Heaps Peak Arboretum Day Use Area — Attraction in Lake Arrowhead

🌬️I am here to bringing critical awareness to the ongoing environmental crisis in the San Bernardino National Forest and mountain communities. It calls for accountability and immediate action.‼️

🌬️Urgent Call to Action: San Bernardino National Wildfires 🔥

🌬️As a former resident of Twin Peaks, I am urging our communities, the San Bernardino County authorities, and Governor Gavin Newsom to take immediate, decisive action—not only to address the devastating wildfires but also to support our mountain communities facing ongoing winter storm threats.

🌬️The mountain communities of San Bernardino, CA, are in the grip of a catastrophe that goes beyond the flames. These wildfires, fueled by California’s persistent drought, are ravaging our forests and threatening the delicate ecosystems of wildlife, as well as the homes of families who have lived here for generations. 🌲🦌

🌬️This drought has turned our forests into tinderboxes. But the fires aren’t just seasonal—they are a stark warning about the broader crisis of climate change and the long-term impact of our inaction. Mother Nature is sending us a clear message, and we cannot afford to ignore it any longer.

🌬️Communities like Lake Arrowhead, Twin Peaks, Crestline, Big Bear, and others are suffering. The destruction of homes, the loss of wildlife habitats, and the displacement of entire families demand our urgent attention.

🌬️✨Winter’s Danger: In recent years, winter storms have also abandoned mountain residents—especially the elderly—without vital services like food, clean water, shelter, and critical medical assistance. It’s time for real change to protect these communities from all sides, whether from fire or extreme winter conditions.

🌬️What Can We Do?

1️⃣ Raise Awareness: Share this message far and wide. These wildfires are not just a local problem—they’re a reflection of the global environmental crisis we all face.

2️⃣ Support Fire and Disaster Relief Efforts: Donate to relief organizations, volunteer if you can, and advocate for rebuilding efforts that focus on sustainability and safety.

3️⃣ Demand Action on Climate Change: We must hold our leaders and corporations accountable. Governor Gavin Newsom and San Bernardino County authorities need to create sustainable solutions that protect our environment, our communities, and future generations.

We can’t sit by any longer. The health of our planet, the survival of our mountain communities, and the future of wildlife ecosystems depend on all of us taking action now. 🌍

🌬️It’s time to come together to create positive change and ensure the survival of these beautiful, irreplaceable landscapes.

🌬️✨🎥As an advocate for Mother Nature, I am deeply committed to raising awareness about the urgent global climate crisis that threatens our ecosystems, air quality, and animal habitats. The destructive impact of pollution and environmental degradation is akin to a form of modern-day slavery, where both nature and marginalized communities suffer under the weight of industrial greed and negligence. Our air is thick with toxins, while vital habitats are being obliterated, leaving countless species vulnerable to extinction. It is our collective responsibility to dismantle these oppressive systems and fight for a sustainable future, one where we protect the delicate balance of life on our planet and honor the rights of all living beings. Together, we must advocate for policies that prioritize environmental justice, restore our ecosystems, and ensure that the beauty of Mother Nature is preserved for...

(I originally wrote this review and guide 4 years ago but for some reason it is showing it as a month old. I've updated some of the details to reflect price increases.)

This is a pleasant and accessible relaxation spot that is suitable for the whole family. The trail is a loop and easy to navigate. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and other community groups collaborate regularly to improve and maintain the park, so you will feel that a lot of love has been put into this place. In the 1970s the area was used as an illegal dump and completely trashed, now it is a little gem you can visit to escape the rat race.

You do need to have an Adventure Pass ($30 a year as of 2022) in order to legally park, but the Arboretum itself is free to the public. The daily pass is $5 as of 2022. The passes can be purchased there if the booth is staffed, which is currently open on weekends. Please note that the Arrowhead Ranger Station a mile down SR-18 is no longer open to the public and does NOT sell the passes. (It is now a training and operations facility for US Forest Service personnel.)

I recommend checking the official Arboretum page for more details and information about...

If you are looking for a beginners hiking trail in the San Bernardino mountains, this is it! Heaps Peak Arboretum clocks in at about 8 tenths of a mile with minor elevation changes and a well groomed trail. There are placards placed along the trail that correspond with a guide booklet that not only identifies many of the trees and plants along the trail, but also reveals the amazing history of the Arboretum.

Anytime you hike in the mountains be sure to bring water and never stray from the posted trail. You will also need to display a valid Adventure Pass while your vehicle is parked in the parking area. A day or annual pass can be purchased at the information booth located at the entrance to the trail. As of 2018, daily permits are $5 and the annual permit is $30 and can be used at all national forest locations in Southern California.

There are also bathrooms and a well shaded picnic area. I highly reccomend a visit to the Heaps Peak Arboretum. You won't be disappointed. Of course, as always your mileage...