times for lizard activity, but the protocols have not been evaluated by a detailed study. Also, because of changing thermal regimes as a result of climate change, there is concern for lizard species worldwide. I studied the activity and thermal biology of G. sila in 2003 and 2004 on the Lokern area of the San Joaquin Desert using data from radio-collared lizards. I also gathered thermal data from cloacal temperatures of G. sila in 1991 from the Elkhorn Plain in another part of the desert. From these data, I found that survey protocols do not set optimal times or temperatures to most effectively census this species, and that despite projected rising temperatures, G. sila may not become imperiled by a moderate change in thermal regime.