My new habit is to do an internet search of any gardens in any area that I may be visiting. During a recent visit to Big Bear, I found the Heaps Peak Arboretum in Skyforest, which is near Running Springs and Lake Arrowhead, off Highway 18. I couldn’t believe I never knew about the existence of this Arboretum after living in SoCal for so long!

The admission for the arboretum is free, however, in order to park there, you must display your National Forest Parking Pass. This pass can be purchased in advance through the internet or through REI or Big 5 stores.

The Sequoia Trail is about one mile long and is a slight hike through the woods. Along the trail, there are guided markers with numbers that correspond to the Sequoia Trail Guide. I highly suggest this informational self-guided tour as you will learn about the trees in this area. I don’t have much of a background in trees so the written descriptions were helpful in accessing which type of tree I was looking at.

There are also displays of pinecones to give you a closer look and to better understand the differences between similarly looking trees.

Much of the information focused on fire and its impact to the forest. At several places, there was strong evidence of trees surviving fires due to the natural thickness of their wood or their ability to continue to grow, but through a new branch. Fires also help release the seeds from the cones and thus, they are able to insure a legacy through their progeny.

During the middle of your hike, you will also encounter one of the most beautiful views of the mountains and valley below.

And you will also encounter a grove of Sequoias. Though not native to the area, the grove was planted over 90 years ago while the arboretum was being formed. This area had endured several fires and neglect and women’s groups and school children helped plant the many trees including the sequoias. In the 1980s, the area was cleaned up and trails were made for the opening of the Arboretum in 1984.

Heaps Peak Arboretum also has a Footprint Trail that is easily accessible for the handicapped or smaller children. It has several wildlife prints of the animals set amongst a native garden. By the entrance is Ron’s Garden, a pollinator friendly meadow garden planted to thank a hardworking volunteer and also to entice, bees, butterflies, and humans.

Link to Heaps Peak Arboretum website: https://hparboretum.com/visit/#booth

TIP: The San Bernardino National Forest requires a $5 parking pass for its national forest use. You can pick one up at your local REI or purchase a pass online https://www.myscenicdrives.com/store/#forest-passes-southern-california. You may purchase your pass in advance for the day or year. Using the scratch system, you may begin use on the day that you arrive at any national forest. You can purchase a yearly pass for only $30!