Pinus vallartensis has a very restricted extent of occurrence (<100 km²) and is known from a single location. Primary threats include fire and urban expansion causing a continuing decline. This species therefore qualifies for listing as Critically Endangered under criterion B1

Restricted to Jalisco, Mexico. It is mainly known from the municipality of Puerta Vallarta with a few stands in Cabo Corrientes and Talpa de Allende municipalities. The estimated extent of occurrence is less than 20 km² based on mapped herbarium collections. Although this may be an underestimate, it is unlikely to be beyond the threshold for CR (<100 km²)

The total number of mature individuals is estimated to be about 2,500.

Pinus vallartensis occurs in the Sierra Madre del Sur terrestrial province, between the subregions Planicie Higuera Blanca (Eb6) and Sierra Talpa de Allende (Eg3), where the predominant soils are Pellic Vertisols, Vitric Andosols, Chromic Luvisols, and Eutric Nitosols; these are acidic and deep, on north facing exposures. The median temperature is 26° C and the annual precipitation is 1,200 mm. The species is associated with Muhlenbergia distichophylla,  which is favoured by the high frequency of fires in the region. It is also associated with other tree species such as Byrsonima crassifolia, Quercus aristata, Q. elliptica, Q. magnoliifolia and Bejaria mexicana. At more humid sites such as along stream banks it occurs with Magnolia vallartensis and Clusia salvinii. Its distribution meets Pinus oocarpa at its southern limit and P. maximinoi and P. jaliscana near its western limit.

The main threat is the unrestricted and uncontrolled use of fire to promote grazing for cattle. It is also threatened by urban expansion and the development of tourist and transport infrastructure.

No specific uses have been recorded for this species.

This species is not within any protected area. This species is recorded from one ex situ collection (BGCI 2024).