Hiking & History

Prescott's Community Nature Center sits on thousands of years of human history. Prior to European immigration, indigenous people thrived in this area; remnants of their pottery and a metate have been found on this site by hikers. In the 1860's the Hardyville Road was constructed, running right through the Community Nature Center (CNC) and along our three natural springs. This road stretched from Prescott to Bullhead City and brought in many new settlers to Prescott, the new capital of the Arizona Territory. Remnants of wagon wheels and other artifacts can still be seen along our trails. Over the next hundred years the city grew and developed quickly; many unique natural and cultural areas were threatened. Under the leadership of Dr. Ken Walker, the school district stepped in and created a beautiful outdoor learning space for Prescott's students. For years the district ran federally funded nature & energy study programs at the CNC. In the 1990's the Highlands Center for Natural History temporarily leased the land while they constructed their new home in the National Forest. Today, the legacies of community, exploration, and learning continue to thrive at Prescott's very own Community Nature Center.