Rim of the World Interpretive Association

RIM OF THE WORLD INTERPRETIVE ASSOCIATION (ROWIA) is the nonprofit organization that oversees and maintains HEAPS PEAK ARBORETUM. The 30-acre Arboretum is a natural treasure high in the San Bernardino Mountains. Visitors to this unique National Forest destination—typically, more than 100 per day—will benefit directly from your donation. How? Through increased opportunities to interact with the environment and experience, firsthand, the richness of forest ecology.

There’s more. Your donation will also help to develop STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) projects for students seeking to meet their schools’ science requirements. You’ll be making an investment in the nature-focused education of area youth. That’s a big deal!

Situated in the San Bernardino National Forest at an elevation of approximately 6000 feet, the Arboretum and its botanical gardens greet visitors with a fascinating diversity of native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and other plants. Visitors enjoy walking a wild-animal-footprint trail, especially for kids, and a scenic nature trail, almost one mile long with numeric posts at points of special interest . One of them, near the nature trail's end, is the largest grove of Sequoias in the San Bernardino Mountains. These magnificent trees aren't native to Southern California, but they've found a home here nevertheless.

Picnic tables behind the Arboretum’s information booth invite casual dining under a canopy of towering trees. A  photo- and map-oriented kiosk is steps away. Restrooms are nearby as well. Overall, the Arboretum is an ideal place for families and other visitors to experience up close and in person the wonders of our National Forest. 

Heaps Peak Arboretum is free to the public, but the U.S. Forest Service requires that an Adventure Pass be displayed on all vehicles in the parking lot. A daily pass is $5 and an annual pass is $30. They can be purchased at the Arboretum's information booth during business hours or at a number of local outlets, including retail sporting-goods stores.

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IF YOU LOVE the great outdoors in general and San Bernardino National Forest in particular, consider supporting Heaps Peak Arboretum with a financial gift, volunteer commitment or both. You can make a real difference! For more about this high-in-the-mountains treasure, please visit our website.

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Scenic views, hiking, meandering, strolling, walking, mountains, fresh air, tourism activities, educational opportunities, friendly, recreational facilities, blue skies, boots, plant sale, dog friendly trails apart of a trail system, safe easy walk, adults with disabilities, ADA accessible, peaceful, great destination on the way to Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Twin Peaks, Top Town, Deep Creek, Pinnacles, Rock Camp, Splinter's Cabin, Pali Mountain, Pali Institute, native plant garden, historic location, Lake Gregory, Snow Valley, Skypark Santa's Village information, nature center, Lake Gregory Nature Center, STEM activities, animals, animal footprints, coloring books, treasure-hunt activities, picnic tables, restrooms, forest information, wildlife viewing, beautiful place to visit, stewards of nature, fire level, drought, defensible-space demonstration, watershed information, pine trees, Douglas fir, white fir, knobcone pine, giant Sequoia, coast redwood, dogwoods, oaks, bird-watching, birdhouses, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Eagle Scouts.

HEAPS PEAK ARBORETUM: California Highway 18, Rim of the World Highway Scenic Byway Road, 1.5 miles east of Skyforest, midway between Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs