The distribution patterns of species can be impacted by biotic and abiotic factors that occur at both macro- and microscales. At a macroscale, species distributions can be impacted by spatiotemporal factors limiting dispersal and source–sink metapopulation dynamics that contribute to shaping geographic ranges. At a microscale, species distributions can be impacted by resources, microclimate, and interactions with other taxa. Thus, studying species at a single scale, or even at a single location, limits our understanding of the habitat needs and preferences. Herein, we study a lizard species, Sceloporus tristichus, that has a geographically diverse distribution, to understand the species' habitat needs and preferences at both macro- and microscales. We used species-occupancy models to identify habitat characteristics that are essential to predicting the presence of S. tristichus. In addition, we sampled various locations to understand the microhabitat preferences of the species. Last, we conducted a validation test to determine how well our model performed by choosing and sampling additional sites guided by the occupancy modeling results: two sites presumed to have the species and two presumed not to have the species. We found that the occupancy probability of S. tristichus lizards positively correlated with tree cover, tree height, and elevation. The detection probability of the species positively correlated with relative humidity. We also found that the species was using perches that were closer to the ground and cooler than what was available in that habitat. Our validation test verified our findings. Our results emphasize the need for old succession forests and particular tree species that are found at high elevations for S. tristichus occupancy. Herein, we have shown the importance of studying a species at different ecological scales to gain a holistic understanding of the species' ecological needs and preferences that can help in both comparisons with other congeners and conservation efforts.