Located along South Walker Road in the Prescott National Forest, the Highlands Center for Natural History serves as a regional hub for outdoor education, trail recreation, and ecological study. The nonprofit organization operates under a special use permit, managing dedicated facilities and natural grounds that introduce visitors to the diverse landscapes of the Central Highlands.
The Lynx Creek campus features a variety of ecological zones across its property. Visitors can observe mountains covered in Ponderosa pines, shaded riparian zones, chaparral, and woodland plant communities. The terrain also showcases distinctive rock formations, scenic overlooks, and native wildlife living within the forest ecosystem.
### Trails and Accessible Grounds
Outdoor enthusiasts have access to three miles of hiking paths situated directly within the surrounding national forest. Among these routes is the Stretch Pebble Loop Nature Trail (#443), which extends three-quarters of a mile and features a gentle grade suitable for casual walkers.
Much of the campus surrounding the main buildings is designed for physical accessibility. The ADA-compliant Discovery Gardens loop provides a fully paved walkway. This area includes the James Family Discovery Garden, where guests can observe native plant collections that highlight regional biodiversity.
In addition to the trail network, the nonprofit maintains on-site amenities including parking areas, restrooms, outdoor play spaces, an amphitheater, and educational settings. Visitors can also stop at the Benson Family Nature Store, an on-site gift shop offering nature guides, regional books, apparel, and gifts geared toward all age levels.
### Year-Round Learning and Community Involvement
Educational initiatives at the center run throughout the entire calendar year. For younger audiences and households, youth programs and family events take place across the trails and within the Discovery Gardens. Adult learners can participate in targeted natural history instruction focused on Central Highlands ecosystems, with sessions hosted both on the Lynx Creek campus and at off-site locations.
Community members interested in supporting the center’s mission can join its volunteer corps. Opportunities are open to individuals able to dedicate time ranging from several hours each month to multiple days per week, assisting with land stewardship projects and educational activities for children and adults.
### Guidelines for Group Visits
While the public trails remain open to solo hikers, families, and small parties during standard operational hours, the center enforces distinct protocols for larger gatherings. Any organized group consisting of 10 or more individuals must complete arrangements prior to arrival.
This rule covers all participants, including leaders, instructors, parents, and accompanying chaperones. The requirement applies universally to walking and hiking clubs, homeschool or microschool pods, organized classes, adult organizations, and third-party groups, whether planning a single trip or recurring visits. Independent use of the campus, facilities, and designated program zones without advance confirmation is prohibited.
Because the Highlands Center operates on public forest land under a permit structure, coordinated group use must align with facility capacity and program boundaries. Parties meeting the 10-person threshold must submit a Custom Program Request Form before visiting. Applicable fees fluctuate depending on overall numbers, visit frequency, required facilities, staff participation, seasonal timing, and the environmental footprint of the activity. To address financial constraints, the organization provides a Scholarship Request Form to assist groups that may otherwise face cost barriers.