Celebrating 40 years

HEAPS PEAK
ARBORETUM

The National Forest Service has reopened the area of the San Bernardino National Forest where the Arboretum is located!
Ken Wells will be leading the last bird walk of 2024 on  Saturday, October 5, at 8:00 am.
 

Please see the gallery page for photos of firefighters working at the Arboretum to clear brush and help keep our mountain treasure safe.

 All events for our 40th anniversary celebration have been rescheduled until Spring 2025. 

40th Anniversary logo ROWIA (1)

Hours & Events

Because of the wildlife in and around the Arboretum, it's potentially unsafe to visit the site and especially to hike the Sequoia Trail after dark. During daylight hours, that's not an issue.

The booth is open from 11 AM - 3 PM Saturdays and Sundays. We accept cash and Visa or Mastercard, but the minimum credit or debit purchase is $10.

Bird Walks are held on both the first and third Saturdays of each month. Binoculars are suggested.

Adventure Passes

An Adventure Pass or other valid pass (such as America the Beautiful) is required to park in the Arboretum’s lot–whether or not the Information Booth is openAs always, entrance to the Arboretum itself is free.  

Getting Here

We're in San Bernardino National Forest between Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs. The main routes leading to Heaps Peak Arboretum are Highways 18 and 330. (Caltrans highway info: 800.427.7623.)

29358 Rim of the World Hwy. 18
Skyforest, CA 92385
Directions & Parking

Add Native Plants to Your Garden

Native plants can reduce your yard work, lower water bills and even mitigate fire risk. Native plants also increase biodiversity by supporting native animals, from birds to bugs, in ways many non-native plants are unable to do. In this way they aid in restoring our local ecosystem too. Adding some native plants to your home garden no matter its size can make a difference to you and your community, and we’re here to help! 

On the blog...

Explore the Forest

Improve your health at the Arboretum! The scientific basis for nature’s health benefits is now overwhelming. Study after peer-reviewed study has shown that nature exposure is linked to living longer, sleeping better, displaying improved cognitive function, and enjoying lower rates of heart disease, obesity, depression and stress. 

This family- and dog-friendly trail is nearly one mile long. Descending and then rising gently, it’s an easy hike with numbered signposts along the way. An information-rich trail guide, keyed to those numeric posts, makes your hike even more interesting and educational.

Photo: Anneke Fischle

The Arboretum’s gardens display a wide variety of flowers, shrubs and other plants. Largely native to the San Bernardino Mountains, many of them are identified by easy-to-read signs. The nearby Information Booth offers print and visual aids to help you learn even more!

Find excellent information about our native plants and animals at…
naturemappingfoundation.org
inaturalist.org
calscape.org

CONSERVATION

Through habitat restoration, trail maintenance and other efforts, we protect and conserve our part of the National Forest.

NATIVE PLANTS

Heaps Peak Arboretum has a diverse collection of native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and other plants. Some of them might do well in your garden. Learn more at the Arboretum!

about us

Rim of the World Interpretive Association

Rim of the World Interpretive Association (ROWIA) is a California nonprofit, public-benefit corporation founded in 1982. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, we maintain and staff Heaps Peak Arboretum. 

We’re committed to protecting and conserving our natural resources for future generations to enjoy.