Hyla arenicolor adult frogs range from 32-57 mm in SVL. It has rough warty skin which prevents desiccation. Webbing is well developed but does not extend to the hind leg's fifth toe. Toe pads are considerably enlarged. It is distinguished from similar species by having a dark-edged light spot beneath the eye, instead of a dark bar running through the eye. Dorsal coloration is brown to gray and randomly spotted, while ventral coloration is cream to orange-yellow. This coloration aids in its ability to camouflage. When exposed to sun, the dorsal coloration changes from being normally dark to a light gray.