Heaps Peak Arboretum

I used to come here as a child with my Girl Scout troop to walk the nature trail and learn about the local plants, trees, and animals. There is a children’s area with animal footprints stamped in the cement path. There are information posts all throughout the almost one mile loop. There are benches for picnics and nice bear proof trash canisters. This trail is good for all ages. If you are not used to high elevation approx 5,600 feet, you may feel winded due to thin air.
As an adult I love to exercise here. I take my dog and jog the trail. It is beautiful year round. I posted both winter and summer pictures. Make sure you display your Adventure pass. If you plan on visiting more than one state park or basically parking anywhere on the mountain off the HWY 18, 330, or 38. Get the year pass. $ 30 I believe vs the day pass of $ 5. You can do the trail in approx 30 minutes. I usually do it twice, so I can enjoy all the beauty. The trail never closes but the information box office has limited hours.
The trail is a little secluded, so hikers that are walking along please be aware if your surroundings. The beautifulness of the mountains can give one a false sense of security. Safety first and enjoy!

It’s a beautiful and easy hike we take our young kids on. Fairly flat terrain, no climbing necessary. Visit in spring to see a variety of wild flowers. During the summer months, things seem to dry out, but it is still much cooler than down the hill. Plenty of species of birds and small animals to watch.

Nice short hike close to Lake Arrowhead. About a 30 min trail. They have a self guided brochure to take at the trailhead that explains points of interest along the way.

This is a very nice loop trail for people who don’t often hike. There’s plenty of shade and very nice views. We finished it well under 30 minutes.
The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. It is described as «flat», which is not completely accurate. There is some easy elevation change – it’s not hard but it was a surprise for us who were expecting a flat trail. This is a great trail for anyone. There are nice benches if you need a rest.
We will definitely do it this one again.

Nice short trail.

Went here based on the 2 reviews and one picture. It was a simple loop hike, perfect and simple enough for old people and pregnant ones – or out of shape ppl. The hike was nice and quiet, but wasn’t anything special. Almost all the trees that were labeled were either dead, burnt, or had no leaves on it (I suppose because it’s winter-​although it was very warm for a Feb day). We paid $ 5 for parking, the hike took about 30 min, and there was not much to see. Maybe spring would be better?

Simply gorgeous place, never too crowded. Love how all the flora is labeled, you get a bit of education while enjoying the regalia of Mother Nature.

My husband and I loved this little hiking trail and the animal tracks garden. Plus it has decent outdoor-​type restrooms. Make sure to have your Adventure Pass on display.
The hike takes you along various types of pines, oaks and sequoias. It was dry and hot on our hike, so the creeks were dry. The smell of trees and earth was refreshing!
I’d have been happy just parking on the benches for lengths of time taking in the scents and scenery.
The hike is not strenuous and takes about an hour at a leisurely pace. The little garden near the kiosk contains mountain flowers and shows what some animal tracks look like.
Definitely worth a stop. Right off 18, just past Arrowhead Lake.

Heaps Peak Arboretum began in the 1980 and has a .85 mile hike that loops through groves of dogwoods and giant Sequoias. The Arboretum has representation of many native plants from the San Bernardino National Forest. There is no cost to enter, only an adventure pass must be displayed to park. It is open 365 days a year. Children are particularly interested in the animal tracks that are engraved in the pathway. Well worth stopping to enjoy the beauty of the forest. There are restrooms and picnic tables. The Arboretum is handicapped accessible.