Lake
Arrowhead is nestled in a magnificent forest of pine,
cedar, and dogwood at an altitude of 5100'. In an area
described as the "Alps of Southern California," the Lake
Arrowhead communities are totally surrounded by the San
Bernardino National Forest. Lake Arrowhead serves as
a gateway to dozens of Forest trails and recreational
opportunities. The best way to reach Lake Arrowhead and
have an adventure at the same time is via the Rim of
the World (Adventure #3).
 Adventure
Pass required for parking at the trailhead.
Children's
Forest Trail
guide available. Easy. ¾ miles.
The
trail was designed by young people on a hilltop near
Keller Peak Lookout. You can pick up the guide at
the trailhead. It includes a special activity guide
for families. During the summer months, Youth Naturalists
are on site to help you learn more about the area.
Heap's
Peak Arboretum Trail Easy.
Printed Guide available .7 miles, approximately
half an hour.
The
trail winds through a wooded hillside. Pick up a
guide at the trailhead along Highway 18 near Sky
Forest. The self-guided tour includes 24 points of
interest about native plants and wildlife
Donation: This trail is maintained
by volunteers with the Rim of the World Interpretive Association.
They also provide the printed guides. Donations help with
the cost of the project. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.
Heap's
Peak Arboretum Line Roadside
Stop
Panels
near the trailhead describe the history of the area,
including early lumbering. The trailhead is on Highway
18 near Sky Forest.
#3
Rim of the World Scenic Byway Moderate
175 miles Round Trip or enjoy the RIM as one of the best parts of getting
to the San Bernardino Mountains
Points of Interest: Silverwood
Lake, Heaps Peak Arboretum, Keller Peak Lookout, Children's Forest,
Big Bear Discovery Center, Big Bear Lake, Onyx Summit (with views of
the San Gorgonio Wilderness), views of Santa Ana River Valley and Mill
Creek Canyon.
The
110-mile route traverses the entire mountain range
from Cajon Pass to the San Gorgonio Pass. You will
experience a diverse and remarkable landscape while
viewing the highest mountains in Southern California.
The highway is part of the National Scenic Byway
System. Watch for the Scenic Byway signs. Interpretive
panels - located at Heaps Peak, Meadow's Edge
Picnic Area (Big Bear), and Barton Flats Visitor
Center (summer only) - tell the story of the
early inhabitants in the mountains and provide descriptions
of the wildlife you can find today.
Directions: Take the I-15 exit
at the Cajon Pass (elevation 2,940) and follow Highway
138 East. Just past Crestline, take Highway 18 along the
rim of the mountains to Big Bear Lake. On the north side
of Big Bear Lake, begin following Highway 38 which crosses
the lake at the east end. The Rim of the World Byway begins
climbing with Highway 38 over the Onyx Summit (8,443 feet)
and then drops into Barton Flats, a forested flatland above
the Santa Ana River. Continue downhill through Mill Creek
Canyon to the Forest boundary near Mill Creek Ranger Station
(2,750 feet). Access to the I-10 Freeway is close by via
Yucaipa or Redlands.
Seasons: The highways are open
all year, but snow can fall almost any month. Be sure to
check mountain weather before beginning your trip. Some
of the best views are during early mornings in winter.
At other times smog in the valleys can obscure the views.
Local
Contacts
Arrowhead
National Forest Office
Ph: 909-377-2444; TDD: 909-336-1626
Location: 28104 Highway 18
Mail: P.O. Box 350
Sky forest, CA 92385
Lake
Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce
www.lakearrowhead.net
Trail
Details
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